The Busy Woman’s Survival Guide: 5 Proven Habits to Boost Energy, Focus, and Joy
DAILY HABITS TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY
Are you busy? I know that juggling family life, work, and personal responsibilities can be completely overwhelming at times. I mean, who hasn't felt like they're drowning in a sea of to-do lists, school runs, and endless laundry?
But what if I told you that incorporating just a few simple habits into your daily routine could make a massive difference to your productivity and overall wellbeing?
Now, I know what you're thinking. "Habits? Ugh, I can barely remember to pick up the kids from school on time, let alone add a whole new routine to my day." But trust me, these habits are game-changers. And the best part? You can start with just one and gradually build up to the rest. No need to feel overwhelmed or guilty about not being able to do it all at once.
Just before we get into this post, I have to tell you about the Mom's Total Wellness Bundle. It's a collection of over 50 tools to help you and it's FREE for a limited time! Check it out here:
Alright, now let's explore these five simple habits that'll help you stay focused, energised, and on top of your game. 🙌
Habit 1: Morning Planning and Goal Setting
First things first, let's talk about morning planning and goal setting. Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "But I'm not a morning person!" Don't worry, I'm not asking you to become a morning lark or anything drastic like that. Just set aside 10-15 minutes each day to plan out your day.
To be honest, I think the best time to plan your day is the night before. That way, you can wake up and not have to think about what you should be doing, it's already done for you!
Write down your top priorities, and allocate specific time slots for each task. This habit will help you set clear, achievable goals and make the most of your time.
And, let's be real, it's not just about getting stuff done. It's about feeling in control and confident about your day. When you take a few minutes to plan, you're setting yourself up for success. 🙌
Must-haves: A daily planner like this one ⤵️
Bonus Tip: Take a few minutes to review your schedule for the week ahead. Look for any potential clashes or areas where you might need some extra support. This will help you plan ahead and avoid last-minute stress.
Habit 2: Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Next up, let's talk about mindfulness or meditation. And if you're thinking, "But I don't have time to sit around cross-legged on a mountain top, chanting 'om' all day." Don't worry, I'm not asking you to become a yogi or anything like that. Just take 5-10 minutes each morning to clear your mind and relax before you drive headlong into your day.
I like to read my Bible, pray and just sit in quiet for a few minutes in gratitude. But you can do what works for you. You can use a guided meditation app, or try deep breathing exercises and simple stretching. Building this habit will improve your focus, productivity, and overall mental health.
And, let's be real, it's not just about feeling calm and centred (although that's a pretty amazing benefit). It's about being more present and focused in your daily life. When you take a few minutes to meditate, you're setting yourself up to tackle challenges with clarity and confidence. Because when you feel mentally strong, obstacles don't seem as big.
Must-haves: Affirmation cards or Bible verse cards like the ones included in our monthly stationery club.
A Bible Study Sheet and set of Bible Verse Cards inside our monthly stationery club.
Habit 3: Establish a Consistent Work Routine
This one's a biggie, especially for those of us who work from home or have flexible schedules. It's easy to get sucked into the trap of "just checking my emails real quick" or "just doing one more load of laundry." But, let's be real, those tiny tasks can quickly add up and derail your entire day.
So, set up a dedicated workspace, and clearly define your work hours to avoid burnout. Try the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This will help you stay focused and energised throughout the day.
Even if you're a stay at home parent, work can mean tasks related to projects that you're working on. Having dedicated time in your week when you're proactively moving projects forward is a game-changer!
Must-haves: A timer and a weekly planner to block out your dedicated work periods.
A Daily Planner page and Weekly Overview inside our monthly stationery club.
Bonus Tip: Set clear boundaries with family and friends to protect your work hours and avoid distractions. Communicate your needs and expectations clearly to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Habit 4: Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Next up, let's talk about staying hydrated and nourished. Now, if you're thinking, "I don't have time to cook a gourmet meal!" Don't worry, you don't need to become a master chef or anything. Just make a few simple changes to your daily routine to prioritise your health and wellbeing.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carrying around a large water bottle will help you to increase your water intake.
Choosing healthy snacks like nuts and fruits instead of crisps and cookies is an easy swap that you can do the next time you go grocery shopping. Having healthier options in the house and removing the unhealthy ones can have a bigger compound effect on your health than you realise!
And if you can, consider preparing meals in advance or doubling up quantities of casseroles and other home-cooked meals to save time.
Must-haves: A reusable water bottle. Meal planners like the weekly and monthly meal planners included in our monthly stationery club.
A Weekly and Monthly Meal Planner inside our monthly stationery club.
Habit 5: End-of-Day Reflection and Planning
Finally, let's talk about end-of-day reflection and planning. This one's a biggie, especially for those of us who tend to go, go, go all day long without stopping to reflect on what we've actually accomplished.
Take a few minutes each evening to review what you've accomplished, celebrate your achievements, plan for the next day, and practice gratitude. Write down your top three priorities, note what went well and what didn't, and reflect on what you're thankful for.
Must-haves: Use a journal like our Estella Journal.
Bonus Tip: Use a "Lessons Learned" section in your reflection journal to identify what didn't go as planned and how you can improve next time. This will help you refine your systems and processes, leading to greater efficiency and productivity.
So, there you have it – five simple habits to boost your productivity and wellbeing as a busy mum. Remember, the key to success lies in consistency. Start with one habit and gradually build each one into your daily routine. Don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or two – simply get back on track and celebrate your small wins.
By building these habits into your daily routine, you'll be amazed at how much more productive, focused, and energised you'll feel. So, which habit will you start with today?