Don’t you wish you were an octopus some days? As a busy mom, I wish I had 8 arms – plus 8 copies of myself – to be able to get everything done that needs to get done! On top of going to work 4 days a week, my kids have their regularly-scheduled activities – flag football, dance, and gymnastics. Add to that the school activities, birthday parties, occasional brunch with my sorority sisters, answering to the needs of other family members, and the date nights that my hubby and I try to squeeze in between everything. Then there’s trying to fit in self-care. It all becomes a real juggling act. When I feel like I’m being pulled in every direction, here are a few tips I’ve learned to practice.

Prioritize

This is at the top of the list because it’s so important. As a busy, working mom, you’ll have so many things thrown at you all the time. But, there are only 24 hours in each day. Some things are non-negotiable, like going to work, sending the kids off to school, mealtimes, deadlines, etc. It’s important to decide what needs to get done THAT DAY. Then, you can decide what can be put off until later.

I’ve found it helpful to do a “brain dump” on a regular basis. I just make a list of everything that needs to get done. Once I have that list written down, I prioritize each task, and figure out my game-plan for getting it all done. Some tasks MUST get done that day. Other tasks I’d LIKE TO get done that day. The “LIKE TO’S” can be moved over to the next day if I absolutely can’t get them done. That way, the most important things are done. And I don’t feel so bad about not getting everything done.

Make a schedule and stick to it

After I do my “brain dump” and prioritize my tasks, I make a plan to get the important things done. If I write it on my calendar and actually make a schedule, it’s much more likely to get done. I encourage you to do the same. Of course, there may be things that pop up unexpectedly – anything is possible with kids! But, that’s exactly why it’s important to prioritize your “to do’s”, to try to get the most important things done first, just in case.

Setting routines is also so helpful. Our morning and evening routines are the same most week days. So, I have a set schedule that I follow to make sure that everything is done, everyone has what they need, and we’re out of the house or in bed at a decent time. My laundry and dinner schedules are also routine. This makes it so that I don’t have to “think” about these things.

Start saying “NO”

This is something that I’ve only learned to do recently. Anytime someone asked me to do something or to go somewhere, I figured out a way to make it happen – no matter what. Call me a “people-pleaser”. I had a hard time letting others down. This was, many times, at the expense of my time, money, and energy that probably should have been directed at more important things.

Once I realized how much I was “over-committing” myself, I told myself I had to slow down. I had to start saying no. No, my kids and I can’t go to every birthday party or event. I can’t always do that favor for a friend when asked. I can’t work that extra shift or take on that extra project. If you find that you’re over-extending and sacrificing too much of yourself, it’s time to start cutting back and figuring out which things you can say “no” to.

Set goals

Do you have something specific that you’re working towards? It can be something really small like finishing a chapter in a book you’ve been reading. Or huge like paying off your debt, buying a new house or car. I encourage you to take some time to really sit down and think of a few goals. Having an “end-point” in mind is so helpful. Especially when you feel like you’re just going through your day-to-day, being pulled in every direction. It may feel like you aren’t getting anything at all done. But, accomplishing even small goals on a regular basis can make it all worthwhile, and can keep you motivated to push on through all the madness.

Use your kids

Yes, I’m a firm believer in giving kids responsibilities. From a young age, your kids can learn to do things around the house to help out. At the very least, your kids should clean up behind themselves and keep their rooms clean. Older kids can clear off the table after mealtimes, do the dishes, take out the trash, sweep, mop, wipe down surfaces, watch younger siblings, etc. If your kids chip in and do their part, that takes a few tasks off your to-do list, and makes things a little less crazy for you.

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Ask for help

Believe me, I know that so many responsibilities fall on us as working wives and moms. I’m living it everyday. But, the reality is that we can’t do it all on our own. Ask your hubby, extended family and friends for help when you need it. Hire help if you can – a babysitter, house cleaner, etc. Having someone else there to lift your load is so important. We were never meant to live this life on our own little island.

Automate what you can

There is so much technology around us nowadays. It’s amazing what you can get done without really doing anything! For me, having regular deliveries of toiletries and household items and buying in bulk has been so helpful. I usually do this through Amazon or Boxed online. Because of this, we rarely run out of necessities in our house. If you’ve tried online grocery delivery, you know the convenience of being able to “re-order” the same things. That way, you don’t forget your family’s staples. I do the same thing with our to-go food orders.

I recommend finding a way to automate whatever you can for your household or at work. They may be small tasks, but if you can remove them from your plate and not have to think them, it can be one less direction you’re pulled in. It’s kind of a “set it and forget it” mentality that I love!

Make time for the things you enjoy

It’s so important to squeeze in time for self-care on a regular basis. Amidst all of the craziness of your busy life, it’s nice to have some time for the things you enjoy. Add self-care to your to-list, and be intentional about it. Sometimes that could just mean a few minutes of quiet time in the morning before everyone wakes up. Before getting your day started. Your other less-enjoyable tasks will be a little easier to tolerate when you have something enjoyable to look forward to.

Enjoy the ride

Sure, things may be a little crazy now. And it may be this way for a while. I encourage you to shift your mindset to get through it. Don’t think of your life as being crazy or out of control. Take control. Look at all the beauty, joy, and excitement in your life. Make the most of this time. Your kids will be grown and out of the house (hopefully!) before you know it. You don’t want to look back and regret all the moments you missed out on because you were too busy grumbling about everything you needed to get done.

In the end, you’ll always have a to-do list. There will always be something that needs to get done. Spend some time focusing on all the goodness around you. Take full advantage of these moments before they’re gone.

It ain’t easy…

Believe me, I know being a working mom is no easy task. So many people are begging for your attention, but there’s only one YOU to go around. On any given day, my kids will need something signed or need help with a task, and walk right past their dad to come straight to me. My almost two year-old son will rarely let anyone else put him to sleep. I’m responsible for the most of the cooking, cleaning, and laundry in our house. Plus, keeping everyone’s schedules straight. It’s not easy to do, but putting the above tips into play has made it all “doable”. I know it can be for you too!

What works for you? What helps when you feel like you’re being pulled in every direction? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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