Being a mom is no doubt one of the toughest and busiest jobs there is. In fact, it's probably fair to say that motherhood is a title that covers a lot of jobs: child minder, housekeeper, entertainer, secretary, negotiator, peacekeeper, law enforcement officer, toy-fixer, personal groomer, role model, educator, cheerleader, comforter, counselor, servant, taxi driver, financial manager and many more.
If there is one universal gift that all moms would appreciate -- on their birthday, Mothers Day, for Christmas or any other day -- it's probably more time. Time to do the things they need to do, time to do the things they want to do, time to think, time to rest, time to stop, time for themselves.
We often say "If only I had more time...", and the minute that gift-wrapped bottle of time appears in the shops, it will be at the top of all our gift lists, or in fact on all our shopping lists!
In the meantime, however, here are some ideas to give you some more time:
Weed out worry time
How much time do you spend worrying?
It's impossible to safeguard our children against every eventuality, but that doesn't stop us, as moms, from worrying. When we're not busy doing, our minds are still busy thinking. It's amazing how much time we can spend over-planning, fretting about 'what if's and questioning whether we've done enough. Instead, make a point of deciding what's 'good enough' and accept that life happens.
Focus on what you've already done and give yourself credit for it.
Plan around what's important
The danger of juggling so many commitments is that we strive to be all things to all people, and the scope of our role as a mother grows to huge proportions, which we have no chance of completing to any level of satisfaction.
Instead, think about what's important to you as a mom. For a start, how would you like your children to describe you when they are adults? Then focus on what your role as a mom entails. Plan your time so that you deal with what's important to you first, and allow the other things to be brushed aside or given an occasional speck of attention, when you can afford it.
Live your life on purpose, rather than by reacting to whoever (or whatever) shouts the loudest.
Create some 'me time'
The key to creating 'me time' is to make it a priority. If you tell yourself that you'll take a break or do something nice for yourself after everything else is done, it will never happen. Decide on a time that you have a good chance of keeping to. It could be as soon as your children are in bed, or first thing in the morning, before doing anything else.
Start with something small, like a three minute facial or five minutes listening to your favorite song. Build it up into a habit of regularly taking time out for yourself and do something -- perhaps a hobby -- that you really enjoy.
When you're comfortable with that, set yourself a goal. Write down something you intend to achieve in the next 12 months, which would challenge you, stretch you and give you something meaningful in return. Break it down into small steps that you can take every day or every week.
Are you a busy mom, at the heart of your family - the main person holding everything together?
If you'd like to discover how to create more time and energy for you, please take a couple of minutes to share your needs and challenges in my confidential survey for busy moms As a reward I'll give you my twelve week e-course "From Burnout to Brilliant: Regaining your Oomph in twelve easy steps" FREE!
Grace Marshall is a life coach, mom and writer, who loves to help busy moms rediscover their identity and passion, and run their lives and homes with energy and confidence.
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