Before employees suddenly shifted to a work-from-home setup, stay-at-home moms have been doing it for years. Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job—actually, they work on average 2.5 full-time jobs.
To think that stay-at-home moms can juggle multiple tasks at once and other responsibilities while keeping the family together—these only prove that mothers are superheroes. They can wear many hats and are no strangers to hard work.
With so many things on their plate and so little time, how can stay-at-home moms stay productive and still have some time for themselves? Running the household is exhausting and rewarding. But they manage because of efficient productivity habits, helping them get more done with the time at hand.
Check out the habits below so you, too, can get the most of your day.
10 Habits of Highly Productive Stay-at-Home Moms
1. They start the day early.
Moms start their day early and wake up before everyone else in the family. This allows them to have some little peace as they enjoy a nice cup of coffee and collect their thoughts. They can also do a quick 15-minute exercise to get ready for the day.
How you begin your morning sets the tone for the entire day. If the day starts in mayhem, when everyone's scrambling to prepare for school or work, that could affect how the rest of the day will go.
2. They stay organized.
Being organized takes a lot of time and effort, but it's the key for a household to run smoothly and for stay-at-home moms to remain productive. Some of the things you can do to get organized are the following:
• Ensure the kitchen is clean every night—it's distressing to see a messy kitchen in the morning.
• From combs to power and cables, give everything a storage place.
• When you take something out, always put it back in its place.
• Keep a junk drawer for organizing later.
3. They dress up for the day.
Start every day with fresh clothes. Staying in your pajamas signals your subconscious that it's okay to lounge all day. Wearing a new set of clothes or your "work" clothes (e.g., jeans and a nice shirt) puts your mindset in the right place.
Dressing up in the morning also motivates you to get errands done earlier and faster. It's the same as when putting on workout clothes. When you're dressed for running or the gym, you're more likely to break a sweat within the day.
4. They teach their kids to help around the house.
Teach and allow your kids to help out with simple tasks or chores around the house, such as sweeping the floor or doing dishes. Assigning them house tasks keeps them away from their phones and crosses out a chore while you get the other stuff done. It may take them longer to do certain tasks, but they're learning as they accomplish them, and that's a few minutes off your household duties, too.
5. They set a dedicated time for napping and relaxation.
Working hard without a break is a recipe for stress and exhaustion. That's why it's important to squeeze 15–30 minutes of napping or relaxing in your schedule to quickly recharge your mind and body and be ready for all that's left to accomplish. For example, you can rest after making lunch or enjoy a hot bath right before the kids come home from school or finish their online classes.
6. They do what they can the night before.
If you find you still have time at night, prepare what you can prepare for the next day. This could be getting school items ready for the kids, preparing the spread for their sandwich, and picking out clothes. Having one less task for the next day makes for a less hectic day.
7. They don't try to do everything at once.
There are days where you'll feel a little overwhelmed than others. This is when you call for help. You can reach out to a family member, relative, friend, neighbor, or someone you trust to watch after your kids while you quickly run to the grocery store. Moms know when to ask for help before things get out of control.
8. They are in control of the family budget.
One of the main responsibilities of a stay-at-home mom is to look after the finances. Some families, especially if the kids are still in school, rely on one income. Other moms try to bring in extra cash whenever they can. But essentially, you need to make sure that the household is not spending beyond what you're making. Sit down once a week to look over your finances and ensure you're within budget.
9. They bundle errands.
Bundling errands is right under the "stay organized" habit. Doing this is easier when the kids are in school. If you have to take them with you, it can be a lot more time-consuming but achievable, nonetheless.
Whenever you need to accomplish things outside, such as going to the bank, restocking some supplies, buying pet food, and getting everything done in one go if your schedule permits. The key is to use your time wisely and organize your route.
10. They stick to the schedule or routine.
The best way to stay productive is to figure out your priorities and make a solid plan of what you have to do for the day. Allotting time for your tasks will help you finish them on time. Plus, this makes it easier to find more free time for leisure. Experienced stay-at-home moms can visualize their schedule mentally, but if you prefer the good old pen and paper, that helps, too.
Stay Productive with Good Habits and a Little Bit of Planning
Being a mom is a tough job, but with productive habits and a solid schedule and routine, you can get things done and still have some time for yourself. Also, remember that it's okay if things don't go as planned. The goal is to be a mom and stay productive, not to be perfect.
One way you can look after yourself and your loved ones is by getting life insurance plans. BPI AIA offers comprehensive life insurance plans that can give stay-at-home moms peace of mind and their family adequate protection. BPI AIA makes it convenient to get insured in the comfort of your home. Simply reach out to one of our Bancassurance Sales Executives online today to learn more!
