Mastering Mom Productivity
Hello everyone! Welcome back to the Positively Healthy Mom Podcast. I’m Laura Ollinger, and today I’m thrilled to introduce Valerie Recore, a dear friend and an incredible productivity and time management specialist. Valerie is the founder of Stride Productivity and has spent years helping moms find balance and reclaim their time. Let's dive into her invaluable insights on mastering productivity, time management, and practical strategies for maintaining balance amidst the chaos of motherhood.
Getting Started with Time Management
Valerie and I both understand how overwhelming it can be to juggle the never-ending tasks that come with being a mom. Whether it's managing schedules, planning meals, or trying to find just a few minutes of quiet, it feels like there's never enough time in the day.
Valerie shares her method for tackling the day with intentionality. She recommends starting each day with a clear focus on the top three things you need to accomplish. This way, even if your day gets busy or interrupted, you’ll have taken action on your most important priorities. It’s about focusing on what truly matters instead of trying to do everything at once. Valerie emphasizes that productivity isn't about doing more; it's about doing the right things.
Streamlining Daily Routines
One of Valerie's favorite strategies is setting up routines that make the day flow more smoothly. She suggests creating both a morning and evening routine to help anchor the day. A consistent morning routine can set the tone for productivity, while an evening routine helps you wind down and prepare for the next day.
For example, Valerie’s morning routine includes waking up before her kids, having a few moments of quiet time, and setting her intentions for the day. In the evening, she takes a few minutes to look over her calendar for the next day and identify any potential time conflicts or challenges. These small routines help her feel more in control and reduce stress.
The Power of Time Blocking
Valerie also recommends time blocking as a powerful way to organize your day. Time blocking involves scheduling specific tasks into your day at specific times. By assigning blocks of time for certain tasks—like meal prep, work, or even personal time—you can ensure you're focusing on what matters most without getting distracted.
She explains that batching similar tasks can save a lot of time and mental energy. For example, instead of checking emails throughout the day, block out two 15-minute slots to deal with them at once. This way, you’re not constantly switching between tasks and losing focus.
Avoiding Overwhelm and Finding Balance
We also dive into the ever-present issue of feeling overwhelmed as a mom. Valerie offers advice on how to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. She encourages moms to ask themselves, "What is the very next thing I can do?" This helps prevent the paralysis that comes from feeling like everything has to be done at once.
She also reminds us that balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly. It’s about recognizing what’s most important in each moment. Some days, that might mean spending more time with your kids, while other days, it could mean focusing on your personal projects or self-care.
Creating Space for Self-Care
Valerie and I discuss how critical self-care is for maintaining productivity. Valerie stresses that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Moms often feel guilty about taking time for themselves, but Valerie emphasizes that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time to recharge not only benefits you, but it also makes you a better mom.
Valerie’s advice is to schedule self-care into your day just like you would any other task. Whether it’s 10 minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee, a 30-minute workout, or an hour to read a book, prioritizing self-care helps prevent burnout and keeps you energized.
Managing Distractions and Staying Focused
Managing distractions is another challenge all moms face, especially when trying to work from home or balance family responsibilities. Valerie shares her go-to strategy for minimizing distractions: creating focused work blocks. When you have a specific task to complete, try to work in 25- or 30-minute intervals, with short breaks in between. This method, called the Pomodoro Technique, helps you stay focused while giving your brain regular breaks.
She also suggests finding creative ways to occupy your kids during these focused work blocks, such as setting them up with an engaging activity or having them help with simple tasks.
Call to Action
If you enjoyed these practical tips, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode with Valerie Recore. Tune in to the Positively Healthy Mom Podcast for more insights and actionable advice on mastering productivity and time management amidst the chaos of family life.
Connect with Valerie Recore
You can find Valerie on Facebook and Instagram, where she shares more tips on productivity and time management. Be sure to tune in to the full podcast episode to hear Valerie’s expert advice on how to reclaim your time and create a more balanced, joyful life as a mom.
Listen to the full episode for practical insights on how to manage your time more effectively and balance the demands of motherhood while maintaining your personal well-being.
