Time Management Tips for the Modern Professional Mom

Maximizing Your Time Without Losing Your Sanity 

Sometimes, prioritizing tasks can be tricky. The things we want to do may not be the most important. We have to remember the value of our time. Our energy is not a limitless resource, so it is crucial we use our energy wisely. The tool below can really help take emotions out of the prioritization process. Once you can easily identify the order of priority, decision-making and time management become so much easier.

Prioritization

• Tip: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Focus first on tasks that are both urgent and important, and delegate or defer others. This will help you prioritize your roles and responsibilities. Trust the process. Example: For instance, if you’re planning a big presentation at work, that’s an urgent and important task. Responding to non-urgent emails can wait or be delegated.

Batching Tasks

• Tip: Group similar tasks together to complete them more efficiently. For example, batch all your phone calls or email replies into a specific time block each (I reply to all emails during the first 30 minutes of my work day.) Example: If you need to make client calls and catch up on emails, schedule a one-hour block to handle all communication at once, reducing the mental strain of switching between different types of tasks.

Delegation

• Tip: Delegate tasks at work and home where possible. This could mean assigning specific household chores to your children or outsourcing tasks like grocery shopping using delivery services. Mom Tip: 1) Allowing children to take responsibility for age-appropriate tasks not only helps balance the family workload but also develops character, resilience, determination, and confidence in kids. 2) Using apps and services is an intelligent solution for busy working moms who want to reduce stress and strain. I use Instacart for grocery delivery and highly recommend this service. 
• Statistic: According to a study by the University of California, Irvine, employees who delegate effectively save about 20% of their workweek, which translates to more time for family and self-care.
• Leverage technology to streamline your tasks. Use calendar apps, task managers like Trello or Asana, and even smart home devices to automate daily routines. Use a grocery delivery app to save time on shopping or set reminders on your phone to drink water or take breaks throughout the day.