Ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day?
Well, there are ways you can save time and manage your time to free up hours- productivity for the win, ladies!
Time management is crucial for spending quality time with your family and being productive at work.
Get ready to transform your daily routines and reclaim your valuable time as you learn how to save time effectively!
In this blog post, we’ll explore 21 time-saving strategies to help you make the most of every moment and achieve a better work-life balance.
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Key Takeaways
- Learn to save time with your family and start saving time with work.
- Create a routine, manage your home, and learn why you procrastinate to make the most of your time with your family.
- Use printables, meal plan on weekends, and set aside downtime for yourself.
- By prioritizing activities and tasks, you can spend time together more efficiently, focusing on quality interactions rather than unnecessary things.
- Digitize work processes, delegate tasks & use white noise instead of music/videos, all great tips to save time at work!
- Ignore unnecessary emails and meetings to get quality work done.
- Declutter your desk to make a system for work and getting tasks completed.
Save Time With Your Family
1. Make A Morning Routine
A well-structured morning routine checklist sets you up for a productive day. Here are some steps to consider:
- Wake up at a consistent time.
- Make your bed.
- Enjoy a healthy breakfast.
- Plan your day.
- Tackle errands during less busy hours, like visiting the post office and getting groceries.
Preparing the night before can save you time and reduce stress in the morning when your kids are up and about.
2. Learn Why You Procrastinate & Work Around It
Procrastination is the act of postponing tasks that need to get done.
To overcome procrastination, you can:
- Identify the reasons behind your procrastination
- Develop strategies to get around those reasons and barriers
- Use Mel Robbins’ 5-second rule: when you have an urge to do something, act on it within 5 seconds, or else your brain talks you out of it.
- Eliminating distractions and focusing on one task at a time are effective ways to save time by avoiding time-consuming multitasking.
- Batch similar tasks to get things done “in bulk” without much time or effort
3. Create A Schedule
Creating a daily schedule for you and your family helps you stay organized and allocate time for important tasks.
By making a visual for your commitments and planning your day, you can avoid procrastination, stay focused, and make the most of your time.
This can be helpful on busy days when everyone has something going on or days when we lose an hour, like during daylight saving time.
4. Use Printables To Plan
Printables, such as checklists and planning templates, can help you stay organized and save time.
Printables can make planning and prioritizing tasks a breeze. All you have to do is print and fill things out, which takes only a few minutes.
You can find free time management templates but also things like meal planning, budgeting, and more.
5. Meal Plan On Weekends
Meal planning on weekends is a big hack for saving time and reducing stress during the week.
It can take the same amount of time or less to get it all done on Sunday afternoon without the time crunch and stress of post-work nights.
It eliminates the need to figure out what to cook every day after work and reduces trips to the store and overspending when you know exactly what you’ll make and what to buy.
Utilize kitchen tools like veggie choppers and food processors to speed up meal prep and help you save more time every night when cooking.
6. Set Aside You Time/Downtime
Dedicating personal downtime plays a significant role in boosting productivity and mental health.
Allocate at least 1-2 hours of ‘me time’ each day to relax and recharge with activities like reading, listening to music, or taking a walk.
You need to focus on yourself to avoid burnout and have your mind ready and willing to focus on others at other times.
7. Use Digital Reminders/Calendars
Digital reminders and calendars can help you stay organized, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination.
Use tools like Google Calendar, Asana, or a virtual assistant to set reminders for important tasks and deadlines, helping you stay on track and manage your time effectively.
I use both a monthly printable calendar to plan out events and meals, but we have our family Google Calendar to keep track of appointments and set reminders.
8. Keep An Eye On The Time
Monitoring time spent on tasks can improve your time management skills and get more things done throughout the day.
Use time-tracking apps like Toggl Track to identify gaps in your schedule and allocate your time more effectively.
Or estimate how long things will take and have a timer on your phone or your Alexa or Google devices and use those to keep yourself working.
9. Skip Multitasking
Multitasking may seem like a time-saver, but it can actually decrease productivity and focus.
Instead, concentrate on one task at a time to complete it more efficiently and avoid leaving things half-finished.
Avoid multitasking by setting aside time for each task, breaking tasks into smaller pieces, and focusing on one thing at a time.
10. Avoid Social Media
Limiting social media consumption can save you hours each week and really increase your productivity and good feels.
By cutting down on endless scrolling, you can save time and focus on more important tasks or activities with your family.
Create routines that limit social media time and consider using apps to track and restrict usage.
11. Take On Less- Say No!
Mastering the art of saying no to unnecessary commitments is a key factor in preventing burnout and avoiding time wasted on non-essential tasks.
Set healthier boundaries, be assertive, and prioritize your and your family’s needs.
Remember, it’s okay to say no when it’s necessary, and sometimes you have to say no to your family, too, to keep yourself and the house in the shape you want.
12. Get Things Organized- Everything Has A Home
Organize your belongings and create designated spaces for items to save time searching for them.
A well-organized home not only saves time but also has a positive effect on mental health.
Use storage containers and labels to keep everything organized and in its proper place.
And it doesn’t have to be expensive- I organize with Dollar Tree containers!
13. Put Things Away ASAP
Want to know a smart mom hack? Put things away immediately after use to maintain organization and save time!
This habit not only keeps your space tidy but also reduces stress by eliminating the need to tidy up later.
So when we use the scissors, they go back in the drawer- when you take stuff out of the drawer to find something, put it all back in and clear off the counter.
Practice the 5S methodology to create a systematic approach to organizing and maintaining your workspace.
Saving Time & Being Productive At Work
14. Digitize Your Work
Digitizing your work processes can save time and streamline tasks.
By converting physical documents and processes to digital formats, you can quickly organize and retrieve digital documents.
Utilize tools like Asana, ClickUp, or Smartsheet for digital organization and collaboration.
15. Declutter Your Workspace
A clutter-free workspace can improve focus and productivity. Less chaos outside can lead to less chaos in my brain!
Start by taking everything in, assessing each item’s necessity, and reorganizing your space with what needs to stay.
Use dividers and containers to keep items separated and categorized.
16. Prep Your Calendar
Preparing your calendar helps you stay organized and manage your time effectively.
Like your family life, your calendar will remind you of important meetings and due dates and not let things fall by the wayside.
Use digital calendar tools like Google Calendar or Asana to share and sync calendars across teams and coworkers, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
17. Delegate Tasks
Delegating tasks can save time and allow you to focus on more important responsibilities. Things can bog you down, and you can freeze when your plate is too full.
Learn to delegate effectively by identifying tasks that can be assigned to others and trusting your team to complete them and keep you in the loop.
This not only saves you time but also allows other coworkers to grow and develop their skills.
18. Use White Noise Instead Of Music
One of my downfalls is getting caught up in my music and singing more than I’m working.
If you don’t like the sounds of silence and random outside noise, using white noise instead of music can improve focus and concentration on your tasks.
White noise can help keep your brain’s auditory centers focused, assisting with memory formation and cognitive functions.
Use white noise machines, apps, or online generators to create a focused workspace.
19. Skip Unnecessary Meetings
Unnecessary meetings can significantly affect productivity, and I hate when I lose track of where I am on a task and need to get back into the zone.
Explore alternatives like meeting-free days and using communication tools like Slack to send messages rather than have meetings.
This will result in saving time and improve overall team efficiency.
20. Make An Email System
Developing an email management system is a big time saver that keeps you from getting stuck down the rabbit hole.
Effective email management can help you streamline your workflow and focus on more important tasks.
Unless something is an emergency, finish what you’re working on and answer emails later!
Allocate specific times to check emails, set up labels and folders, and create templates for common responses.
21. Batch Similar Tasks
Batching similar tasks together can help you work more efficiently and get more done.
By using the strategy to group similar tasks that are related, you can reduce context switching and maintain focus on a specific type of task.
For instance, you could batch all your email responses and do them at a specific time rather than sporadically throughout the day.
Similarly, if you have several reports to write, it could be more efficient to do them all in one go.
This way, you stay in the ‘zone’ for that specific type of work, allowing you to complete it more efficiently and effectively.
FAQs
Can I learn time management?
Yes, time management can be learned through practice, organization, and discipline.
It’s hard work worth doing to get your life in shape, and it’s a life skill you can use every day and teach your kids.
Incorporate the strategies and my tips above into your daily routines and watch your time management skills improve.
What skills are important for time management?
Important time management skills include:
- Prioritization
- Goal-setting
- Planning
- Focus
It takes time to develop these skills, but they’re part of everyday life, not just saving time!
How can I save time?
Establishing routines, maintaining organization, and leveraging technology to streamline tasks can help you save time.
By implementing the strategies mentioned in this blog post, you can save valuable time and focus on more important tasks or activities.
Remember, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. Use steps that suit your life and adjust as you go.
How do I get my kids involved in time management?
Encourage your kids to participate in time management by:
- Setting routines
- Teaching them organizational skills
- Getting them involved in creating their own schedule
- Having them clean up and manage their activities
- Providing support as they learn to prioritize tasks and manage their time
This will not only help them save time but also develop essential life skills. This is stuff I needed in school, college, and my career besides motherhood!
How do I get better about being late to things?
Some people are just perpetually late, while others struggle to get their families out the door on time. It’s okay; we can fix that little by little!
Improve punctuality by planning ahead, setting reminders, and prioritizing tasks. Estimates time to get ready and get to places, and then add 20 minutes.
Allocate specific periods for events and tasks that require punctuality and work around it to get you or your family ready and get there on time- if not early!
By implementing these few tips, you can become more punctual and avoid the stress of being late.
How can I use technology to help manage my time?
In today’s digital age, technology can be a lifesaver for busy moms trying to juggle family life and work.
Take advantage of technology to help manage your time, such as using apps for timers, checklists, and planners and automating tasks for increased efficiency.
Here are some ways you can harness the power of technology to manage your time effectively and save precious minutes:
- Digital Calendars: Use digital calendars like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar to schedule and track all your family’s activities.
- Task Management Apps: Apps like Asana, Trello, or Todoist allow you to create to-do lists, assign tasks, and set deadlines.
- Meal Planning and Grocery Apps: Use meal planning and grocery shopping with apps like Mealime or Instacart to create shopping lists and have groceries delivered.
- Online Banking and Bill Pay: Save time on financial tasks by setting up online banking and automatic bill pay. This not only saves time but also ensures you never miss a payment.
- Home Automation: Smart home devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa can automate tasks like setting reminders, playing music, or controlling your home’s lighting/temperature.
My Thoughts
So, there you have it, super moms! Saving time could be more than a fever dream for your family and work life.
With these 21 strategies and time-saving tips, you’re all set to redefine your family and work life.
Embrace these tactics, and you’ll not only witness your productivity skyrocket but also find a harmonious work-life balance that seemed elusive before.
Remember, every minute saved is a minute earned for something you love. So, get started, and let the transformation begin!
Get instant access to our entire digital library of printable planners, tools, & monthly resources to help simplify and organize your entire life!
