Smart Time Management for Busy Moms Part (2)

6. Coordinate Your Errands

Do your errands when the stores are the least busy. You will be amazed at
how many essentials you can take care of at 9:30am and at 9:30pm. Banks and
post offices all have slower days than others, too.

Avoid shopping on the busiest days and the busiest times and your errands
will speed along much faster and you will not be so frustrated.

Group tasks by type and location. This means you need to have your list of
errands.

Determine where you can do each. In addition, go to the area where the most
tasks can be done. Or go to the do-it-all-giant-super-mega store where you
can do grocery shopping, house wares shopping, get glasses, take pictures,
and enjoy your dinner. You will save valuable time.

7. Accumulate Free Time

We usually think things will pass along faster than they actually do. Leave
free time in your day for when life is unpredictable. Also, leave small wedges
of time between appointments in case of traffic or other unknowns. If there
is no emergency, then you can relax, read, make calls, listen to the radio,
or sip some coffee or tea.

8. Refuse the Last Minute Madness

Always plan ahead for what you will need. Planning ahead does eat up some
time, but not nearly as much as not planning at all. Living your life by accident
leads to more of the same.

Live with purpose and intention and get more done. You will gain a sense of
control when you can quickly lay your hands on what you need and know ahead
of time that you have everything you need.

Create a launch pad area where you keep your to do list, returns & receipts,
directions, and anything else you will need for your day. Kids need these for
backpacks and school items. Make grocery lists so you do not have to stop and
think on the spot and avoid impulse buying.

9. Spell it any way you Like N-O Spells NO!

Four-year-olds can say it, so why can’t we? Stop saying yes to every club,
PTA, and acquaintance that asks you to do something. There are still only 24
hours in your day. Make yourself a priority and say NO to someone today! Give
back to yourself for a change. A good rule is never say yes immediately unless
you really feel you want to do it. You can always call back and say yes later.

When you do not say NO you end up overscheduling and this makes everyone a
little nuts. Keep this in mind for children as well. Too many activities may
be more entertaining, but it certainly comes with the cost of stress. Even
if you are raising the next whiz kid, every child needs time to do homework,
go to school, sleep, eat, and have free time to engage in creative play and
thinking without be overbooked.

10. Delegate that Authority.

As soon as your children are old enough, teach them how to take care of
organizing, cleaning, and other household maintenance. Teach your spouse as
well. This will blend harmony into the fabric of your lives.