As much as I love the summer sometimes I feel like it’s one of the busiest times of the year. In recent weeks I have found myself caught between 900 pool parties, baptisms and other commitments in the midst of managing the blog and working from home. {And let’s not forget that my son is not in pre-school during the summer months and I need to entertainment him 99% of the day and my 22 month-old daughter is at just, well, at a really F-U-N age.}
So as super busy moms, here are my top three tips for staying sane and striking some sort of balance among the chaos called summertime:
1. Make Daily To-Do Lists: Time management is the secret to maintaining some sanity and I am such a list girl. I swear by them. I actually handwrite and prioritize what I need to do on each given day. The key to implementing the list effectively is whatever does not get done by the end of the day is the FIRST thing to be placed on the new list for the next day. I prioritize tasks from everything related to work, home, the blog as well as personal commitments. It takes me roughly ten minutes to create the list each day (which I recommend drafting the night before so you anticipate the next day’s activities and schedule) and it’s the most organized, productive and well spent ten minutes I make each day. It keeps me organized, on target and sane.
2. Learn to Say No: I have such a Type-A personality so I have struggled with this but ever since the birth of my second child I truly have learned the power of “no.” There just isn’t enough time to commit to everything without feeling stressed out so it IS totally ok not to attend that invitation to a pool party or summer BBQ. It’s ok to delegate some tasks out to others and not take on so much yourself. It’s ok not to cook one evening if you are tired – I can’t tell you how much easier my evening is with the kids when I don’t have to cook. Order out or eat out with the family and give yourself a break.
3. Take a Time Out: Every mom needs some time alone without having to worry about a sippy cup falling out of the purse {unless it looks like this} or a diaper needing to be changed. I have said from day one on this blog that I’m a better mother when I have time to regroup and re-energize. So be sure to grab some “me” time and put yourself back on the list because you certainly deserve it.
And if all else fails? Drink some red wine – it’s guaranteed to keep you sane, one beautiful glass at a time.
Oh yeah!!!! Red wine helps EVERY TIME!!!!!
if there was ever anything that would push me to take a drink just for the hell of it, that thing would be motherhood. but since i don’t drink, i plan. that tip to spend minutes a day planning is such a good one. i try to do this every day and i keep a notebook by my bed, because often i remember stuff i need to do right as i’m falling asleep, and if i don’t write it down, i can’t sleep.
Most excellent advice:)
Agreed, I’ve met some amazing folks through blogging, online games, forums I’ve been part of, and those I’ve created too. Although I haven’t had the honor to meet them all in person, the connections formed with many of them are just as real as the ones I’ve made with people met in real life.
The beauty of online communication is that you can interact with more people from a variety of locations than you could every possibly hope to do in the real world.
Ok, I posted this under the wrong article, I meant to put it under Real Connections with Bloggers.
Lists are my sanity saver….that, and a nice big glass of red wine!
Post it notes, lists, and wine! That is all you need 😉
Great post!! As a Gramme I completely agree!!
Saying no is so hard for me, but I am getting better. Thanks for the reminder!
I felt totally defeated by daily planning at first. I just wasn’t good at it. But then I realized that it’s actually a discipline you have to learn, practice, and sometimes force yourself to do before you get the hang of it (if you’re totally NOT a Type A personality).
I haven’t figured out the key to saying “no” yet, but I think it’s tied into the mommy-time issue. I think I need to either say “no” more so I can have mommy-time or not feel guilty asking…no, demanding some mommy-time–which usually ends up being an implied “no”. You can’t be in a bubble bath and entertain your in-laws or cook for the church dinner at the same time.
I think I need to start making to-do lists. I’m always forgetting things that need to be done!
And I’m glad you liked Gigi’s party! Yes, I took all the pics myself. It’s just all trial & error on the photography with me because I’ve never taken a class… I just practice on Gianna a lot & read photography blogs! It helps
I am all for the red wine:) Some days the only thing between me and insanity is that to-do list.
I’m a HUGE list maker as well. It’s pretty much my favorite thing in the world to do. I love the satisfaction of crossing something off the list!
My husband and I are both teachers, so we spend ten months of the year making a “we’ll-do-it-next-summer” list…and by the time summer comes, we’re overwhelmed by everything we want to accomplish!
Your tips are a great reminder; thanks!
P.S. I just found you through Adventures in Mommywood, and I am now a follower!
Thank you and Cheers to a nice glass of Red Wine!
I do love a glass of wine myself! I am all about trying to keep my sanity. I write about my journey on my blog, come visit!
Smart and useful tips as always, especially the red wine. Now it’s summer and since I’m in Britain, it’s a long tall Pimm’s cocktail that sets me up. Have you tried it? It’s sheer pleasure in a glass. Plus you can pack it with fruit slices and convince yourself you’re eating your requisite five a day 😉