Mastering Time Blocking as a Mom
As a busy mom, balancing your kids’ schedules, household responsibilities, and your own self-care can feel like a juggling act. Time slips away quickly, and finding a moment for yourself—especially for exercise—can seem nearly impossible. But what if I told you that with a little planning and the magic of time blocking, you could create a schedule that allows you to manage it all?
Time blocking is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you take control of your day, prioritize your fitness, and still ensure your kids are where they need to be. Here’s how to make it work for you.
1. Understanding Time Blocking
Time blocking is essentially the art of organizing your day into chunks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or activity. Instead of multitasking or letting your day get away from you, you assign each block of time a purpose—whether it’s a workout, picking up the kids, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee.
Here’s why it works:
- Clarity: When you know exactly what you need to do and when, you reduce decision fatigue and stay focused on the task at hand.
- Efficiency: Time blocking helps you make the most of your day by eliminating wasted time and preventing over-scheduling.
- Balance: By scheduling both your responsibilities and self-care, you ensure that you’re not neglecting any part of your life.
2. Start with the Essentials
The first step to successful time blocking is identifying your non-negotiables. These are the things you absolutely must do each day—like getting the kids to school, cooking dinner, and yes, taking care of yourself.
- You. First.: Yea girl, if mamma aint good, nothing is so FIRST you put YOURSELF into your schedule. write out what you HAVE to do for yourself to feel steady, ready, and like a boss. These are your anchor points around which you’ll build your day.
- Kids’ Schedules: Now, list out your kids’ daily routines—school drop-offs, extracurricular activities, homework time, and bedtime.
- The Extras: Next, block out time for the extra little things you like to do with your family and on your own. Things that give you a little extra whoop but don’t add or detract from your joy.
3. Create Your Time Blocks
Once you’ve identified your essentials, it’s time to create your time blocks. This might look like setting aside specific times for each task or grouping similar activities together. Here’s how to structure your day:
- Morning Routine: Dedicate the first part of your day to a morning routine that includes time for yourself. Whether it’s a quick workout, meditation, or simply enjoying a quiet coffee before the kids wake up, this sets a positive tone for the day.
- Workouts: Block out time for exercise when it works best for you. Maybe it’s right after school drop-off, during nap time, or in the evening after the kids are in bed. Consistency is key, so find a time that you can stick to regularly.
- Kids’ Activities: Schedule blocks for school runs, activities, and homework. Group similar tasks together, like combining errands with school pick-up, to make the most of your time.
- Evening Routine: End your day with a calming evening routine that includes time to unwind. Reflect on your day, plan for tomorrow, and enjoy a moment of peace before bed.
4. Be Flexible but Firm
Life with kids is unpredictable, so it’s important to stay flexible with your time blocks. Things might not always go as planned, and that’s okay. The beauty of time blocking is that it’s adaptable—if something comes up, you can adjust your schedule without throwing off your entire day.
- Allow for Buffer Time: Include buffer time between blocks to account for unexpected delays or changes. This prevents your schedule from becoming too rigid and helps you stay on track.
- Prioritize: If something needs to be moved or skipped, prioritize the most important blocks. Maybe today’s workout is a must, but you can push meal prep to tomorrow. It’s all about finding balance.
5. Involve Your Kids
Time blocking isn’t just for you—it can be a great tool to help your kids manage their own time too. Teach them how to create their own blocks for homework, chores, and free time. This not only helps them stay organized but also gives them a sense of control over their day.
- Family Planning Sessions: Set aside time each week to go over the family schedule together. This ensures everyone is on the same page and can help each other stay accountable.
- Lead by Example: When your kids see you sticking to your time blocks and prioritizing your health, they’ll be more likely to adopt these habits themselves.
Final Thoughts: Time Blocking for a Balanced Life
As a mom, your days are packed, but with time blocking, you can carve out space for everything that matters—including your fitness and self-care. By organizing your day into intentional blocks of time, you create a balanced routine that supports both your family’s needs and your own well-being.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect. Some days will go according to plan, and others might be a bit chaotic. But with time blocking, you have a tool to help you navigate it all with grace, efficiency, and a little extra time for yourself.
This is how I keep sane and take care of myself. As a wife, mother to two young kiddos (9 and 6), homeschooling, running a gym, taking care of 100+ members, nurture my marriage, friendships, eat well, and hit the gym myself. Time Blocking is lame…or so I thought, but this ADHD mamma gets it ALL done because of time blocking.
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