Productivity Tips For Moms Working From Home

Wow! Can you believe that the end of the school year is here!? And so is the long-awaited summer break! Which means our kids are home for the next two months. Are you worried that you won’t be as productive? In today’s post, we will be sharing 10 productivity tips for moms working from home.

Like everything else in life, working from home comes with its own challenges. And at the same time, it brings its own perks. Perks that moms like me and you crave in our lives.

Do you struggle with balancing your home chores and work duties while working from home? Easily distracted by the doorbell or phone? Needing to leave your workstation every ten minutes to get something that’s not nearby? Having to stop what you are doing because the kids want to play? Having thoughts that this “work-from-home thing” is not going to work out for you?

Wait, what? You’re thinking of giving up your dream of working from home? I understand why you may be feeling this way or having these thoughts. But, before throwing in the towel and heading back to the 9-5 grind and missing out on some of the best and greatest moments of your kid’s life. Not forgetting being able to live life on your terms. Why not try an increase your productivity? And focus on getting quality over quantity done?

Here are 10 productivity tips for moms working from home that you can implement right at this minute into your busy lifestyle.

Related post :

• 10 Things You Need To Know Before You Start A Home-Based Business
• 10+ real ways to make extra money as a mom

Productivity Tips For Moms Working From Home 

1. Create your schedule the night before to stay productive

So, this concept was first introduced to me by the amazing Marie Forleo. Dedicate 5-10 minutes of your time every night to plan for the next day.

Since I began planning my next day schedule the night before, I’m able to get so much more done and the best news is – I feel accomplished at the end of the day. This practice can work wonders for moms working from home just like you.

Wondering how it works? Easy peasy. See an example of mines below.

• 5 AM – 5:30 AM: Morning self-care routine
• 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM: Breakfast
• 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM: Write a new blog post
• 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Kids time
• 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Check emails/ draft emails to send out
• 11:00 AM – 12 noon: Pinterest creation
• 12 noon – 1:00 PM: Lunch with the kids
• 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Kids and mommy time
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Social media

This schedule allows me to gauge how, when, and where I will be spending my time. Now, there will be days or times when I may have to tweak the schedule to accommodate the unexpected. For example, I may spend a few minutes longer writing content or having to deal with an unexpected situation. The idea here is to have a plan outline for your day.

We are building a life and a business that allows us the flexibility to be present with our kids and do what we love. Not a business that overwhelms you.

Check this vlog out from Marie Forleo on 3 steps to retrain your brain so you can be more productive than ever.

2. Get your most important work done first 

Have you ever begun working on all your smaller tasks first with the idea that you will have more time to engage with your major projects once you get those out of the way? Are you focus on getting work out of the way over prioritizing what’s important?

What do you often find happens when you do this? Do you feel productive or, do you feel exhausted and burned out?

You may think that getting these smaller and less demanding tasks out of the way will free up your schedule so you can focus more on your bigger projects. The truth is – it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes these smaller tasks are more time-consuming and drain us mentally, leaving us with no energy to commit to the projects that really need our attention.

To be more efficient as a work-from-home mom, try prioritizing your bigger projects early in the day when you are alert and focus. Once, you get that out of the way then work your way down to your smaller and less important tasks.

3. Take care of yourself

To run a successful business and be the best mom you can ever be for your kids, you need to take care of yourself as a mom. Never prioritize work in front of yourself. Sometimes, doing more doesn’t always equal success. Listen to your body when it’s trying to tell you to rest. Take a few minutes every day to recalibrate yourself. That could mean spending a few minutes longer in the shower, cuddling on your sofa with your favorite reading material, going for a walk, or listening to a podcast. Don’t drive yourself into burned-out mode.

Related post:

• 8 ways to make time for rest without the guilt 
• How to take care of yourself as a mom

4. Filling your kid’s cup 

This is probably one of the best productivity tips for moms working from home. As moms, we often forget why we decided to work from home once we begin to work from home.

Many of us decided we wanted to run our own biz or work for an entrepreneur from the comfort of our home because we either wanted to :

1. be present for our kids
2. have flexibility so we can better balance our home and work-life
3. Freedom

So, if you find yourself spending less time with your kids or yelling at them so you can get your work done. Pause and go back to your why. Why did you choose to work from home?

Take care of your kids by attending to their needs and setting aside time dedicated only to them.

5. Productivity starts by having a designated workstation

The glamour of working from your sofa or the comfort of your bed or patio tends to die off pretty soon. Stay productive by having a dedicated workplace where you can go every day to work. It’s okay if you don’t have space for an office.

Many of us didn’t when we first started.

If this is your case, set aside an area on your dining table that you can call yours. Or purchased a desk that you can fit somewhere into your family room. Make this space feel and look like your dream work area. Put some beautiful flowers on your desk, a family photo, your water bottle. Keeping your work area clean and tidy, show up every day in this place the same way you would have shown up had you have a big and spacious office.

You can also check out Tidying up with Marie Kondo. 

6. Schedule time for emails and social media for productivity

Do you check your emails or social media as soon as a notification pops up?

If you do – then this is holding you back from getting more done in your day.

You see, every time you pause to scroll through social media, you are investing your time and energy somewhere other than work. Time and energy, that you can devote to achieving more in your personal and business life. And we all know how easy it is to get hooked on social media. At times it can also be depressing leading you into the comparison trap.

The same holds for constantly checking your emails. Sometimes we can receive emails that will completely throw us off schedule. You know the ones, where the brand or client you really wanted to work with sends a reject email not willing to work with you at this moment.

Emails like these can be depressing, draining, and discouraging.

Close your email and social media tabs. And dedicate certain times of the day where you will check your emails and social media platforms. Maybe in the morning/ midday and then in the evening. But definitely NOT all day.

7. As a mom working from home, make sure to dress for productivity

Okay, so you don’t necessarily have to wear tailor-made suits and make-up every day. However, take a few minutes every morning to get dressed for work. Dress in comfortable clothing other than your sleepwear. Brush your hair and program yourself for work.

8. Take breaks and rest

While you may be motivated to keep working and pushing yourself, make sure to take breaks, just like you would at any workplace. Schedule in your breaks and make them non-negotiable. Do not have your lunch while working. Stop, prepare your lunch and eat somewhere other than your desk. Try having lunch together with your children. Go for a nature walk during your break. Get outside and stretch your legs or even do yoga during your lunch.

9. Set boundaries and say no when you need to

Working from home takes a lot of self-control. Something you probably already know.

As moms, we are easily distracted by our kids, TVs, phone calls, and even relatives.

While working from home gives us flexibility, it also requires us to set boundaries with ourselves and everyone around us. If you are constantly being interrupted by your kids, your mom, your friends and relatives. It’s time to set boundaries.

Let your kids know that mommy is working and she needs to focus right now and reassure them you will be there to play with them shortly. Provide them with activities to keep them busy in the meanwhile.  Again, make sure your kid’s cup is filled before getting to work to avoid being distracted by them.

Remind your mom, friends and other relatives that you are working and it’s impossible to run errands for them frequently or spend hours chatting with them on the phone. Set boundaries and stick to them.

Think of it this way, if you were at work would you be able to spend hours chatting on the phone or text messaging? Would you be answering telemarketing calls?

No, you wouldn’t! So why do it when you are working from home?

Making rules and setting boundaries will help you to be more productive as a work-from-home mom in no time.

10. Schedule cleaning time and running errands to stay productive

Do you find it difficult to concentrate when your home is messy? Can you not help yourself but clean? Is cleaning and doing house chores taking up to much of your time? Relatable right!?

This is exactly how I felt when I first started working from home. And if I am honest, it kept me stuck for a long time. I wasn’t giving 100% to my business, therefore my business wasn’t going anywhere. In fact, it was more like hobby blogging.

It was only until I accepted that sometimes dishes are going to be in the sink, the floors are going to be messy, laundry will have to wait. I was able to get more done.

Focus on getting your day’s work completed and then commit to getting things done around the house. Another option can be to schedule a time of day when you will do house chores. And pick one day of the week when you will finish work early so you can run errands.

Motherhood is a wonderful journey. It’s filled with ups and downs. Tears of laughter and tears of joy. Guilt and gratification.

Some days are harder than others. And the truth is – it’s not always easy working from home while being a mom and trying to manage all the things you do! It takes a lot! And the good news is – you got what it takes. Now, all you have to do is commit to staying productive and making this opportunity work for you and your family. It’s not difficult to do, so don’t make it difficult. You can do it!

Incorporate these productivity tips for moms working from home and begin to enjoy a balance between work and your personal life.

How do you stay productive at home? Do you have some other productivity tips for moms that you can share with us? Please let us know in the comments below.