Organize Your Life with these Best Life-Changing Tips for Busy Moms

Organizing your life can seem like a daunting task, particularly for busy Moms.  I want to help you organize your life.  So, in this post for my Best Mom Best Life blog, I want to offer some tips and routines that I use to help reduce the chaos and streamline daily living, leading to a happier, healthier, and more organized lifestyle.

Here are some of the life-changing tips and routines that I use to organize my life.  Try them for yourself!

1. Declutter Your Home

Let’s be honest, the disorganization, clutter, and overall mess where we live, and work is a reflection of our disorganized, cluttered life and mindset.  So, the first step is to declutter your home and workspace.  The less clutter in your surroundings, the easier it is to navigate through daily tasks.  Consider eliminating unnecessary items and implementing an organizational system.

When I started my journey to change my mindset to a more positive one, I understood right away that I must clean and declutter my home vigorously and routinely.  As I did this, it became so much easier to focus and breathe…. the walls no longer felt like they were closing in on me.  Teach your children to keep their rooms clean and organized.  You can’t organize your life if you are constantly running around and cleaning up after your children.  Those of us who have children understand this very well.

2. Use a Planner

An important step to organize your life includes planning your day ahead of time.  Before retiring to bed, take some time to plan the next day’s activities.  Create a to-do list and have a clear grasp of what requires immediate attention.

To help you get started, I have created a Daily Planner with a to-do list, a gratitude section, and areas for ideas, goals, motivation, and notes.  You can download a digital version to print over and over as needed by clicking here.

 

3. Establish Routines

A routine is a set of habits, behaviors, or activities that we perform regularly in a specific sequence or order.  Establishing a routine can be beneficial for your productivity, time management, and overall well-being.  Routines add structure to your day and make your days more predictable and productive.  In my opinion, the most important routine to have is a morning routine.  Start your day in the right way and the rest of the day usually follow suit.  If this is your first time creating a routine, take it slow and start by doing only the most useful tasks and tasks that match your mood.  You can always add more to your routine later.

If you would like more information about my morning routine, click on this link for my blog post about morning routines. I have also created a morning routine checklist that you can tailor to your needs. You can download it for free by clicking here.

 

4. Journaling

Journaling or keeping a diary is a powerful and therapeutic practice that involves writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a dedicated journal.  It is a personal and introspective activity that can bring numerous benefits to your well-being and personal growth.  Journaling is something that not everyone does, especially busy moms.  But I believe busy moms are some of the people who need to do it most!  Trying to organize your life while dealing with the up & down emotions of children, kids having trouble at school, cooking, cleaning, etc. can be stressful.  Journaling is a great way to reduce that built-up stress.

Here’s an overview of what journaling is and why it can be so impactful:

Express Yourself

Journaling provides a safe space where you can express yourself freely and without judgment.  It allows you to pour out your thoughts, emotions, and ideas onto paper, granting you a sense of release and self-reflection.

Self-Discovery

Through journaling, you can uncover and explore your innermost thoughts, desires, and fears.  It helps you gain clarity about your values, dreams, and goals, promoting self-awareness and self-discovery.

Emotional Outlet

When you’re feeling overwhelmed or burdened by emotions, journaling can serve as a cathartic release.  By putting your feelings into words, you provide yourself with an emotional outlet, allowing for emotional processing and healing.

Reflection and Insight

Journaling encourages reflection on past events, experiences, and interactions.  It gives you space to evaluate situations, learn from them, and gain valuable insights into yourself and your behaviors.  This self-reflection can lead to personal growth and development.

Problem-Solving

Writing down your challenges and concerns in a journal can help you work through them more effectively.  As you articulate the problem, you may find new perspectives, solutions, or creative ideas.  Journaling enables you to brainstorm options and develop action plans.

Stress Relief

The act of journaling itself can be relaxing and calming.  It provides an opportunity to detach from daily stressors and focus on your own inner world.  Engaging in regular journaling sessions can be an effective stress management technique, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.

Track Progress and Gratitude

Journaling allows you to track your progress, achievements, and personal growth over time.  By looking back at your entries, you can observe patterns, milestones, and successes.  Additionally, expressing gratitude in your journal can cultivate a positive mindset and appreciation for the present moment.

Enhanced Creativity

Writing in a journal encourages creativity and self-expression.  It provides a blank canvas where you can freely explore your imagination, write poetry, sketch, or doodle.  Journaling can be a wonderful outlet for honing your creative skills and fostering inspiration.

Now that we know what journaling is and why it is important, the hard part for many people is just getting started and making it a habit.  On the positive side, you don’t have to do it every day, but the more you do it, the more helpful it will be.  At a minimum, take time once a week to write down your thoughts, emotions, troubles, and accomplishments in a journal.  Regardless of how often you journal, as you start to organize your life, be sure to schedule a time every day or week.  Believe in yourself, take the first step, and stick with it.

Getting Started

1. Find a journal or notebook that resonates with you.
2. Set aside dedicated time for journaling, whether it’s daily, weekly, or as needed.
3. Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus and reflect without distractions.
4. Write freely and honestly, without worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
5. Explore different journaling techniques like free-writing, prompts, or specific themes, and find what works best for you.
6. Over time, establish a routine and make journaling a habit to integrate it into your daily life.

Remember, journaling is a deeply personal practice, and there are no rules or expectations.  Allow yourself the freedom to express and explore your thoughts and emotions in a way that feels most authentic and meaningful to you.

5. Wake Up Earlier

“I just want to sleep!  My 3-year-old woke me up three times last night!”  I hear you.  I understand.  As a mom of 4 children under the age of 12, I feel like I haven’t had a good night of sleep for a decade.  But when I wake up early, I have time to get my journaling done, work on my blog, read a book, etc.

But why should I wake up early?  If you read any “tips for success” that the super wealthy individuals share, one of the tips they always share is to wake up early and get your work done before everyone else has their first cup of coffee.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  First, studies have shown that your brain is more creative and active in the morning.  Second, it is easier to focus and concentrate without being disturbed or interrupted by others.

I know this can be hard especially if you are not the proverbial “morning person”, but it can be done.  You need to turn off the TV and your phone and to go bed earlier in order to wake up earlier.  Maybe start by picking only a few days of the week to wake up early until it becomes a habit.  Try waking up 30 minutes earlier than your normal time until it becomes a habit.  Then set your alarm for 15 or 30 minutes earlier than that until it becomes a habit.  Repeat as necessary.  I know this can be challenging, especially for moms with babies or small children.  Give it a try, do what is best for you, and don’t stress out about this.

6. Make Your Bed

Pretty much everyone remembers their mom and/or dad telling us to “Go make your bed!”  While it might seem mundane and trivial, it’s a very important step to start your day and improve your productivity and mood.  Making your bed regularly can bring a sense of order and calmness to your space.  While it is a small task in your journey to organize your life, it can make a big difference in starting your day off right and creating a welcoming environment in your bedroom.  T o gain more insight into the importance of making your bed, check out this book (affiliate).

 

 

7. Practice gratitude.

Gratitude is an essential aspect of living a happy and fulfilling life.  Practicing gratitude can lead to numerous benefits, including improved relationships, greater happiness, and even better physical health.  Taking time to appreciate the people, things, and experiences in our lives can help us focus on the positive and create a more meaningful and rewarding life.

Need help getting started?  I created a gratitude journal for beginners with prompts to guide you.  You can find it on Amazon by clicking on this link.

 

 

8. Take Care of Yourself

As you work to organize your life, be sure to include activities to take care of yourself.  Taking care of yourself is essential for your overall well-being and happiness.  Here are some key aspects of self-care that you can incorporate into your daily routine:

Physical Well-Being

• Prioritize regular exercise, at least 3-5 days a week.  Engage in activities that you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, or practicing yoga.
• Eat a balanced diet.  Nourish your body with nutritious foods and stay hydrated.  Focus on organic and healthy food.
• Get enough rest.  Aim for quality sleep and establish a consistent sleep schedule.
• Practice good hygiene.  Maintain personal hygiene habits like showering, brushing your teeth, and caring for your skin.

Emotional Well-being

• Acknowledge and process your emotions.  A llow yourself to experience and express your feelings without judgment.
• Listen to music.
• Read self-help books.
• Practice self-compassion.  Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and empathy.
• Engage in activities that bring you joy.  Pursue hobbies, interests, and activities that make you feel fulfilled and happy.
• Spend time with loved ones.  Build and nurture healthy relationships with family, friends, and supportive individuals.
• Seek support.  Reach out to a trusted friend or professional if you need assistance navigating challenging emotions or situations.

Environmental Well-Being

• Spend time outside.  Breathe in fresh, clean air and enjoy the sun.
• Clean your home (living space).
• Redesign or rearrange your living space.
• Decorate your home with new, meaningful items.

Mental Well-Being

• Practice mindfulness and meditation.  Dedicate time to calm your mind, focus on the present moment, and reduce stress.
• Take breaks.  Incorporate regular breaks in your schedule to relax, recharge, and clear your mind.
• Learn and grow.  Engage in activities that stimulate your mind, such as reading, learning new skills, or pursuing creative outlets.
• Set realistic goals.  Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps to foster a sense of accomplishment.
• Limit exposure to negative influences.  Minimize exposure to negative news, social media toxicity, or unhealthy relationships that may negatively impact your mental well-being.

Social Well-Being

• Foster positive relationships.  Surround yourself with people who support and uplift you, and maintain healthy boundaries.
• Engage in social activities.  Participate in social events, join clubs or organizations, or volunteer within your community.
• Seek connection.  Regularly connect and communicate with loved ones, whether in-person, virtually, or through a phone call or video chat.

Relaxation & Recreation

• Engage in activities that help you unwind and relax, such as taking baths, reading, journaling, or practicing hobbies.
• Enjoy moments of solitude.  Spend quality time alone to reflect, recharge, and engage in self-reflection.
• Plan enjoyable outings or experiences.  Schedule time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s visiting a museum, going for a hike, or watching a movie.

Spiritual Well-Being

• Pray every day.
• Practice yoga.
• Meditate.
• Practice gratitude.

Financial Well-Being

• Save.  Create savings accounts and start putting in money, even if it is in small amounts.
• Create and keep a family budget.  For more information about family budgets, check my post “Best Tips for a Family Budget” by clicking on this link.
• Plan ahead.  If you know you will have large expenses in the future, start saving now to cover the upcoming expenses.

Remember, self-care, like organizing your life, is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and attention.  It’s important to listen to your body and mind, identify your needs, and prioritize taking care of yourself.  By nurturing your well-being, you can live a more fulfilling and balanced life.

9. Plan Your Meals

Another way to organize your life is to plan out a week of meals ahead of time.  This will save you time and money.  You will no longer stress out about what to cook for dinner.  You will no longer wander around the grocery store wondering what groceries you need.

As you plan your meals, I highly recommend homemade meals using organic, all-natural ingredients.  As the saying goes, “You are what you eat!”

Need help planning your meals?  I created a Weekly Meal Planner which you can download for free by clicking here.

 

10. Prioritize Your Time

Prioritizing time is one of the critical components to success, productivity, and ultimately, a balanced life.  We all have only 24 hours each day.  So, by devoting adequate attention and focus on essential tasks while eliminating procrastination and distraction, we can create openness to new opportunities and experiences.  Here are some tips for effectively prioritizing your time:

Identify Your Priorities

Knowing what’s most important to you helps to allocate time effectively.  Make a list of priority tasks based on deadlines and importance guides for efficient time management.

Develop a Schedule

Design your schedule around priority activities such as work or family obligations.  A schedule helps to establish habits and routines, making it easier to stay on track.

Create a To-Do-List

Break down goals into smaller, actionable steps that match your scheduling needs.

Mindful Work Strategies

Be intentional when planning when and where to work.  For example, setting specific times to handle email can prevent distractions from more pressing tasks.

Avoid Procrastination

Tackle difficult tasks first and avoid transferring them to the next day.  Positive mental effects will be enjoyed and reduce stress levels.

Know When To Say “No”

It’s important to recognize overcommitting oneself as it reduces productivity.  Say ‘no’ when necessary and communicate customarily.

11. Simplify And Organize Your Goals

The best way to organize your life is by setting and organizing your goals.

Setting goals is essential to achieving success in any area of life, whether it be personal or professional.  However, simply setting goals is not enough.  In order to truly achieve your desired outcomes, you must simplify and organize your goals.

Simplifying your goals means breaking them down into smaller, more manageable objectives.  When you have a large goal, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to achieve.  By simplifying it into smaller pieces, it becomes easier to tackle and therefore easier to achieve.  For example, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds, break it down into smaller goals such as losing 5 pounds per month.  This simplification allows you to focus on one step at a time and track your progress as you go.

Organizing your goals means categorizing them into specific areas of your life.  This helps you prioritize what is most important to you and ensures that you are not neglecting any key areas.  For example, you may have goals related to your career, relationships, health, and personal development.  Organizing your goals in these categories enables you to create a balanced plan for achieving your overall objectives.

Summary

Even though they might be superheroes, busy moms are like everyone else…they too occasionally need some life-changing tips to help navigate their everyday lives successfully.  Implementing these tips into your daily routine can help you organize your life, reduce stress, and optimize productivity.  Start small, celebrate progress, and be flexible along the way.  And remember, an organized life is within reach!