Do you ever feel at the end of your day you have been busy all day, but not really accomplished much? Does your to-do list still have all the same items from yesterday and a few more for today? You look around and it seems like other moms accomplish so much every day. What are the secrets of working moms with a happy mom life who get so much done? It seems like they do it all. What are they doing differently?
Here’s the first secret, happy moms can’t do it all. Whatever “all” is to you (keeping your home clean, working full-time, washing the clothes, taking children to therapy or sports events, preparing school lunches, making dinner, helping with homework and so much more), I don’t know any mom who can do it all alone.
Does it seem like other moms are doing so much? Maybe you feel like they do so much more than you can do. Here are 5 mom life secrets to help you maximize your time and get more done.
5 Secrets of Working Moms with a Happy Mom Life
Happy Moms Set Priorities/Do the First Things First
As moms, we are busy. We have many responsibilities every day between our family and our work. Working moms that appear to do it all know the secret of setting priorities. They always do the most important things first.
They know that homework has to be done before playtime. They know it’s best to make all the lunches, pack all the bags for the next day the night before.
These moms also set priorities with their time. We all only have 24 hours in a day. These time managing moms only spend time on the things that are the most important and top priorities for them and their family. Setting priorities means less time watching TV and less time on social media and more focus time on important tasks.
Recommended for you: Planners for Busy Moms
Happy Moms Use a Planner and Stay on Schedule
Busy moms know that using a planner will help them manage their time and stay on a schedule. Your planner is your daily guide for the day. I find if I forget to add an appointment or task to my planner, then it doesn’t happen. The more I use my planner, the more successful I am in completing the most important tasks. If it’s not on the planner, it doesn’t happen.
A personal planner is a tool to help you schedule and manage your time. A planner helps you see the big picture for your day, your week, your month and your year. Plan your time carefully to get more done.
Just a quick note about routines, add your routines to your planner as well. Be sure to include all your routines like weekly grocery shopping, cleaning routines, and more. Routines will also help you manage your time and stay on your schedule.
Happy Moms Know When to Say “No”
Busy working moms know when to say “No”. They recognize they cannot accept every invitation, their children cannot play every sport and be involved in every after-school activity. We all have time limits. Sometimes we have to say no, and that’s okay.
Moms guard their time and commitments. They don’t allow themselves to be overscheduled and stressed because every day has too many activities. They select only the best commitments for themselves and their families.
Happy Moms Get Enough Rest/Sleep Every day
Busy moms know the importance of getting rest and 7-8 hours of sleep every day. Being well rested is essential to getting things done. Without sufficient sleep, you will not be energized to complete your daily work and tasks or to take care of your family.
For me, I need at least 7 hours of sleep every day. Since I get up at 5:00 a.m. (no, I am not a natural get up early girl), I need to go to bed by 10:00 pm every night to get the rest I need and not feel totally exhausted the next day. How much sleep do you need? What is the right amount of sleep to give you all day energy?
You might also like: Easy Meal Planning for Busy Moms
Happy Moms Anticipate the Unexpected
Do you know a mom who seems like nothing ever takes her by surprise? She always knows what is going to happen next? No, she doesn’t know the future and she doesn’t read minds, but she anticipates the future so nothing takes her by surprise. If the unexpected happens, she has a plan.
She also doesn’t let the unexpected control her. She takes control of the situation. She doesn’t panic or become afraid, she knows what to do next. She stays calm when others are not.
Happy moms have a back up so they don’t need to be stressed when the plan changes or the unexpected happens.
Bonus tip
As working moms, we all have days when there is too much to do, too many places to go, and we need help from others. If others offer us help, we can graciously accept help. If we need help, it’s okay to ask others for help too.
Our family and close friends can be encouraging and helpful to us when we can’t do everything by ourselves. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
You can be a working mom that isn’t overwhelmed every day and gets things done. Follow these 5 steps: start by setting your priorities every day and do the most important things first. Use a planner to schedule your time and be protective of every valuable minute. Recognize it’s okay to say “no” when you are not able to meet a commitment. Get the rest you need every night. Finally, be prepared and anticipate the unexpected.
Keep your day organized and set clear priorities with the Smart Mom Priority Planner. Download a FREE copy.
Your turn…
How can you be a happy mom? What’s the number #1 change you can make to improve your mom life?
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Great post! I totally agree, nobody can do it all. I do, however, like to make it appear it’s all under control, especially to my kids. Don’t worry kids, mom’s got this. 🙂
love it ! ( coming from a SAHM) … Thank you for sharing this inspirational post over at Blogger Spotlight Link Party, I really do appreciate it. I will feature your post for tomorrow’s party, don’t forget to grab your button and we hope to see you again! Have a lovely day 🙂
Hi Cristina, Thanks for featuring this post. I look forward to stopping by Blogger Spotlight Link Party and reading more great posts soon.
This is so very true. As a working mother, part time student and part time blogger, I sometimes feel that I never have time to get everything done. I’ve found a few methods of planning that have helped me use my time wisely. Now I just need to balance in family time. Tweeting, pinning and stumbling this post. <3
Lindsey, you are busy! For moms with many roles (student, mom, blogger, and more), it’s important to find balance.
I do have a problem with saying no and have a problem getting enough sleep. That’s for sure! Great post and glad to be a part of the blog hop with you!
I agree that sleep is so important! I can be a big night owl but when I do that I’m not as productive the next day. Thanks for joining in on the Blog Hop!
Love your post! I like to appear that I can do it all, but I never come close. There are some days that I feel like I didn’t get anything on my to-do list accomplished! Thanks for linking up with us! #BloggersSpotlight