9 Ways to Find Time For It All

When it comes to finding time to plug everything in, it can seem overwhelming. Using these simple but extremely effective tips and tricks, you can put your time and energy into both getting those "have tos" done AND spending your time and energy where you truly want to be. 

1)    Schedule time for loved ones.

Block out 30 minutes or an hour of your day for focused, one-on-one time with family members, either once a month or week, depending on what you feel will be most helpful. If you make time for appointments to see the doctor and schedule time for friends, don’t let the most important relationships in your life be left to chance – schedule a time to spend quality time with those you love most. I am going to throw out that dates with your spouse should also be held to the same importance – even if you are “only” planning a night in while the kids are in bed, write it down and make a plan. (My kids love when I announce that it’s time to play games with just one of them or take one out for a treat. I usually don’t tell the younger kids, as they get time during the day, and if it’s a trip out, dad is home with the others. Just keeping a child up for 20 extra minutes one night to play a game one-on-one is magical and special.)

2)    Use fun ways to get through the chores you dislike the most.

 Listen to a book on tape or play a favorite movie in the background while pushing through the worst chores. I really do not like cleaning bathrooms with my children awake, so I started getting up before them once a week to clean those without extra “help”. I race myself and can clean all my bathrooms in lightning fast speed while listening to scriptures or an audio book. (Don’t worry; my children also are learning how to clean a bathroom – just not every week when they are 3.)

3)    Set a timer

If the kindergartener needs to be picked up and that chops up your day, race yourself and the time and see how much you can get done before that time comes. If you got started later, choose to get done the most important things before the kids come home from school. If no one is coming home before dark, set a timer and race the clock. 

4)    When you look at your list, choose to focus on “like” tasks at one time.

For example: if it’s time to clean, don’t let yourself be sidetracked by paperwork on the desk or the latest magazine that came in the mail yesterday. Ignore the errands you could always run or even the salesmen that come to the door and focus on the task at hand. If you have things come to your mind that you need to get to, write them down. Keep a pad of paper on the desk or in your pocket. I usually will have my phone with me and I can quickly type them in there. Do not schedule a time for them – just write them down to deal with later.

5)    Things do not have to be perfect to be done. 

      Sometimes we need to get things done quickly. Spending the same amount of time every week as you would for deep cleaning would be silly and unnecessary. Sometimes children want to help, sometimes you have a time crunch, and sometimes you just cannot stand the thought of cleaning or budgeting or running errands. Do it and then walk away and let it be. Cross it off your list and let it be off your brain.

      6) Push through. 

      For four years while I was developing my current routines and systems and during which I was having babies and dealing with postpartum depression and a move, I didn't take a day off. If cleaning day came up, I pushed through. I did not do the entire list that I would like to, but I still made sure we would have clean clothes, that the floors and bathrooms and kitchen were cleaned and tidy. Come errand day I would truly look at things and decide how much really needed to be done for chaos not to ensue. If I really needed to fill my car with gas or return things at the store, I did it. Was this easy? No. But I learned how to push through when I didn't "feel like it", what to reward myself with and that I was stronger than I thought I was. 

      7)  Have a stopping point.

There is always more to do. When I set up my focuses for each day of the week, those are what I work on until my stopping point. Often I have set my stopping point @ 11am when cleaning day or desk day come up. Every day I make a new deal with myself about when I’m done and then keep my promise to myself. Of course there is plenty more to do – spend time with children, meals, outside commitments, homework with children, reading to them, etc. But having a set time to end the focus of the day gives me peace of mind to walk away from the first part and continue on with a clear conscience.

8)    Be ready the night before and use your children to help.

If you have a plan for the next day, you can prepare before you head to bed. Make sure the house is picked up enough so you can do a quick vacuum job or dust off those problem places. My young children start making messes with their toys the second they jump out of bed so I try to vacuum as early as I can – they help pick up the messes they have already made or they know those toys are gone until they earn them back. Getting them involved in the night before and the day of helps teach them and let them know that this is a family job to keep the house clean.

9)    Celebrate your achievement.

Give yourself a pat on the back and set aside a moment for you. Every day. Even if you only have 15 minutes, read a book, play the piano, sit outside in the sunshine, whip up something delicious in the kitchen, give yourself a Pinterest break, roll on the ground with your kids – do something that gives you joy and readjusts your attitude about all the things left on your plate. Set a timer, enjoy your time and then get back to the things that need your attention.