Simple Habits for Working Moms to Eliminate Daily Chaos

Let's be honest; being a mom is a full-time job.

There was a time when you were single and still struggling to find time to do laundry, and now you're expected to find time for yours and everyone else'. Now if you're a working mom, things get way more complicated. Juggling work and home life can be overwhelming, to say the least.

It's easy to get bogged down by the daily chaos of getting everyone out the door on time, keeping the house tidy (or even remotely functional), and ensuring everyone is fed, at the proper practice at the right time, and homework is completed, healthy, and happy. It can feel like complete chaos.

But fear not! There are some proven, simple habits working moms (or any woman) can adopt to make life a little less hectic.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Plan your meals in advance

We've all been there. It's 6 pm, everyone is hungry, and you have yet to decide what to make for dinner. While take-out or frozen food options are always a few moments away, no one feels good about those options nightly. To avoid this nightly struggle, take some time on the weekend to plan out your meals for the week. Make a grocery list, and figure out what you can be prepared ahead of time (cook the ground beef for tacos, shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, opt for minute rice). This will save you time and money in the long run and eliminate the stress of figuring out what to make for dinner every night.

Keep a schedule and find a routine. 

Keeping a schedule is critical to managing your time effectively. Use a planner to write down your plan for the day. Take it a step further and plan your week ahead of time the weekend before making sure everything is covered and you know what is coming up. Set appointment reminders, deadlines, and tasks on your phone or computer. Having a plan will help you stay focused and organized throughout the day.

Get everyone involved

Managing a household is more than just a one-person job. Get your family involved in chores and responsibilities around the house. Assign age-appropriate tasks to your kids, and make sure everyone knows what is expected of them. Have designated areas for kids to keep their school work, important stuff, shoes, and practice gear. This makes preparing to leave the house more relaxed. This will not only take some of the load off you but also teach your children essential life skills.

Simplify your wardrobe.

Let's face it, we don't need a closet full of clothes to get through the week. Simplify your morning by figuring out what to wear beforehand. Sticking with the "plan the week in mind" theme: check the weather (yes, it can change, so there is a touch of flexibility here) and plan your staples for the week ahead of time. Lay out your clothes (including workout clothes if applicable) to eliminate the hectic morning search for something. Do this with you kids as well so they know exactly what they’re wearing, where everything is.

Take breaks

It's essential to take breaks throughout the day to recharge your batteries and stay productive. It can be easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you need to power through the day without any breaks, but this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long run. Taking a few minutes to step away from your work and do something that brings you joy can help you return to your tasks with renewed energy and focus. Some straightforward and realistic examples of taking breaks throughout the day include taking a walk or practicing a short meditation or breathing exercise. These simple activities can help clear your mind and improve your overall well-being, ultimately making you a better, more productive worker and a happier, more present parent. This will help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.

Say NO

As a working mother, saying no can be a powerful tool in simplifying your life and eliminating chaos. Many women feel pressure to say yes to every request or opportunity that comes their way, whether it's from work, family, or friends. However, constantly saying yes can quickly lead to overcommitment and burnout, leaving you feeling exhausted and stretched thin. Learning to say no can help you set boundaries and prioritize your time and energy in a way that aligns with your values and goals. It's important to remember that saying no doesn't mean you're being selfish or rude - it simply means valuing your well-being and time. By saying no to things that don't align with your priorities or add unnecessary stress to your life, you can create space for the things that truly matter and find more balance and peace in your daily routine.

While there is no one perfect solution to eliminating the hectic pace of working mom life, it is possible to simplify areas allowing you to focus, function, and feel more in control and less chaotic.

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