When you begin to work from home, it probably seems like you are going to be able to work any time you want. It might seem like a wonderful luxury to be able to sleep a bit longer and to start work in your bathrobe. It is very nice indeed to not be tied down to a bosses schedule or to have to decide things based upon what a boss says you can and can not do. Its also nice to be able to get work done in advance and take a few days off of work without having to worry about whether or not anyone is going to miss you at the office.
However, finding time to get your work done can actually end up being something of a hassle. Suddenly, when you start to work from home, there are things that need to be done at home and you find yourself needing to do them. There are errands to be run that you never had time to do before you started to work from home and there are things that you are trying to get finished that you think you can put work aside in order to do. You might find that its hard to find the time to work from home, because suddenly there is a lot more to do than you thought there was.
A good thing to do is to set a schedule for yourself and for your work day. Yes, its nice to be able to work at home and therefore to not have to do any work when you don not want to. However, we do need a schedule and a routine to make sure that we are getting everything done that needs to be done in our lives. In order to make sure that you are getting your work done, a schedule is something that is going to benefit you. You can still choose when you want to work, just make sure that you pick a big enough amount of time to get your daily work done, and then make that time of each day your actual work time.
Unplug the phone and try not to surf the web also, turn off the television and actually be at work. Even if you are in the comfort of your own home if you can do something that makes it feel like you are at work you are going to see that you are benefiting from being at work and able to get your work done. This is something that is very important because if you don not have a set time to do your work each day, there is a chance that you are not going to get your work done and that working from home will end up being less profitable than it could be.
Do you feel like your daily life is a battlezone? In fact, for some work at home moms, life is plain crazy. You have tried hard, but it seems that things are never get done. Do you feel that when you do something, it is never good enough? If you feel this way, stop and take stock of your life. Your kids do not deserve a stress out mom. Perhaps you are moving too fast. We all do as we have to juggle a few responsibilities such as work, family, children, husband, frieds and so on. Unfortunately this is how a work at home moms' life is like, and to keep us on top of things, we need to stay organized.
Here are some timesaving tips to help you get, and stay, organized.
1. Use a day planner. Do not think that the thick planners are only for CEOs of big companies. You do not really need those huge, cumbersome looking planners. Look for something which suits your needs. You can even make one yourself. Your planner will help you effectively lay out your day on paper, so you know where you are going and what you are doing. These days, planners come complete with money pouches, checkbook holders and computer disk carriers, so shopping around is definitely a good idea!
2. Use a family planner. Yes, buy another planner for your entire family. This way, everyone in the family knows what everyone else is up to and when. You can plan much better this way. Consider buying those dry-erase boards available in most office stores. Mom can put her important luncheons on there, dad can put his coaching meetings, and the kids can put their after-school events on it. Place it up in a convenient location, which might be the refrigerator or somewhere in a high-traffic area.
3. Learn to just say "no." It is a common perception that stay at home moms have plenty of free times on her hands. Since she does not tie to a day job, she is one who is free to run extra errands for everyone else. Well, if you find that you are obliging everyone else's requests, learn to be firm and say "NO" next time someone ask you to do something of little priority to you. Your friends and family may not like it, but they will get use to it.
4. Take time to enjoy yourself. This is absolutely crucial. Many moms often put her family in the first place and often neglect the most important person, herself. Time is no doubt a precious commondity, but even 10 minutes of "me" time can do wonders. What makes you the happiest? Going out to the movies? Indulging at the spa? Attending sports or shows? Take a minute to think of what you love to do most and then get out there and do it! Schedule some "me time" in that great new planner you have bought and treat it like an appointment with yourself! Although doing something such as gardening may sound like a bit of a chore, if you find it relaxing, pencil it in. Everything has a time of its own so make time for yourself.
5. Take time to do a good clean up. When was the last time you organized that junk drawer, or sorted through your fridge? Is it time to catch up? At the same time buy some new hooks and organize your purse and keys. When you walk in the door, they should be placed right there ready for next time. Chances are, you might be spending valuable time getting frustrated over missing items. Make sure everything is located easily with a place for everything. That way, you will know where to look next time. Perhaps invest in some organizers. They sure are worth while when you find your life just that much more organized. Sure beats searching around for hours to find your keys!
6. Establish a good routine. Keep writing in your planner daily and keep scheduling time for yourself. Throw in the occasional "no." and get into a good routine. Stick with your new routine and you will find you will be happier and with much less stress.
You can be efficient as well as relaxed as a work at home mom. Life really does not have to be a mess and stressful. Take a few steps to ensure that it is not and you will have time for the things that really matter to you most. You will have all the time you want for family, friends, work and more, and best of all, you will be sane. The number one benefit to being better organized is being sane!
Both Obinna Heche & Audrey Lynn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.