Before the world shut down due to COVID-19, I had a normal routine in place with my husband that worked for both of us. This routine allowed us to have kid-free periods throughout the day. I got the alone time I needed and would recharge doing whatever I desired. We all deserve that, right mamas? That all quickly changed though and I had to rediscover how to make time for me, myself, and I during a global pandemic.
It took me a while to develop some sort of “plan” if that’s even the right term for it.
It looks different every day but we adjust accordingly and it works. I had to do something because I was quickly getting lost in the tons of dishes, laundry, and other household chores that never end with being a family of five stuck at home. I’m still able to accomplish my goals even if that said goal is to do absolutely nothing that day.
Here are the productivity hacks I’ve picked up during this pandemic.
Wake Up Earlier
I was not willing to wake up early as a new mom. Or as a mom of two or three for that matter – that was crazy talk. I didn’t get enough sleep already. Now I am finally in a position where I can stomach getting up earlier than the kids. Don’t get me wrong, I still barely sleep, but I can handle it a lot better these days. I know that doesn’t make much sense, but it’s true. The peace and relief early rising gives me is truly life-changing. Starting my day alone without immediate demands from mom life helps tremendously. I wake up, prepare for the day ahead, and start on tasks uninterrupted… a mother’s dream.
The Pomodoro Technique
This is a fancy term that basically means to work in multiple time slots. Experts describe it as a time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have rather than against it. It’s suggested that you break down your workday in 25-minute chunks separated by 5-minute breaks. Then you start to give yourself longer breaks as you progress, 15 minutes here… 30 minutes there. I make this technique work with my crazy mom schedule, which means while my daughters are eating, I start working. If my daughters are playing independently, I will complete a project. So basically it’s the Pomodoro Technique with a mom twist. Whenever I see a window of opportunity, I hop on it. This method has worked great for me. I don’t get alone time, but I am being productive in the time allotted.
Work in Your Car
I know this may sound weird, but hear me out. There is something about escaping to your garage and sitting in your car that works. It blocks out all the noise. Sometimes you can’t wake up early. Or you don’t have random time slots to work with throughout the day, but maybe you do have an hour and that’s it. Getting to your favorite coffee shop takes up most of your time anyway, right? This is when just going to your car is a lifesaver. It really works!
We are all trying to find our groove again and figure out how to keep trucking along. This is how I continue to flourish on my own terms. Right now, I feel motivated and inspired. Tomorrow may be a different story. Remember, do what works best for you and your family. That’s all that matters. I am rooting for you to just survive because that is enough. You are doing amazing despite what you do or do not do doing this pandemic.
