It can be extremely difficult to run a business (or even right a semi-coherent email) when your baby is crying and your preschooler is whining for attention. Here are some tips for moms who work from home—they can add order and sanity to your life!
Know and protect your peak hours
We all have our ‘peak hours’ when we work fastest and think most creatively. So instead of trying to be a superwoman and doing everything perfectly for 24-hours straight, work with your natural energy levels. If you’re a morning person, then schedule your most difficult tasks then, and then slow down in the afternoon—could be the time to play with the kids or tackle routine housework.
Organize your kid’s schedule
They’d be less likely to bug you the whole day if they have their own routine. And you can synch their routine with yours (work while they’re in school, or make calls during their naptime). Your child will also be less needy for attention if he knows you have regular time with each other: ‘Mommy can’t play now but at 4 pm we go to the playground.’
Psych yourself for work
It’s hard to be in top form when you’re in pajamas the whole day. While it’s unrealistic to actually wear a suit and heels, establish some sort of routine: shower, get dressed, wear makeup and spritz cologne.
Make lists
Declutter your brain by unloading all thos reminders and random ideas in lists. Once its on paper tell yourself to let it go until you’re ready to tackle the problem. For example, instead of worrying about a presentation you need to make, just break it down into tasks, set a schedule (‘Research today, make Powerpoint tomorrow morning, animate slides in the evening’ ) and adapt a tunnel vision, thinking only about what’s directly ahead of you.