More time management tips for busy work at home moms:
3. Eliminate Time Drainers.
Be realistic about how you spend your time. It sometimes helps to set a timer when doing certain activities to keep track of just how much time you are putting into any activity. A good plan is to work for 45 minutes of any hour, then take a break for some 15 minutes and use that time to watch TV, surf the web, write e-mails, read magazines, etc. Give yourself a time limit for time off and then get back to doing productive tasks. You will feel more refreshed this way.
4. Dealing with Phone Calls and Other Interruptions.
Make use of a stopwatch when you make non-essential telephone calls or when you are interrupted by a call. Be stern with yourself on this and you will save lots of time. Give yourself a time limit so you can move on to the next important thing. Gracefully say “I need to take care of something” and then excuse yourself from the conversation.
5. Shopping Trips
People who love to shop can lose track of time and can lose a whole day without really noticing. Approach shopping as a chore and not a hobby and you will find time you never thought you had. Shop with a list or even a timer. Go into the store for the things you need only. If you are at a shop to take advantage of a sale, set a timer and when the timer goes off, you are done. Go directly to the checkout counter and then head off for home.
6. Coordinate Your Errands
Do your errands when the stores are the least busy. You will be amazed at how many essentials you can take care of at 9:30am and at 9:30pm. Banks and post offices all have slower days than others, too.
Avoid shopping on the busiest days and the busiest times and your errands will speed along much faster and you will not be so frustrated.
Group tasks by type and location. This means you need to have your list of errands.
Determine where you can do each. In addition, go to the area where the most tasks can be done. Or go to the do-it-all-giant-super-mega store where you can do grocery shopping, house wares shopping, get glasses, take pictures, and enjoy your dinner. You will save valuable time.
Stay tune for the final part of time management tips for busy moms.
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
