Looking for the trick to staying productive and organized while working from home? I just took on a part time job in addition to my full time role as blogger and Mama. I’m doing well in my third week of a new life and want to share how I’ve survived! Here is this work at home mom’s secret to survival: time blocking.
As if I wasn’t already telling the blogworld how busy I am, I’ve added more to my plate. I accepted a part time job with a PR/Marketing Agency a few weeks ago! I’m THRILLED about my new gig, but obviously a little overwhelmed at the thought of wearing another hat.
A few friends suggested I try Time Blocking as a way to organize my day, as well as plan out the week ahead of me. It’s been three weeks since I started Time Blocking and let me tell you something: it’s a life saver.
What is time blocking?
Time blocking is a type of scheduling that can help you manage your time better. Instead of casually working off a to-do list, and makes you stick to one task at a time. There are no opportunities for distractions if you follow your planned schedule. That schedule has everything in it for your entire day, including meals, work tasks and personal time.
If you want FREE WEEKLY AND DAILY TIME BLOCK PLANNING SHEETS, sign up for my mailing list!
How do you start ?
The best way to start Time Blocking is to record everything you do in a day for a few consecutive days. Try to write down your activities within the time blocks themselves – you don’t have to be extremely detailed. I used my Time Blocking Worksheet to record my day. In order to better manage your time, you must first discover where precious hours are either being wasted or underutilized.
If you want FREE WEEKLY AND DAILY TIME BLOCK PLANNING SHEETS, sign up for my mailing list!
A few things I learned from writing down my day: I’m so disorganized. I don’t dedicate time during the day to clean (which is a must), to check social media, and to answer emails. Instead, I clean/check social media/and answer emails ALL DAY LONG.
My routine
The amazing part about this is you dedicate your time to just ONE task, which as a result helps you complete tasks more efficiently. Here are some tips for a successful “time blocked” day.
- Turn your phone on silent, place it upside down, plug it into the charger when working.
- Shut down iMessage and email on your laptop.
- Include family/personal time when planning out your day – then you won’t feel guilty for shutting everyone and everything out.
- If you have to schedule a shower, then schedule a shower.
- Make time for household chores – dedicate 15 minutes to tidying up a room, 10 minutes for laundry, etc.
- Be flexible – if you must move around blocks, then so be it.
Read more about my Work at Home Mom Struggles
In conclusion, I can’t live without my time blocking worksheets. There is no other way to avoid becoming run-down, disorganized, and manic as a work at home Mom. My planner is still essential for mapping out the month ahead, but the daily and weekly worksheets are a MUST have!
This is a technique successful peers of mine have shared with me and your correct “it works!”.
Time blocking is very important! I’m not a mom but I am working at home right now and it’s important to manage your time and block it off accordingly so you don’t get distracted throughout the day. Xx.
I’m not a mom but this is how I like to plan my day as well! It really helps me stay on track. Love that printable planner!
xx Mollie
oooh this sounds like a great way to stay organized! Some days are easier for me than others and this would definitely help.
xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com/blog
I’ve tried timeblocking before and it definitely has helped when juggling a lot of projects!
I need to be better about using this technique. There will be plenty of times I’m working on a task and next thing you know hours would have passed leaving me no time to address other things! This would be so helpful! xoxo, Sarah
Yes! It totally helps! It forces you into a routine too which I think helps you accomplish much more.
Time blocking really helps. I have both girls home and on the days that we follow a schedule I am most productive.
Xx, Nailil
thirtyminusone.com
Time-blocking is a total game-changer, if you ask me. I started practicing it at the beginning of the year, and definitely noticed a major difference in my productivity. I’ve been getting so much more done. This is such a helpful guide!
Oh that printable is going to be SO helpful. Thanks girl!
have heard such great things about time blocking but haven’t given it a try yet. You have convinced me that I need to. Thanks for sharing this lady!
xo Laura Leigh
http://louellareese.com
Time blocking is a total game changer! It helps me be way more productive!