Time Management As A Mom

8 Great Tips to Tackle Time Management As A Mom

As a working mom, time management is a challenge. Between work, kids, and other responsibilities, it's easy to feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. But putting your time together is essential if you want to succeed at everything you do. Working mothers are among the busiest people on the globe. Juggling a career, family, and personal life can be exhausting, so it's important to manage your time as efficiently as possible. One of the most crucial abilities for everyone with a busy schedule is time management. Read our eight tips that will help you manage your time as a working mom better than ever before.   1. Plan your day the night before Making plans for the next day is a terrific way to start the day off well. Many working moms find that keeping a to-do list is helpful, but it's easy to get behind if you don't plan the next day in advance as well. You'll keep on track if you set aside some time each day to think back on what you've accomplished and what needs to get done the next day. If you need some help staying organized, there are plenty of great apps available.  There are plenty of daily planners out there that can help you organize your day. There are online calendars as well, like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar. These calendars can be shared with other people so that you can all stay on the same page as far as scheduling is concerned. These are great for keeping track of your family's schedule and any appointments they may have.   2. Set small daily goals It's simple to go into a rut where you are merely going through the motions when you feel overburdened by all that needs to be done. Setting daily goals is one strategy to combat this. Sure, you may not be able to knock everything off your to-do list each day, but setting goals will help keep you motivated. If you set attainable goals each day, you'll be able to cross off a couple of items on your list each day, no matter how big or small they are.  This can help you feel like you're making progress, even if you are falling behind in some areas. Setting goals for yourself can help you identify your priorities, and it can also help you get more done during the day. You can use a journal to write down your goals, or you could keep them somewhere on your computer or laptop for easy reference. You could also use a productivity app to help keep track of your daily goals.   3. Don't stay chained to your desk The majority of working moms spend their days chained to the office. At the same time, it's important to stay productive while at work, and it's crucial to take time to decompress as well. To avoid being tethered to your desk all day, every day, make sure to set aside time for your family and yourself. You'll be more productive as a result and prevent burnout. If you have a family, make sure to carve out time for them as well.  Whether this means taking your kids to sports practice or making dinner more often, try to make family time a priority. Make sure to take some time for yourself, too. Whether it's going to the gym, reading a book, or taking a yoga class, make sure that you're getting the relaxation and self-care time that you need. You may even want to consider hiring a virtual assistant to help you with day-to-day tasks that aren't essential for your job or for your family. This can free up some of your time, so you have more to spend on the things that matter to you.   4. Establish working rituals We all have our habits and rituals, but as a working mom, it's even more important to have working rituals that help you stay productive and on track. For example, you might want to start every day with a 15-minute meditation or a healthy breakfast. Or perhaps you want to write out a to-do list each morning to keep you organized and on track. Working rituals can also be helpful for your kids, especially if you work from home.  Having rituals in place can help them feel more comfortable, secure, and in control of their day. They might gain a better understanding of how their day runs as a result. To help them remember their daily commitments and appointments, you can show them how to create their own to-do lists and use an online calendar.   5. Enjoy the little moments Working moms may find themselves feeling like they don't have time to enjoy life any longer, but that's not true. In fact, it's even more important to enjoy the little moments now than it was before you became a mom. That doesn't mean you should let work slide, and it doesn't mean you should let your family fall by the wayside, but it does mean that you should make time for yourself as well as for your family.  This means taking time to enjoy things like reading a book, watching a movie, eating your favorite meal, going on a walk, or visiting with friends. Taking time to enjoy the little moments in life is important because it helps you slow down and appreciate the things you may be missing. It can also help you realize that you do have the time to enjoy the things in life that matter.   6. Make time for yourself and for your family While it's important to make time for yourself, it's also important to make time for your family as well. This can mean carving out time to spend with your kids each day, taking them on outings, or simply having a family game night. It can also mean spending time with your partner.  Make sure to set aside time each week to catch up with the person you love. Making time for your family can help you feel more balanced and less stressed overall. It can also help your kids feel more connected to you and your partner.   7. Use technology to your advantage Many working moms use technology to keep themselves on track and organized. This can include using an online calendar to keep track of your family's schedule, using an online to-do list app, or using an online collaboration tool for work.  Technology can be an incredible tool and can make managing your time much easier. It's important, however, to recognize when technology is actually getting in the way of your productivity and time management skills. For example, if you realize that you constantly find yourself on social media or falling down the rabbit hole of browsing websites, you may want to consider blocking these sites.   8. Take care of yourself physically and mentally Everyone should take care of their physical and mental health, but working moms should take extra care. This entails ensuring that you receive adequate rest and exercise, maintain a good diet, and schedule downtime for yourself. To keep yourself relaxed and energized, make sure you get enough sleep each night—at least seven hours.  Exercise can help keep you energized and help you stay calm. It's important to make sure you're eating healthy, too. Try to avoid eating heavily processed foods and junk food. These types of foods are full of sugar, preservatives, and other chemicals that can leave you feeling tired and sluggish.  Additionally, they might make it harder for you to sleep at night. Relaxing and unwinding can help you stay calm and collected, which will help you better handle stressful situations and make better decisions.   Conclusion When you're a working mom, time management is a challenge. Between work, kids, and other responsibilities, it's easy to feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. But putting your time together is essential if you want to succeed at everything you do. One of the busiest groups of individuals on the earth is working moms.  Juggling a career, family, and personal life can be exhausting, so it's important to manage your time as efficiently as possible. One of the most crucial abilities for everyone with a busy schedule is time management. Visit Womenwire.com to learn more about tips that will help you manage your time as a working mom better.
Tips For Busy Moms

8 Tips For Busy Moms To Make Life Easier

Being a mom comes with its fair share of challenges, but that doesn't mean it cannot be fun. A mom's life is so much more than just being able to change diapers and feed babies. It's a journey that comes with its own kind of ups and downs, happy moments, and heartbreaking ones. Being a mom means taking care of your child on almost every level. This can feel tough at times, but if you find the right balance between work, family, friends, and other activities, things can be easier. Any busy mom myself knows how challenging this role can sometimes be, but luckily there are some simple tricks to make things easier for you!   1. Don't feel bad about taking time for yourself A mom's guilt is often brought on by the feeling that they should be doing more, but it's essential to remember to take time for yourself. This can be anything from a relaxing bath, going out with friends, or taking time to read a book. You want to be there for your child at all times as a mother, but you can't if you aren't taking care of yourself. Making sure you take time for yourself will help you remain calm and patient when dealing with your child. It will also help you be a better mom by being more mentally and physically healthy.  So before you feel guilty about not spending as much time with your child as other moms do or feel like you should be "helping more" around the house, remember that you are worthy of taking time for yourself as well.   2. Track your child's development milestones As your child grows and develops, it can be a great idea to track their progress. This will help you recognize potential issues and any potential problem areas. If you have other children, keeping track of their developmental milestones can also be a good idea. You will be able to track where they are in their growth process more easily as a result. Identify any potential issues, and determine what areas they may need extra help with.  The developmental milestones of your child can be followed using a variety of applications and websites. You can also use a simple notebook to track them. Avoid getting caught up in comparing your child to others and instead focus on your child's unique development.   3. Let your child choose what they want to eat Forcing your child to eat certain foods or clean their plate can cause them to develop a negative relationship with food. This can make it much harder for kids to maintain a healthy diet when they get older. Instead, try letting your child decide what they want to eat. If there are certain foods you want them to eat, use positive reinforcement rather than punishment. This will help you maintain control over what your child eats without making them feel forced or ashamed of their choices. Letting your child choose what they want to eat also teaches them to respect their own bodies and their own needs, which will help them develop a positive relationship with food.   4. Find activities you and your child can enjoy together Activities like reading, playing board games, going to the park, visiting museums, etc., are great ways to spend time with your child. You can do this to assist your child in growing and developing into their own person while getting to know them better. It will also help you spend more time with your child and make them feel loved. This is especially important if you have a child who is growing up faster than expected. Discovering activities that you and your child can both enjoy together can help you slow down the process.   5. Create a family mealtime ritual Family mealtime can be a great way for you to bond with your child. It will also help you learn about what is going on in your child's life and make them feel loved and appreciated. You can adapt this ritual depending on your family's needs. This might be as basic as eating supper together every day or once a week. It can also be eating a specific type of food on certain days. Whatever ritual you decide on, make sure it has meaning for you and your child.   6. Have a "no shame, no blame" policy with your child Your youngster will make mistakes as they mature and start to comprehend their surroundings. They will also make choices you may not agree with and say things you don't like. This is normal as every child develops at their own pace and in their own way. Instead of shaming or blaming your child when they make a mistake or do something you don't like, use a "no shame, no blame" policy.  For example: "I know you didn't mean to break the plate. You're really excited about your new toy!" "I don't like the words you used. You're a kid, and you make mistakes." This will not only help you avoid shaming or blaming your child, but it can also help you avoid being too hard on them when they make mistakes.   7. Don't feel guilty about hiring help when you need it As a busy mom, you may want to do everything for your child, but this is not always possible. There are times when you will need to hire help, whether it's a nanny, a babysitter, or a housekeeper. This is not something you should feel guilty about. This is something you have to do in order to take care of yourself and your child.  As a mom, it's important to take care of yourself, so you can take care of your child. Working long hours, not taking time for yourself, and trying to do everything yourself can cause you to burn out.   8. Don't underestimate the power of a good night's sleep As a mom, it's easy to put your family first and your own needs last. Sleep is one of the most beneficial ways to recharge your batteries and regain your energy levels. This will make you more patient and less irritable and allow you to deal better with any challenges that come your way. If you're feeling guilty because you "should" be sleeping but your child is awake, try to get them to fall back to sleep as soon as possible.  If you can't, don't punish yourself by staying up late to "make up" for lost sleep. Instead, create a bedtime routine that ends long before your child goes to sleep. This way, you'll make sure you get some much-needed sleep, and you can start the next day fresh and energized.   Conclusion A mom's life is challenging and often chaotic, to say the least. But it also brings a unique joy that many other jobs and lifestyles can't replicate. It takes a special kind of person to be a mom, but it's also a rewarding and wonderful job. You will have more time than you could have ever imagined if you are good at managing your time. With this extra time, you may do what you enjoy and spend more time with your loved ones. Visit Womenwire.com for more tips and advice about motherhood and the lovely little two-legged challenges that come with it!
ww Hacks for Working Women

Healthy Cooking Hacks for Working Women to Save More Time

  Women are breaking new ground in the workplace every day, but balancing an ambitious career with home life remains a challenge. Many women find that the demands of work and family leave little time to prep healthy meals. Fortunately, there are ways to increase efficiency in your kitchen and find time for nutritious food. Working women must strike a balance between their professional and personal lives, which can be challenging. It can be difficult to manage everything that needs to be done in a day—and that's before you factor in home life!  Cooking can feel like one of the things you have the least amount of time for. However, with some expert advice on how to get more out of your time in the kitchen, eating well doesn't have to take up more of your time – just some creative thinking!   Plan and prep One of the first things to do if you want to eat better, healthier meals is to plan. Finding time to plan is tough, but it's an important step to streamlining the cooking process. You could even want to adopt the habit of planning your meals for the entire week, as many working women do. If you have a child in the house who needs feeding, you may have to adapt this process to suit their specific needs.  Planning meals also gives you a chance to do some prepping that can save you time and money in the long run. Try to make large quantities of food to freeze and eat later or to take with you if you're eating on the go. This is especially helpful for breakfast and lunch, two meals that can be difficult to prep for.   Set up a meal rotation A meal rotation is a great way to plan your meals and use up ingredients while also saving time and money. This is enormously beneficial if you have a child who has special dietary needs or if you have a sensitivity to eating the same foods every week. A meal rotation, like a sales cycle, is a sequence of marketing efforts and actions designed to get a specific product to the right customer at the right time. It's also a great way to reduce food waste, as you can plan to use up ingredients before they go bad.  A meal rotation is helpful if you have a child who needs to eat certain foods at specific times or if you are sensitive to consuming the same foods each week. This will not only help you plan your meals and use up ingredients but also save time and money.   Buy in bulk A lot of people don't think about bulk buying for things like spices or grains, but it can be a great way to save money and time. By buying in bulk, you also reduce your carbon footprint, so it's a win-win. Avoid buying in bulk if you don't have a way to store it properly. Make sure you have storage space for bulk purchases before you buy. Most grocery stores have bulk sections where you can buy things like spices, grains, and nuts. They're usually priced lower than the packaged options and are easy to scoop into small containers to store in your pantry. You can also purchase large quantities of food items directly from farms, either with a group of friends to reduce costs or in bulk at your local farmer's' market.   Cook double batches Cooking double batches of certain foods can save not only your time but also money. This is great for staples like rice, oatmeal, or beans. It takes a bit longer to cook in double batches, but it can save you time in the long run. Double batches are a great way to make sure you always have leftovers for lunch. You can also freeze half of it for later if you're worried about it going bad before you can eat it.  Meal prepping is a culture in itself. The internet is full of guides, tutorials, and communities that practice meal prep and prepare food for even up to a week at once. Even if you don't want to prep whole dishes at once, cooking large quantities of certain foods, like pasta or rice, can save you time and money. It may take a little bit longer to cook in larger batches, but it's worth it in the long run as you do it on one designated day to save you the time it would take to do it every day.   Utilize your crockpot A slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a great device to help you save time and money in the kitchen. You can make everything from soups to desserts and even use it as a warming tray for leftovers. It's a great investment for any working person with a busy schedule. If you're crunched for time, a slow cooker is a great option for making a meal. You can put almost anything in a slow cooker, throw a few spices on top, and hours later, you'll have a delicious and nutritious meal.   Eat leftovers Eating leftovers is a great way to make better use of your time and money in the kitchen. Cooking multiple servings at once, then using leftovers for meals throughout the week is a great way to save time and energy, especially if you have kids. You can eat leftovers cold or reheat them in the microwave or oven.    Rotate your cooking times If you have certain foods that take a long time to cook, like a roast or large chicken, consider cooking them on a different day. This way, you still have fresh food for your meals, and you can take advantage of off-peak hours for electricity. You can also split up the cooking times, with one person managing the oven, one doing the stovetop, and another person managing the microwave or slow cooker. The most effective way to rotate your cooking times is to set out a schedule based on your normal cooking process, This can include not only cooking stuff but everything from buying, cutting vegetables, taking inventory, and maintaining your kitchen.   Organize your fridge and pantry Sometimes the hardest part about cooking is knowing what you have on hand. If you're not careful, the contents of your fridge and pantry can become a cluttered mess. Take a few minutes each week to make sure your fridge and pantry are organized, and you'll find that cooking is much easier. This will help you make better use of your time and also reduce food waste.   Conclusion As women continue to make strides in the workplace, it's important that we also prioritize our personal lives. Achieving a healthy balance between our career and home life can be challenging, but there are ways to increase efficiency in your kitchen and find time for nutritious food. Planning your meals and buying in bulk are just a few ways you can streamline the cooking process. Visit Womenwire.com for more information, tips, and advice related to life hacks for working women!

Things To Consider Before You Plan Your Pregnancy

Once you start thinking of expanding your family, your thoughts naturally skip ahead in time to determine the needs of your junior. Most of your planning will focus on post-pregnancy and you completely forget about the present stage. Most women do not make alterations in their current habits before they plan their pregnancy. You must understand that a properly planned pregnancy is important for you and your future baby. Some of the important things that you must consider before you plan your pregnancy are listed below:   1. Visit a Preconception:   Get a preconception checkup from your doctor or midwife before you plan your pregnancy. Your doctor will review your family medical history, your present health, medications etc. There are several medicines that you should not consume during pregnancy. Your doctor will likely recommend you multivitamins, immunization injections and will also suggest you exercises which will keep you fit and healthy during the pregnancy. You will be asked for several medical tests to determine your immunity levels. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma have to be controlled before you consider getting pregnant.   2. Genetic Screening:   There are several inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis etc. which have to be screened before you consider pregnancy. If you or your partner have any of these diseases, there are 25 percent chances that it will be transferred to your child. Consult a genetic counselor who will be able to guide you properly so that these genetic diseases are not transferred to your baby. Genetic carrier screening requires either blood sample or saliva of you and your partner and in most cases, this test is covered under insurance policies.   3. Folic Acid Supplements:   Folic acid supplements are crucial even at the starting stage of pregnancy. Start taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of Folic acid supplements at least a month before you plan your pregnancy. Chances of neural tube defects are lowered as much as 50-70 percent if you take proper dosage of folic acid. As your pregnancy will advance, you may have to take a higher dosage of folic acid as per the suggestions of your doctor and regular blood tests. Even if you take multivitamin tablets, ensure that it contains 400 mcg of folic acid. Another important vitamin that you must watch for is vitamin A. Make sure that your multivitamin does not contain more than 770 mcg (unless it's in the form of beta-carotene) as excess vitamin A can cause birth defects.   4. Unhealthy Habits:   It's now time to stop smoking, consuming alcohol or any other drug. Smoking can lead to premature birth, miscarriage and low birth weight in babies. The usage of these drugs can also lower your fertility. Moderate drinking (i.e. one drink per day) is fine while you are trying to conceive but do not drink when you are pregnant as a small amount of alcohol can harm the baby inside your stomach. Talk to your counselor if you are unable to quit drinking. Your counselor may prescribe you some therapy or group programs that will help you in quitting these bad habits.   5. Weight:   Low or high Body Mass Index (BMI) is likely to cause complications while you try to get pregnant. Higher BMI will cause delivery issues and low BMI will increase the probability of underweight babies. Talk to your healthcare provider and start with the proper exercises at least one month before you plan your pregnancy. Create a fitness plan and follow it properly. Include normal exercises such as cycling, walking, and weight training (if required). You may also include meditation and yoga in your daily fitness program.   6. Healthy Food:   Although you are not eating for two (you and baby) yet but start making healthy choices when it comes to food. Include whole grains, calcium-rich foods such as milk or yogurt, and proteins (beans, seeds, nuts, soy products, poultry etc.) in your day-to-day diet. Also, include fresh fruits and vegetables in your health regime as they will help you in staying fit and will put a check on your weight.   7. Oral Health:   Do not overlook your oral health when you are considering getting pregnant. There will be several hormonal shifts during the pregnancy which will make you more susceptible to gum disease. Higher estrogen and progesterone levels can cause swelling or tender gums which may bleed when you brush. Hence, check with your dentist if you need any special care during the pregnancy.   Wrapping up:   Above guideline will definitely help you in planning your pregnancy. Remember that a healthy mother is a key to a healthy baby. Plan your pregnancy at least 1-2 months before so that even the minor issues get resolved.  

Superfoods For New Moms To Increase Breast Milk

As a new mom, you are in an entirely new domain as you are dealing with 2 bodies (yours and the baby) and you are also wracked with doubts. Am I producing enough milk & is my baby still hungry are some of the questions that will create a havoc in your mind. You must remember that lactation is vital and your breast milk contains all the essential nutrients that are important for the baby’s growth and immunity. Hence, a healthy lifestyle and balanced nutrition are important for new moms. In most of the cases, a woman makes enough breast milk but owing to modern lifestyle changes, less breast milk production is gaining dominance. There are certain superfoods which are known to increase breast milk supply. These are natural supplements does not have any side-effect (unless you are allergic). Some of the superfoods are listed below: 1. Barley: It is one of the most widely consumed cereal grain which is found in bread, beverages and various cuisines in every culture. It is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins & minerals which are required in day-to-day life. It contains beta-glucan which is a polysaccharide and is known to increase prolactin (breastfeeding hormone). Barley is also a component of beer and is still lactogenic. Hence a tall glass of Guinness may help in increasing the breast milk supply. Barley can be used in the form of flakes (in milk) and you can also add barley to soups, risotto, stew, salads etc. 2. Fennel: Fennel belongs to carrot family and is a flowering plant species. It has a rich aroma with licorice-flavored bulb and green fronds. Fennel has been used for the treatment of digestive problems and to increase breastmilk supply (galactagogue). You can use fennel as a vegetable, spice and in the form of fennel tea. The green part of fennel is used as a vegetable and the seed part is often used as a herb or spice. While consuming fennel you must not overdo as it may have side effects. It is also important to know that fennel is safe during breastfeeding but it can be dangerous during pregnancy. 3. Fenugreek: Fenugreek contains phytoestrogens which are known to increase breastmilk supply.  You may notice an increase in production within 1-2 days after you start consuming this magical herb. While consuming fenugreek, its dosage plays an important role. You can start with less than 3.5 gm per day and may slowly increase the amount until your urine and sweat smell like maple syrup. It's not always necessary that fenugreek consumption will increase the milk production. Many moms have reported no change in milk production even after consuming fenugreek for several weeks. 4. Oats: Oats have a second highest concentration of beta-glucan (after Barley) and are well-known breast milk enhancer in terms of quality and quantity. Although there is no scientific evidence on oatmeal as a milk producer, however, several lactation experts recommend an oatmeal for new moms. You can consume oats with milk or you can also prepare a cooked oatmeal with spices. Oats contain good amounts of iron and help in decreasing the cholesterol levels. 5. Brewer’s yeast: It contains high amounts of iron, protein, selenium and vitamin B. It is a nutritional supplement for breastfeeding moms, however, there have been few studies on brewer’s yeast as a lactogenic food. Brewer’s yeast has a bitter taste and it readily passes into the breast milk. You can use brewer’s yeast in baked goods such as pancakes etc. 6. Papaya: Papaya has been used as a galactagogue for centuries and is used in both raw and cooked form. Consumption of green papaya (unripe) boosts the production of oxytocin hormone which regulates the production of breast milk. Papaya is also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Pantothenic acid, Folate and several minerals. Hence adding papaya to your postnatal diet will surely help you in increasing the breast milk production. Wrapping up: There are several other foods such as garlic, apricots, asparagus, sesame seeds, anise seeds, coriander, red beets etc. which have a potential to increase breastmilk supply. However, consult a lactation specialist before consuming anything. It is also important to understand that you must not over consume the above superfoods because they may have side effects (including a decrease in milk production).