Let’s face it—being a mom is a lot.

Between juggling kids, work, household tasks, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone.

Many moms struggle to find a balance that works for them. But there’s hope!

With a few simple time management strategies, you can make your days feel more manageable and less stressful.

11 Time Management Tips for Overwhelmed Moms:

1. Prioritize What Really Matters

When you’re pulled in a hundred different directions, it can feel like everything is urgent.

But not everything is equally important. Take a step back and figure out what truly matters.

What tasks absolutely need to get done today? And which ones can wait?

Make a list of your top priorities for the day.

Maybe it’s making sure the kids are fed, the laundry gets started, or a work deadline is met.

Once you have those main things in mind, everything else can fall into place—or be left for another day.

Letting go of the pressure to do it all can instantly reduce that feeling of overwhelm.

2. Make Lists to Stay on Track

Lists are a simple, effective tool to keep track of what you need to accomplish.

A well-organized to-do list helps clear the mental clutter so you can focus on what’s in front of you, rather than juggling everything in your head.

Whether you prefer writing your lists down on paper or using a digital app, the act of listing tasks makes them feel more manageable.

You can create different lists for different areas of your life.

For example, make one for household tasks, one for work-related tasks, and one for self-care.

You’ll find satisfaction in checking off each task as you complete it.

Start small and build momentum.

Plus, when life gets chaotic, you can easily see what still needs to be done without feeling overwhelmed by everything at once.

3. Use Time Blocks

Time blocking is a great way to manage your day.

It’s simple: you dedicate specific blocks of time to certain tasks.

For example, you might set aside 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for household chores, 10 a.m. to noon for work tasks, and an hour after lunch for family time.

By breaking your day into smaller chunks, it helps you focus on one thing at a time instead of trying to multitask everything at once.

Time blocking also allows you to see where your time is going.

If you notice that certain tasks are taking up too much of your day, you can adjust your blocks to create more balance.

4. Try the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is another great tool for time management, especially if you tend to get distracted or overwhelmed by big tasks.

This method involves working in short, focused bursts with regular breaks in between.

Here’s how it works:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on one task during that time.

• When the timer goes off, take a 5-minute break.

• After four rounds (called “Pomodoros”), take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.

This technique helps break tasks into bite-sized pieces and keeps you from feeling like you need to power through for hours on end.

It also gives you built-in breaks to recharge, so you don’t burn out.

5. Delegate Tasks

This is a big one, and one a lot of moms struggle with.

You don’t have to do everything by yourself.

If you have a partner, older kids, or family nearby, start delegating some tasks.

Even small things like having the kids help pick up their toys or asking your partner to handle dinner one night can make a huge difference.

And if help isn’t readily available, don’t be afraid to outsource.

There’s no shame in hiring someone to help with cleaning once in a while or having groceries delivered.

Sometimes, spending a little extra money to save time and energy is worth it.

6. Set Realistic Expectations

Here’s the truth: You’re not going to get everything done every single day.

And that’s okay. One of the biggest causes of overwhelm is setting the bar too high and then feeling bad when you don’t reach it.

Set realistic expectations for yourself. Maybe you won’t get to vacuuming today or finishing all your emails, and that’s fine.

Focus on what’s most important and let go of the rest. Doing your best is enough.

You don’t have to be Supermom every single day.

7. Create a Simple Routine

Routines are a lifesaver when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Having a basic structure to your day can help reduce decision fatigue (yes, that’s a real thing!) and make things run more smoothly.

Your routine doesn’t need to be complicated.

For example, you might have a morning routine where you get the kids ready for school, spend a few minutes on self-care, and tackle a couple of chores before starting work.

Or an evening routine where you wind down with your family, prep for the next day, and take some time to relax.

Routines create a rhythm, and when life feels more predictable, it can ease the stress of constant decision-making.

8. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar

Trying to keep track of everything in your head is exhausting.

Using a planner or digital calendar can make a world of difference.

Write down all your appointments, to-dos, and reminders so you don’t have to mentally juggle them all day.

There are plenty of great digital tools out there, like Google Calendar or task management apps, that can help you organize your life.

Or, if you prefer pen and paper, get yourself a planner that you actually enjoy using.

Having your tasks and events laid out in front of you helps you see what’s coming and avoid surprises.

9. Say No More Often

This one can be hard, but it’s a game-changer. Moms are often people-pleasers.

We want to help everyone, do everything, and be everywhere.

But saying yes to too much is a fast track to burnout.

Learn to say no without guilt.

You don’t have to attend every event, volunteer for every activity, or take on every project.

Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries and only saying yes to the things that truly matter to you and your family.

10. Take Breaks

It might feel counterintuitive when you’re overwhelmed, but taking breaks can actually help you be more productive.

When you’re constantly running on empty, it’s hard to get anything done efficiently.

Even a 5- or 10-minute break can refresh your mind and body, giving you the energy to tackle the next task.

Whether it’s sipping a cup of coffee in peace or stepping outside for some fresh air, build small breaks into your day.

You’ll feel better and work smarter, not harder.

11. Give Yourself Grace

At the end of the day, give yourself grace.

You’re doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Being a mom is tough, and it’s okay to have moments where you feel overwhelmed.

What matters most is that you keep going, keep showing up for your kids, and keep doing your best.

You’re not perfect, and that’s more than okay. Perfection isn’t the goal—being present is.

So, when things get tough, remember to be kind to yourself. You’re doing enough. You are enough.

Takeaways

Managing time as a mom can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

By implementing simple strategies like prioritizing, making lists, using time blocks, and trying the Pomodoro Technique, you can create a more manageable, less stressful day.

And don’t forget to ask for help, take breaks, and set realistic expectations.

You’re an incredible mom, even on the days when it doesn’t feel like it.

Take things one step at a time, and remember, you’ve got this.

With love and solidarity,

Ready to implement game-changing time-management techniques? Let’s connect!

As a therapist for moms, I will help you find solutions and take control of your time. Reach out for a free consultation today!

Related Articles:

Pomodoro Technique for Postpartum Moms

Understanding and Managing Mom Mental Load

Tips for Being A Mom With ADHD

Sources:

Kanotra, S., D’Angelo, D., Phares, T., Morrow, B., Barfield, W., Lansky, A. Challenges faced by new mothers in the early postpartum period: an analysis of comment data from the 2000 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey. Matern Child Health J. 2007 Nov;11(6):549-58.