Being a mum is a full-time job, and then some. There are always so many things to do, and it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are some basic productivity tips for busy moms to help you get more done in less time, with some of my own observations on how you can begin to fit them into your busy day.

1. Know your priorities.

The first step to being more productive is to know what’s most important to you. What are your top priorities for the day, week, month, or year? Once you know what’s most important, you can start to focus your time and energy on those things.

It’s likely that your most important priority is that everybody leaves the house every day to go to their allotted activities, with the correct clothes, shoes, equipment, a solid breakfast and a packed lunch, and that sufficient food and clean clothes for everyone are freely available. Maybe you also have a job or a career that needs to take top priority. then ask. if all of that is overwhelming enough then ask yourself just how important it is to have a spotless house. Do you have to do the cleaning yourself or could you delegate that bit?

2. Set realistic goals.

Don’t try to do too much at once. Set Realistic Goals for yourself, and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it seem less daunting, and you’ll be more likely to actually achieve your goals.

I love how gurus always come up with that one. The fact is that parenting and running a home is a totally full time job and there are lots and lots of things to do and it never stops. the best I can really say is just to do as much as you can , focusing on the most important bits first, and don’t beat yourself up if it’s not possible to do it all.

3. Time block.

Time blocking is a great way to make sure you’re using your time wisely. Block out specific times in your day for different tasks, and stick to your schedule as much as possible. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions.

This can be really helpful. give yourself a time when you do household chores, a time when you do errands, a time when you are cooking and a time for desk work and bill paying. You can schedule the different bits to fit times when you are feeling bright and active or times when you need a bit less physically taxing activities

4. Delegate.

Don’t be Afraid to delegate tasks to others. If you have a partner, kids, or other family members, ask them for help with things you can’t do yourself. This will free up some of your time so you can focus on the most important things. If you are working, consider whether it would be worthwhile to delegate some of the household task to a cleaner or similar. Our cleaner is a sanity save – I absolutely would not be without her.

5. Take breaks.

It’s important to take breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Get up and move around, step outside for some fresh air, or do something else that will help you relax and recharge.

This is another one where I can see some of you rolling your eyes. What qualifies as a break when you are in the thick of motherhood is a bit different to what other people might hope for. If you can’t take a full break, then take little mini-breaks. Make it a goal to have alt least one fully uninterrupted cup of tea that you drink the whole of. Keep a book in the loo and read a couple of pages each time you go. Any little tiny thing that you can do for yourself is a win.

6. Automate as much as possible.

There are a lot of things you can automate these days, from bill paying to meal planning. Automating tasks will free up your time so you can focus on other things. Also keep a calendar and a to do list and use alarms and reminders to keep track of everything that must be done in a day.

7. Use tools and apps.

There are a number of tools and apps that can help you be more productive. There are apps for time tracking, task management, and project planning. Some people like to use to do lists on paper, and a diary calendar or planner – others prefer digital planners or apps to keep track of things Find the tools that work best for you and use them to your advantage.

8. Say no sometimes.

It’s okay to say no to things. You don’t have to do everything that’s asked of you. Learn to prioritise your time and say no to things that aren’t important to you or your family. Also if you are regularly doing favours for people, don’t be afraid to ask for the occasional favour in return.

9. Take care of yourself.

It’s important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. Taking care of yourself will help you manage your en ergy levels which will allow you to be more productive in the long run.

Self care should be a priority alongside all of the other big ones. If you are not functioning at your best then the family will suffer and the important stuff will not get done.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are people who care about you and want to help. Talk to your partner, family, friends, or to a therapist or helpline as a last resort.

Following these tips can help you be more productive as a busy mum. Remember to find what works best for you and don’t be afraid to experiment. With a little effort, you can learn to manage your time more effectively and get more done in less time.