9 Simple Tips for Modern Moms

Article posted in: Lifestyle

If you are starting to feel like you’re spinning your wheels, never quite reaching the end of your to-do list, take heart: There are ways to streamline your day and to help ease the stress of today’s modern world. Read on for 9 simple tips to help stop feeling overwhelmed and give yourself the gift of time:

1. Grab time for yourself where (and when) you can

Even if it means giving up 15, 20, 30 minutes of precious—and all too elusive—sleep, consider getting up a bit earlier in the morning, even if it’s just to grab some quiet time before the rest of the household wakes. Make your coffee, sit down, cup in hand, and watch the sun rise—do it every single day, putting aside your nagging to-do list and pinging cell phone.

2. Plan dinners ahead of time

Some moms (or dads) are organized enough that they can plan an entire week of meals at a time, grocery shop, and then actually cook them—over the weekend. This undoubtedly saves immeasurable amounts of time during the week. But if you’re not quite up to the entire task, you may consider planning your meals and doing the majority of the shopping over the weekend, when work and school schedules are less demanding. You may still need to make a few quick stops for produce during the week, but at least some of the pressure will be alleviated during those hectic workdays.

3. Take advantage of downtime

Got some time to kill while you wait in the stands at baseball practice? Put those minutes to good use—finish sending work e-mails (within reason), clean out your overflowing purse, or sketch out next week’s meals. Or, even better, take the time to refresh and actually do something for yourself: Take a walk, read a book, knit, call a friend—whatever helps you get some of that vitally important, and all too rare, “me” time.

4. Keep a family calendar

The prospect of reducing schedules to our phones may seem so … clinical. You may fear it would let the calendar take the place of actual dialog and that you will neglect to discuss important events and family details. However, it may help to avert an untold number of scheduling disasters. It keeps everyone in the loop on upcoming events and could help you keep track of things. If you’re not into the idea of an online calendar, get one that you can put on the wall of your kitchen so its easily visible and used by everyone.

5. Realize that your kids may be able to do more than you think they can

Your children may be more eager than you think to help with simple tasks around the house. Put the younger one in charge of taking out the trash; an older child can help set or clear the dinner table. It’s the little things that can help build not only responsibility but also save you a few extra minutes.

6. Let your older kids pack their own lunches

Not only can it help save you some money, but having your kids pack their own lunches can instill healthier eating habits early on. Try having your kids take their own lunches the majority of the time—and let them get in on the act by choosing what they want to pack (within reason, of course). If they need a bit of help in selecting items that constitute a well-rounded meal, make a checklist with categories, such as the following:

• Fruit/vegetable
• Protein
• Snack

Also, consider making a few sandwiches ahead of time; or lunch-worthy smoothies that the kiddos can grab in the morning on the way out the door.

7. Ignore your e-mail, at least a little

Not only can the practice of constantly checking and responding to email be an intrusion into your home life, but it can also eat up oodles of time. One study found that people who check their email only three times per day, as opposed to unlimited amounts, experience less psychological stress. Yes, it can be hard, but try reducing the number of times you’re checking email throughout the day. Your cortisol levels will thank you for it.

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