I feel like “busy” and “mom” are basically synonymous. You may be the most put together person out there, like the color-coded closet, alphabetized books in your library, socks always match kind of person, but once you have a baby (yes, all it takes is one babe), your life immediately becomes about a million times more chaotic.

You guys know I love fitness, but I’m also a mom of 4, an entrepreneur, and so, so much more. Most days you can see me with my iced coffee and Marshmallow Dream Bar in hand. Shout out to Starbucks for helping me get my morning jump-started!

5 Daily Time-Savers (Lifesavers) For Everyday Mamas

I can personally tell you that every mama deserves some “me” time—self-care is so important! But I get it, sometimes there truly just isn’t enough time in the day for that much needed mama time. In an effort to cut down on the chaos and leave more space in the margins for things you love, I’m sharing some of the best daily time saving mom hacks I’ve found over the years. Let’s start 2021 off by doing more of what YOU love and less of the BUSYness that comes with our mom duties.

Mom Hack #1: Find Other Mama Friends

Whether you are a mom to one or have lots of rugrats running around, everyone can use a little help. Find some mom friends who would be willing to swap babysitting or carpooling or just be there when you need a good cry session.

A mama friend will be able to empathize with what you’re going through, and you can both lighten the load for each other. Let’s be honest: Sometimes you just want to run to the grocery store without worrying about a crying newborn, so ask your mom friend if she would be willing to sit at your house while your baby naps. Mamas gotta’ stick together!

Mom Hack #2: Meal Prep

Have you heard of “The Witching Hour” for babies? When your baby is about 2-3 weeks old, they can start having a period of time—usually in the early evening—where they’re just plain fussy. And it just so happens to start around 5 PM. Oh, hi dinnertime! As those babies turn into teens, dinnertime is filled with practices, homework, complaining, and lots of other distractions. Sometimes dinner is the last thing on your mind.

The nice thing about meal prep is you can choose the best time for you to cook. That might be early in the morning before the kids are up or late at night when everyone is asleep. Prep early so you’re not a witch during “witching hour”!

Mom Hack #3: Find A Good Meal Replacement Shake

We’ve already covered the fact that moms are busy. So busy, in fact, that they are usually the last to eat (if they even eat at all). But this year, you are going to take care of YOU! Meal prepping is great for the entire family, but it isn’t quite as convenient when you’re in the car in between practices and grocery shopping.

Click here for our Low Carb Meal Replacement

Enter meal replacement shakes. A good meal replacement will keep you full, taste yummy, and be stacked with vitamins, fiber, protein, and fat (preferably low carb). The best part? You can whip one up in the carpool line. How’s that for convenience? I’m pretty picky with meal replacement shakes, so picky that Chris and I decided to create our own! Busy mom tested and approved.

Mom Hack #4: Wake Up At the Same Time Every Day.

Sleep is a sacred thing, and it’s necessary for your mental and physical health. Your body craves routine too. By waking up at the same time every day, you are starting your day off deliberately instead of beginning it chaotically (kids screaming and jumping on you).

Whenever your kids wake up, set your alarm to wake up before them. Maybe you need an hour before the kids wake up so you can get the coffee going and get in a quick workout. Or maybe you just want to wake up 15 minutes before the littles to wash your face, brush your teeth, and put on some makeup. Waking up earlier than your kids and at the same time every day is not just a mental game-changer. It can give you time to start breakfast, prep lunches, fold laundry, etc.

Just like with meal prep, start the work early so you can relax later!

Mom Hack #5: Create Routines for Your Kiddos (And Yourself).

Routines will vary depending on your kids’ ages, but once in place, they will become the ultimate time-saver. Start with morning and night routines.

Here’s an example:

Morning Routine

• 6:00 AM: Wake up, shower, get ready, start breakfast, pack lunches, and then take a couple minutes for yourself.
• 7:00 AM: Wake up the kiddos, get them dressed and ready (brush teeth, etc.), eat breakfast, give them a few minutes for themselves, and then you’re all out the door by 8 AM.

Nighttime Routine for Young Kids

• 7:00 PM: After dinner and homework are completed, make sure the kids pack their school bags for the next day and lay out their outfits. Then give the kids a bath, brush their teeth, and read to them.
• 8:00 PM: Tuck the kids into bed and let them fall asleep on their own.
• 11:00 PM: Time for your bedtime. Lay out clothes for the next day (don’t forget about those workout clothes!) and make sure your kids’ bags are packed and ready. Brush teeth, wash face, and sleep.

The purpose of creating routines is to make these morning and night actions second nature—something you don’t have to think about. Kids and families thrive off the structure, which provides stability and a routine kids can depend on. They know what’s expected, and that makes everything THAT much easier.

Sounding like a broken record here, but prep during less busy times so that you’re ready for the chaotic times. Nighttime is a good time to pack bags for the next day, lay out clothes, and finish homework. It’s proactive. Morning is mostly reactive. Wake up, put clothes on, eat, grab bag, leave.

Photos by Ashley Burns

As a mom, you spend your day doing a million different things. So much so that you probably have very little time for yourself. These hacks should be every mom’s bread and butter. I think we can all agree that we need more time together and less time running around tirelessly. Hopefully, these mama hacks will help you get things done while giving you more time for yourself. New Year, New You, amirite?

xo,

Related reading:

Prep, Plan, and Party: 4 Tips for Diet Success At Every Event
Fruit Juice Popsicles & Other Quick Snack Mom Hacks
How I Manage My (Im)Perfectly Balanced Life
7 Steps to a Happier Home
I am (not) a Pinterest Mom