Navigating the demands of motherhood can often feel like trying to keep multiple balls in the air at once, especially when considering the unique needs that come with the territory.
I've discovered that adhering to a daily routine gives me a sense of structure that makes it much simpler to effectively organize my day, tend to my family's needs, and ensure I carve out valuable time.
Allow me to share a glimpse into how I flourish by following a set routine.
My Daily Routine
I find block scheduling to be extremely beneficial for my daily organization.
Breaking down my day into distinct blocks allows me to allocate the right amount of time and attention to each task.
Here’s how I thrive as a busy mom:
Early Morning
Make lunch for hubby: In the early morning, the first thing I do is pack my husband's coffee and lunch for work. This simple act of love sets a positive and caring tone for the day ahead.
Open up the house: The blinds are up and the outdoor lights are switched off.
Go for a walk with my dog: After that, I take my dog outside for a refreshing walk, allowing both of us to wake up and start the day feeling invigorated.
Water plants: I take great pleasure in tending to my plants, nurturing them with the right amount of water and care. It fills me with happiness and pride to witness my little green companions flourishing under my dedicated attention.
Jesus and Coffee: I indulge in the sacred ritual of sipping my morning coffee while reading a scripture. On particularly challenging days, I like to treat myself to a touch of hazelnut creamer, adding a little extra comfort and delight to my morning routine.
Breakfast and medication: Most mornings I make a nourishing breakfast that provides me with the energy I need to tackle whatever comes my way. In addition to my morning routine, I also make sure to take my medication to guarantee that I am getting all the necessary nutrients to support my health and well-being.
Plan my day: As I begin my planning phase, I take a seat at my computer and carefully review my calendar to effectively map out all the tasks and events for the day.
Emails and messages: One of the crucial tasks I prioritize is catching up on emails and messages. This is the dedicated time I set aside to respond to emails and messages as it pertains to my family.
Mid-Morning
Get ready for the day: Even though I work from home, I make sure to shower and get dressed each morning. This routine helps me feel organized and ready for whatever the day may bring, whether planned or spontaneous.
Tend to the Kids: This starts once my daughter finds me and doesn't end until they go to bed.
Looking after Dad: Caring for my father has become a top priority. Ensuring his comfort and well-being is paramount. At 92, he spends most of his days in his recliner, making it essential for me to oversee his care, including making sure he is properly fed and attended to.
Afternoon
Chores: One of my chores is doing the laundry daily. I find this makes it manageable for me and my family. Part of my chores is to make sure my son does his chores which includes unloading the dishwasher and putting away the laundry.
Follow-ups and phone calls: Managing the needs of my family involves staying on top of administrative tasks like follow-ups and phone calls. I often find myself reaching out to institutions and businesses to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Family outings and errands: My daughter enjoys car rides so that's when I coordinate any errands or appointments that need to be done.
Take a Nap: A quick power nap can work wonders for productivity.
Prepare Dinner: Dinner preparations are usually pretty straightforward since it's been planned the weekend prior so and all I have to do is put everything together.
Evening
Eat dinner as a family: This is the only time we're all together. We say a prayer before we eat in thanks for the food prepared as well as for getting through the day.
Clean the kitchen: Once dinner is eaten, I place the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and handwash the bigger dishes. I use a vinegar and water solution to wipe my counters clean so that I don't have to see the mess in the morning. I will sweep or vacuum any mess on the floor so that I don't have to deal with it later.
Prepare for bedtime: I indulge in a relaxing shower to cleanse away the day's remnants, ensuring a rejuvenating sleep.
Watch TV with hubby: We usually find something on Crunchy Roll or Netflix that we enjoy for a couple of hours before we have to go to bed.
Settle the family: Once everyone has settled for the evening, evening medications are distributed so we can all have a quiet evening.
Lock up the house: Before going to bed, I do a walk-through of the house and secure all doors and windows for the evening while turning on the outdoor lights.
Sleep: Consistent bedtime enhances my sleep quality, ensuring ample rest for the following day.
Time Management Tips
Here are some strategies on how I thrive as a busy mom to make my day run smoother:
Bundle Tasks: Grouping similar tasks saves time and mental energy. For example, I do all my kitchen cleaning in one go.
Take Breaks: Short breaks throughout the day help me recharge and stay focused.
Set a Timer: Using a timer keeps me accountable and prevents me from spending too much time on any one task.
Managing a busy life as a mom isn’t easy, but it’s possible with the right routine and mindset. Your day doesn’t have to be perfect—mine certainly isn’t—but having a plan helps me stay on track and reduces stress.
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