Moms have it hard. It’s often said that being apparent is the hardest job out there, and working from home only adds to the everyday struggles. But if you’re determined to work from home and manage your home life neatly, then you just need a few tools, tips and tricks to help you stay organized and ahead of the curve. Here are 24 working from home tips for busy moms to help make working from home a smoother experience.
Get organized
As a mom, staying both organized and productive is key to a successful work-at-home job. To get started, make a daily to-do list and prioritize tasks to help you stay on track. Take a few minutes each day to plan and focus on the task at hand.
Reduce distractions
It’s easy to get off track when home life and work-life are combined. Stay away from the TV, social media and emails when working and take frequent (but short) breaks to stay task-focused.
Set a schedule
Set a start and end time for the workday and stick to it. Block out the hours for work and make sure your family is aware and conscious of what times you can and can’t be disturbed.
Take a break
When working from home, it’s important to take regular breaks to walk away from the computer and take a breath. Have your coffee break away from the computer while reading a book or magazine, or take a 10-minute break to do a yoga session.
Develop a routine
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you can’t create a daily routine. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day to get into a routine. Have a morning routine that involves activities that you find energizing and calming.
Create a workspace
Prioritize having a space of your own that is dedicated to work. Have a desk and well-lit room with minimal distractions.
Break up your workload
Break down big projects into smaller tasks to make them easier to tackle. Take breaks between each task and then reward yourself for each job completed.
Focus on self-care
Make sure you commit time to take care of yourself. Treat yourself to a massage or spa day to help relax after a long day.
Connect with support
Don’t forget to stay connected with family and friends for emotional and psychological support. Check in with others and let them know about your progress. Having fellow work-at-home moms to connect with is particularly helpful.
Get dressed
There is something about getting dressed that makes you feel like you are ready for work. This helps to get out of the mindset of being at home and laterally shifts your brain into work mode.
Avoid multitasking
It’s easy to want to do all the tasks at once when working from home. But, it’s important to stay focused and concentrate on one task at a time.
Exercise
It’s easy to stay cooped up at home and not get the necessary exercise. Make sure to take time to exercise, whether it’s a morning walk, joining a yoga class or doing a dance class with friends.
Set boundaries
Set boundaries for yourself and for others. Respect the work hours you set for yourself and make sure your family respects that as well.
Take advantage of technology
Invest in a quality high-speed internet connection and TELCO or cable modem so you can stay connected to colleagues and clients. Make use of available software, applications and services to help you stay organized and connected.
Share your thoughts
If you haven’t already, set up a blog or website to share your thoughts and experiences with the world.
Separate your office
It’s important to have a dedicated office space to keep separate from your family and home life. This will help you to stay creative and productive when you work.
Delegate where possible
When there is a lot of work, delegate tasks to your family and friends or hire a virtual assistant to help with the day-to-day tasks.
Analyze time management
Track your time and analyze your workload to help you understand where distractions come from and how to avoid them.
Use a project management tool
Consider using a project management tool to keep an eye on tasks, events and deadlines. Use a tool that works with your personality and workflow.
Reward yourself
Shower yourself with rewards after completing tasks to motivate yourself and stay focused.
Connect with clients
Making a good impression on clients is key to any business. Use the power of video conferencing, emails and phone to stay connected with clients.
Take an online course
Invest in yourself by taking an online course to further your skills and network with peers.
Take days off
Sometimes it can be tempting to work without any breaks. Just as you need to work hard, make sure you’re taking enough breaks to recharge and come back refreshed.
Have fun
Don’t forget to have fun. Work from home can be a stressful job, so try to have fun and enjoy the time that you have for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Working from home as a mom is a challenging journey. But, if you follow the 24 tips outlined above, you will be able to navigate the process of becoming a successful work-at-home mom. From getting organized to taking days off, to investing in a good internet connection and project management tools, these tips should help give you the confidence and motivation to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I create a routine when working from home?
Yes. To stay productive, create a daily routine that includes tasks you need to complete, as well as activities that you find energizing and calming.
What tools are available to help me work from home?
Consider investing in a high-speed internet connection, quality TELCO or cable modem, project management tool, and online courses.
What should I do if I start to feel overwhelmed?
Take a break. Step away from the computer and take a few minutes to take a deep breath and refocus. Make sure to take days off if needed.
