I have always been a person who likes to be organized and know exactly what time everything is going to take place during the day. I will admit, sometimes it is a little over the top (my fiance has told me many times to relax because I should let some things go and go with the flow) but for me, planning like this helps me visualize the day. You do not have to stick to a very timely and precise schedule everyday, but having an outline is good to have so you can more easily accomplish what you need to get done. Now that I am a mom, I’m sure all the other moms out there know too, that you are scrambling for more time, almost all the time! It is sometimes near impossible to set a solid schedule so I find that having a routine works really well. Even if you are not a mom, I think having a routine you can follow during the week just makes everything less stressful and makes you feel more productive. These are just some of my ideas that I try to implement during the week and I really think they help me stay on track! I am not perfect and sometimes I just let it all go, but this way I at least know what I have to accomplish!
1. Get up earlier! Even just 30 minutes!
For me this is really about picking a set time that I get up every morning. I usually strive for between 6:30-7am. Even if this is just so I can get up and brush my teeth before everyone or enjoy a cup of coffee in silence. Seriously, being a mom now, even just getting to brush my teeth and wash my face in the morning by myself makes all the difference to me. I feel so much better and it is a great start to my day. Sometimes Joey is already up but if I can manage to just squeeze in a quick bathroom session it makes me so happy!
2. Make a to-do list everyday but star 3 things
This is seriously something that I think everyone should do! I think we all know that sometimes we plan but our plans do not end up going how we thought they would. I like to write my to-do list the night before, right after I put Joey down for the night. I come into our bedroom, sit on our bed and just brainstorm. Now, the most important part, STAR just 3 things. Yes, you heard me right. It is okay if not everything gets done. I know this is hard at times, believe me when I say it is hard for me because I like to just knock everything off the list. However, sometimes we have to take a step back and slow down. If you have a baby this really allows you to not sweat it and enjoy those memorable moments. I rather be playing with Joey than doing the dishes any day but this is why I pick just 3 things I MUST get down and the rest I don’t beat myself up about. I do however make it a point to hold myself accountable to those 3 things. Getting them done during the day makes me feel productive and put together.
3. Set a routine for days (when you do laundry, when you cook, clean, etc..)
This is so huge! Guys, this will save you the most time I promise. What I mean by this, is take the bigger house chores, pick a day (or 2 if you know you need to do it multiple times because once won’t be enough) of the week and hold yourself accountable to accomplishing it every time. For me it looks something like this:
Friday:
- Joe, Joey’s and my laundry
- wash and change sheets
- wash and change bathroom towels
(Yes this does mean that I am doing like 5 loads of washing and drying but for me it makes more sense to get it all done in one day then to do single loads multiple times a week. Also, by knowing that I have Fridays set aside to do laundry I do not let it get to my head when I see the basket starting to get full on Wednesday. I just tell myself it will get done because I already set aside time to do it!)
Saturday
- clean bathroom
- vacuum and overall clean
Sunday
- grocery shop
- meal prep
(Joe sometimes works Saturdays so getting all of this done on a day that he works would be really hard with our little man. By allowing ourselves those two days to get it done we don’t stress about it but we still know that we must accomplish these things during that time. If I know Joe is working that week it allows me to plan accordingly. Again, it is all about just getting into a good routine and not stressing yourself out!)
4. Plan/cook your meals ahead of time
So spending time in the kitchen, at least for me, is something I want to limit as much as possible. Do not get me wrong I enjoy cooking but I do not like to have to stand in the kitchen for breakfast, lunch, dinner, every single day. I simply just do not have the time. I find that what works best for me is prepping my meals ahead of time. I usually prepare my breakfast and lunch. For dinner, Joe and I figure out together what we will eat everyday but we both agree that having at least those two meals ready ahead of time is such a time saver. If you are not one who likes to meal prep that is okay too. What you can do instead is write out your meals and plan a grocery list accordingly. This way when the day comes you know exactly what you’re making and already have the proper ingredients since you already went to the store! This goes back to picking a day you do major chores because seriously not having to go to the grocery store the same day saves SO much time!
5. Have something you look forward to during the week
For me this a lot of time means some kind of alone time but not always. This can vary but it can be something like getting my nails done, going to the store, having a friend come over, etc.. By planning ahead and knowing that for example on Tuesday you get run out and get your nails done, it gives you something to be excited about. For me, it just puts me in a good mood and I know that even though I have to get other things done, I will have some free time to just enjoy myself. You can also plan a date night or dinner with family. These are just some ideas but allowing time for yourself during the week is very important. It allows you to relax and just destress for a little while!
Comment down below if you try any of these helpful tips and what you think of them! I hope everyone has a great upcoming week!
-With love, Kasia
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