Time is always limited by nature and there’s always a catch 22 situation as we move ahead in life. You are a mother, a student, a professional or any role you are in. Time management is a common concern for all.
To address these issues time and again articles, interviews appear and books are written but not all tips get applied. For me, learning came from reading articles, books and on top of all experience. Experience remains the best teacher, but it comes with a heavy cost.
As a working mother with two kids, I always (try to) keep a tab on my tasks and priorities. And, here’s how I attempt to manage it all:
Get That List
I always had this habit of writing my deliverable, experiences in a diary since school days. This habit did wonders. Writing down tasks frees up the mind from remembering the n number of tasks and focus on just the execution. So write what you want to do before you begin. On a weekend, do that on Friday night or Saturday mornings to get the most out of 2 days.
Prioritize
Jotting tasks on paper is a job half done until you prioritize. Put an asterisk, star mark, number the list to symbolize priority.
Outsource
Get a domestic help for all mechanical yet important domestic chores like dusting, cleaning, washing, etc. You can’t do it all by your own with a job and kids along. Use the time saved to spend quality time with kids! Hire full-time, part-time or on an hourly basis domestic helps and get some peace.
Get Tech-savvy
Staying tuned to the latest what technology offers to make your life a lot easier. This is easier said and done. Your most of the menial jobs like paying bills, shopping for baby, food items all get executed swiftly at your fingertips now. Go online, register yourself and save you energy and time visiting the market, searching for the right items.
Seek help from family members
This is the first and last resort for most mothers. Some spouses may offer help proactively while others may not. If they don’t, assign few tasks and get some respite.
Wake up early
Time and again the habit of waking up early has been emphasized and sworn. I too go for this one. You can get more out of self and the day when you leave bed early.
Prepare for the workweek in advance
Include the tasks in your lists that prepares you for the workweek. For instance, my task list for the next workweek includes for includes ironing uniforms, arranging wardrobe, roasting semolina and other related items, grinding dry fruits and stocking veg and fruits on top of all.
Stay Organised and stay sane
Most of our energies go in organizing things, jobs, clothes and every element in the home for that matter. Believe me, the time invested in organizing is all worth it when you consider the time-saved later and keeping you sane.
Having applied all these tips and tricks if you still don’t achieve peace of mind and settle down with a comfortable routine then consider a few more changes like:
Manage Work hours
All organizations have a set of minimum work hours but that that does not mean you can’t reduce it. Speak to your Boss request him to consider your case. Try partial work-from-home arrangement or half-day working (if your finances permit to forgo half salary) for a certain period.
While these tips may be handy for you to try. Which one suits best may vary. As far as my experience goes, I tried it all and swear by it. These are few tips on how I .
The list of tips and tricks go far beyond. I believe mothers are blessed to manage with the ability, skills, and strength to manage it all. Probably all manage well if you have more to add, feel free to share and I shall learn too.
