I have found that the key to a productive day at home with my kids means settling into a routine that fosters productivity. I am not talking about lists or schedules. I personally am not that kind of girl. I do believe that doing a few simple things each day, I am setting the stage for a day that is productive and fulfilling.
Aside from filling up on lots of coffee, here are a few things I do each day to get myself motivated and productive.
- Start the night before – A few things I do each night so that the next morning can start smoothly are to clean the kitchen, organize paperwork, homework, keys and purse at the door, and prepare snacks when necessary.
- Set my alarm – by at least setting my alarm, I am more than likely to have time to myself before my kids wake up to get showered, dressed and organized. That doesn’t always work out, as occasionally one of them wakes up with my alarm too, but it’s a good effort.
- Make the bed – this is one of my favorite quick, easy little tasks that starts each day off. Not only does it start off the day on the right foot by getting something done, but an unmade bed just looks so messy and a made bed makes a room appear instantly tidy to me.
- My timer – I’ve mentioned before my use of a timer for productivity around the house.
So, those are a few little things I do to keep myself motivated and productive. What works for you? I’d love to hear more motivating and productive ideas, so please jump into the comments and share!
This is a great post, Emily. I do all of the same exact things. It is amazing how those simple acts set the tone for the day. I’m with you, I don’t like to have lots of lists and schedules so I need routines like this to accomplish anything at all!
Great job!
Melissa
melissa @ the inspired rooms last blog post..Front Porches: A Fall Drive By
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I find the day goes a lot smoother if I get dressed before leaving my bedroom in the morning. If I leave mt room in my jammies then I have that standing in my way all day. The day just kinda takes off and I have a hard time getting back to it.
I also make the bed right away.
Ashley @ Wide Open Wallets last blog post..He’s here!
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When I really to be productive during the day, I will pick out my clothes the night before, write out my to do list, drink some coffee, and get a hearty breakfast right from the moment I wake up. If I linger or dawdle at all when I wake up, it seems to destroy my momentum for the day. Keep the momentum up!
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
Simple Sapiens last blog post..Hidden Addictions Part 1 – What Is A Hidden Addiction?
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I love your idea of using the timer. I use a timer for my kids all the time – I think it’s time to start using it on MYSELF!
TheRoadtoHobbitons last blog post..72 Ideas to Simplify My Life
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I do all of the above (although my dear husband usually makes the bed b/c I get up early to exercise).
I try to do a quick pick-up before bed and if I’m really feeling motivated, I plan my to-do’s and schedule the night before.
But the thing that slows me down the most in the morning is – you guessed it – the computer!!
Vintage Mommys last blog post..I’m Not Angry
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Before I get out of bed, I try to “visualize my day”..if there is something stressful going to happen, I try and visualize it going well…if it is going to be a fun day, I try and visualize that too. It isn’t exactly organization but it starts my day off in the right mind frame!
Jills last blog post..Falling for Fall!
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I was nodding my head the whole way through what you wrote…I do many of these things.
A cluttered house for me is a cluttered mind.
So as my Mum used to say keep kitchen clean,make the beds and sweep or vac and the house will appear perfect even if it is’nt
Wish it was Lacey?s last blog post..MY Universe as I know it.
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I’m a night owl so my mornings aren’t so productive. One of my goals is to start going to bed earlier – I think I’ll be able to as soon as my 7 mo old realizes it’s ok to go to sleep before midnight.
Alana @ Gray Matterss last blog post..WFMW: Fabric Magnets
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Hello Emily
I sooo believe in the made bed thing … MIC does not. As of next Wednesday I regain control of the house – Tuesday is my last day of full time work – and I send MIC out to renovate our rental house … I am so looking forward to getting my domestic bliss (?) going again – cheers and thanks for sharing – le
Le @ third on the rights last blog post..Land of the Long White Cloud – House Tour – NZ
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Making the bed also makes a room look instantly more presentable. Great tips!
Marsadies last blog post..How to Move On with a Poor Credit History
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Similar to your timer idea, I use the specific time it takes to make my morning pot of tea to clean the kitchen. It doesn’t sound like a lot of time, and it isn’t really. But that’s part of the mental appeal of the routine. I can put away dishes in the drain board, wash a couple of pans, dump the dishwasher, wipe down countertops, and generally neaten the place in the time it takes to boil water, preheat the pot, and brew the tea. I’ve been known to wipe down shelves in the fridge if there’s no other mess to clean up during that time.
I’m not a terribly productive person most of the time, but this is one of my better moments of most days.
Kate@Living the Frugal Lifes last blog post..Confession Time: What We Save For
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Great input everyone! Kate, I agree that it’s amazing what we can get done if we challenge ourselves to the “while the coffee is brewing, let’s see how productive I can be”. I too find myself doing those kinds of things, but I guess it wasn’t as conscious until you mentioned it because I never really thought about it before.
@Jill, love the visualization tip!
@Le, good luck taking back control!
@Vintage, what ever do you mean? I never get sidetracked by the computer!
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Great tips!
I find I’m so much more productive if I remember my water in the am!
Frugal Trenchess last blog post..Restored, renewed, revived
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