In today’s fast-paced world, being a mom is a full-time job in itself. Now, add remote work to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for a juggling act that could put even the most seasoned circus performer to shame. From handling Zoom calls with a toddler hanging off your arm to trying to squeeze in that last email while dinner is burning on the stove, the struggle to balance work and mom life is real. But fear not, fellow work-life mamas! With a few strategies, some creative time management, and a dash of humor, it’s possible to thrive in both roles.
The Never-Ending Balancing Act
You’re probably all too familiar with the scene: It’s 9 am, your workday is supposed to be starting, but your toddler has just decided it’s the perfect time to throw a tantrum because their favorite sippy cup is MIA. Meanwhile, your inbox is filling up, your phone is buzzing with notifications, and the laundry pile is threatening to take over your living room. Sound familiar?
Balancing the demands of work with the needs of your family can feel like an impossible task. There’s a constant pull in both directions, and it often feels like no matter what you do, something—or someone—is going to be neglected. The guilt sets in when you’re working late and missing out on family time, or when you’re playing with your kids but worrying about that looming deadline. The result? Burnout, stress, and a general feeling of overwhelm.
Time Blocking—Your New Best Friend
So, how do you navigate this seemingly impossible balancing act? The answer lies in a little technique called time blocking. Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Oh great, another productivity hack,” hear me out. Time blocking is not just about squeezing more work into your day. It’s about being intentional with your time, ensuring that both your work and family responsibilities are given the attention they deserve—without driving yourself crazy in the process.
What is Time Blocking?
Time blocking is essentially the practice of dividing your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or activity. Instead of multitasking (which, let’s be honest, is just a fancy way of saying we’re doing a lot of things poorly), time blocking allows you to focus on one thing at a time. By assigning a specific task to each block of time, you create a clear structure for your day, making it easier to balance work and family life.
How to Implement Time Blocking in Your Day
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Start with the non-negotiables
Begin by identifying the non-negotiables in your day. These are the tasks or responsibilities that absolutely must get done, like work meetings, picking up the kids from school, or cooking dinner. Block out time for these first. For example, if you know you have a team meeting every day at 10 a.m., reserve that time block exclusively for the meeting. The same goes for family obligations—schedule them in as non-negotiable blocks of time.
Once you’ve scheduled the non-negotiables, it’s time to create dedicated blocks for work and family. For instance, if your kids are in school or daycare from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., this could be your most productive work block. During this time, focus solely on work tasks—no checking personal emails, scrolling through social media, or worrying about the laundry. When the kids are home in the afternoon, switch to a family block where you’re fully present with them. This might involve playing games, helping with homework, or just spending quality time together.
As work-life mamas, it’s easy to let self-care fall by the wayside. But here’s the thing: if you’re not taking care of yourself, you won’t have the energy or patience to take care of anyone else. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule a self-care block into your day. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate—it could be as simple as a 15-minute walk, a quick workout, or some quiet time with a cup of coffee and a good book. The key is to make this time non-negotiable, just like your work and family blocks.
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Be Realistic with Your Time Blocks
One of the biggest mistakes people make with time blocking is overestimating how much they can get done in a given block of time. Remember, the goal is to reduce stress, not add to it. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in each block and build in some buffer time for when things inevitably run over. It’s better to have a little extra time than to feel rushed and overwhelmed.
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Adjust and Adapt as Needed
Life is unpredictable, especially when you’re a mom. Kids get sick, meetings run late, and sometimes things just don’t go according to plan. That’s okay. Time blocking isn’t about rigidly sticking to a schedule no matter what—it’s about creating a flexible structure that helps you stay on track. If something comes up and you need to shift things around, go ahead and do it. The beauty of time blocking is that it can be adapted to fit your ever-changing needs.
Lighten Up: Find Humor in the Chaos
Let’s be real, there will be days when everything goes wrong. The kids will be fussy, the Wi-Fi will crash during an important call, and you’ll wonder how you’re ever going to survive this juggling act. When those days happen, it’s important to find humor in the chaos. Laugh at the absurdity of it all, because sometimes, that’s all you can do. Remember, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on time blocking, it’s time to take action. Start by setting aside some time to plan out your day using the time blocking method. Identify your non-negotiables, create dedicated blocks for work, family, and self-care, and be realistic about what you can accomplish. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Balancing work and mom life is no small feat, but with a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you can create a routine that works for you and your family.
So, go ahead and give time blocking a try. You might just find that it’s the key to finding that elusive balance between work and mom life. And who knows? You might even discover that you have a little extra time for yourself at the end of the day.
You’ve got this!