How To Be a Productive Mum and Get Things Done!

Once upon a time, before you had kids, you would wake up at a time that suited you, shower peacefully (sometimes you'd even shampoo twice!), maybe apply some lotion, get ready and go about your day. Then you'd come home, to an already spotless house, no crumbs on the floor or toys to trip over, no Legos that leave you hopping on one leg and cursing in pain, none at all. You'd slip into your warm fluffy slippers and enjoy a cup of tea while watching your TV that; at that time was free from tiny handprint marks and your remote still had the battery cap securely clipped in. Ah that was the life.

Then of course you wake up from this blissful memory and are thrown back into your current reality that is kids, clutter and noise. Not that that's a bad thing of course! But I do know how you feel.

Your life may be hectic right now, but believe me it's temporary. You may be feeling like you have a mountain load of things to do and tasks that get postponed to the next day and next day and next day until it feels like you'll never get it done. I too have had those days, more than I care to admit, there have been days when I'd have an unexpected visitor and while they're casually walking up to my front door I run around closing doors to rooms that should never be seen and turning my house into the fake, presentable 'I've got it together' kinda house and praying my guests don't get curious or lost and end up opening the doors to the hell I've hidden behind them. But slowly I learnt how to get it somewhat under control. 

Here are a few tips to manage your tasks as a new mother or simply a mother that is struggling to get stuff done.

1. Start your day on a positive note. 

Your morning makes your day. If I had a bad morning then instead of the loving, patient mother I quickly turn into the Hulk half way through breakfast and if I have a good morning I'm less likely to turn into a Hulk and more likely to mop stains and find my child's shoes multiple times all with a smile.
So how do you start your day right? Wake up a little earlier than your kids. Even if it's 10 minutes, wash your face and brush your hair. Simply by doing that you've already done something that gives you a sense of accomplishment.

2. Write a list of tasks.

On a pad close by write a list of no more than 5 tasks to complete within the day, don't generalise the tasks; make them very specific (Instead of 'Tidy bedroom' put 'Make the bed' or 'Put clothes away') that way you can quickly tick off the task and feel motivated to finish them all. This way you will get much more done than before. Don't feel discouraged if you couldn't get everything done. At least you know you've done something, even if it's a small task.

3. Have a Power Hour.

It doesn't even have to be an hour, have a Power Half-hour or even a 10 Minute Tidy Up. Set the timer, write your tasks for that session and GO! Challenge yourself to get as much done off your list before the timer is done! This works especially well before you pick up the kids or while your food is cooking or if you're not particularly tired that day then during your kids' nap.

4. Invest in a pressure Cooker.

My pressure cooker is a life saver, I add my ingredients in, set the program, close the lid and it cooks my food, switches off and keeps it warm all on its own. I can switch it on and leave the house knowing that when I get back my meal is ready and warm. It cooks everything from soups to stews, meats and fish and even pasta and rice. Honestly I don't know what I'd do without it. Sometimes I even switch it on and either have a nap, shower or have a quick power hour.

Get yours here https://amzn.to/2PaeScC, pick the size that suits you and have it on your kitchen counter by tomorrow.

5. Don't compare!

It's very easy to look at a friend's house or watch online vloggers and compare yourself to them. You don't know what's happening behind closed doors and believe me everyone has a bad day. Just because they don't show it, it doesn't mean they always have it together. Your life is your own and no two people are the same. No two families are the same. No two homes are the same. Be proud of your accomplishments and keep going.

6. Ask for help.

There's no shame in asking for help, it took me absolutely forever to realise this. Ask someone to hold your baby while you shower, when a friend says "Do you need anything?" It's easy to say "No", but it's even better to give in to their request and assign them a task. Something that you've been putting off or is getting too much to handle. Friends and family are a support group for you.

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