Time Saving Tips to Survive the Holidays and Beyond
We mommies, have more than enough to do in a day. Wake the kids, make lunches, breakfast, out the door, work, homework, laundry, dinner, baths, bedtime routines, and much more. Then add the holidays with family obligations, gift shopping, decorating, parties, and the list goes on.
Feeling overwhelmed yet? You don't have to. Below are 7 tips to help you maximize your time and enjoy it.
1. Make a List - Ok, pretty basic, but writing down all you have to do will insure a smooth plan and less stress.
2. Prioritize - Be honest. Not every task has to get done first. What important things must be done? Put those at the top of your list.
3. Eliminate - The items towards the bottom or your list can wait, for now or forever. If a task doesn't contribute to your immediate goal or purpose - get rid of it. If you really must remember it for the future; then create a master list.
4. Delegate - No matter what age your children are they can contribute. Younger kids can clear or set the table, pick up their toys, even make their own beds. Older kids can, do dishes, a load or two of laundry or help the younger kids with homework. You don't have to do it all; so don't.
5. Say NO - You are not Wonder Woman or Super Mom. It is ok to say no. No, to that party, no to helping with that school social. You can say no this time and go or help next time.
6. Simplify - Decide what's really important. Do you really need to put out all of the decorations? Do you really need to host a big dinner party? Does everyone you know really need to receive a gift? Do you really need to back all those goodies? If something is important, trim it back a bit.
7. Make time for you - what do you enjoy? Take time to rejuvenate. Put the kids to bed a half hour early and take a bath. Hire a babysitter for a few hours and go to a movie. You deserve it. And so do your loved ones. Make time for what you enjoy. And always remember, "If momma ain't happy; ain't nobody happy."
Spend a week applying each tip for one day. See how much more relaxed and peaceful life is. Your kids will enjoy the less stressful environment as well. Let me know what tip was most helpful. It is time to enjoy life and not just live in it.
Feeling overwhelmed yet? You don't have to. Below are 7 tips to help you maximize your time and enjoy it.
1. Make a List - Ok, pretty basic, but writing down all you have to do will insure a smooth plan and less stress.
2. Prioritize - Be honest. Not every task has to get done first. What important things must be done? Put those at the top of your list.
3. Eliminate - The items towards the bottom or your list can wait, for now or forever. If a task doesn't contribute to your immediate goal or purpose - get rid of it. If you really must remember it for the future; then create a master list.
4. Delegate - No matter what age your children are they can contribute. Younger kids can clear or set the table, pick up their toys, even make their own beds. Older kids can, do dishes, a load or two of laundry or help the younger kids with homework. You don't have to do it all; so don't.
5. Say NO - You are not Wonder Woman or Super Mom. It is ok to say no. No, to that party, no to helping with that school social. You can say no this time and go or help next time.
6. Simplify - Decide what's really important. Do you really need to put out all of the decorations? Do you really need to host a big dinner party? Does everyone you know really need to receive a gift? Do you really need to back all those goodies? If something is important, trim it back a bit.
7. Make time for you - what do you enjoy? Take time to rejuvenate. Put the kids to bed a half hour early and take a bath. Hire a babysitter for a few hours and go to a movie. You deserve it. And so do your loved ones. Make time for what you enjoy. And always remember, "If momma ain't happy; ain't nobody happy."
Spend a week applying each tip for one day. See how much more relaxed and peaceful life is. Your kids will enjoy the less stressful environment as well. Let me know what tip was most helpful. It is time to enjoy life and not just live in it.