Today’s post is all about how you can improve productivity and become a more efficient homemaker.
You might see other homemakers with a (seemingly) tireless drive and wonder how they’re able to stay so energetic, while you’re struggling to keep up.
There are many challenges we face in homemaking. But mindset plays a big role in how we handle them. When you have a positive attitude towards your duties, it helps you to stay disciplined and keep going.
Which is why we’ll be talking about mindset, alongside the practical strategies you need to successfully run your home.
Productivity in homemaking is not about working yourself into absolute exhaustion. It’s about making the best use of your time. So not only will the home run more smoothly, but you’ll also be able to do the things you enjoy.
Have a Positive Mindset
As the homemaker you have been given the ability to influence the overall atmosphere of the home.
Having a defeatist and resentful attitude, will leave you feeling constantly unmotivated and unproductive – creating a cycle of negativity.
Homemaking is so much more than just housekeeping. Making a home requires affection, kindness and positivity.
It’s imperative that we show gratitude to our Lord for being blessed with this role. And if we try earnestly to be a comfort to the ones we love, this can bring a pleasant air to our homes.
Read More: Homemaking is Hard, But You Can Enjoy It as a Blessing
Think Ahead
Consider your future self and what you can do right now to make her life easier. Here are a few ways you can do this:
2 Minute Rule
This is an easy way to keep your home manageable and prevent things from piling up. If you see something that needs to be addressed and it takes 2 minutes or less, do it right away.
This could be picking up a few toys off the floor, taking cups to kitchen or straightening out the sofa.
The more you do small things throughout the day, the lighter your mental load becomes.
Meal Plan
Meal planning prevents the dreaded stress of “what am I going to make for dinner?”
It also helps you make healthier choices, rather than opting for unhealthy last minute takeout.
End of day Clean Up
Spend just 15 minutes reseting your home before going to bed. I know, who wants to keep working after a tiring day? Relaxing straight away seems much more tempting.
But remember, you’re thinking ahead. How much happier will you be to wake up to a clean kitchen and clear floor in the morning, rather than playing catch up all day?
Of course, there are exceptions – sometimes you genuinely are just too physically and mentally exhausted, and that’s okay. But try your best not to let it happen too many nights in a row, so you don’t risk it becoming a habit.
Write Things Down
Whether it’s your daily to-do list, weekly meal plan or future goals – writing things down helps you to organise your thoughts and plans.
This then leaves space in your brain for other important things.
Wake up Early
As is well known in Islam and in general, waking up early is a highly effective habit for success.
Even waking up just 30 minutes before your kids, can help you adjust to the morning a little slower. So you can at least open your eyes and breathe, before being needed by anyone.
Read More: Simple Ways to Elevate Daily Life at Home
Open the Windows
Letting the morning sunlight and fresh air into the home can improve our mood and wellness.
It can help you to feel more energised and alert, and sleep better at night.
Simplify and Organise
It’s often the case that you don’t need more to make homemaking easier. If you’re overwhelmed by your home, maybe you’re trying to manage too many things.
Letting go of the excess means you have: more space, more time, a place for everything, less to clean and less frustration.
Incorporate a Basic Routine
Having a strict schedule can be extremely difficult to maintain (especially with littles), leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and disappointment.
Unlike a schedule, a routine is more flexible. As it focuses more on the order in which things are carried out, rather than a specific time.
Children, much like adults, thrive on routine. Knowing what to expect throughout the day provides stability – which can reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being.
Prioritise
Have you ever equated your level of productivity to the amount of things on your to-do list? I have. However, it made me realise that over-packing my to-do list isn’t actually being productive.
We often overestimate what we can get done in a day. And seldom complete every task, leaving us feeling stressed and discontented.
Prioritise by concentrating on 1-3 big tasks in a day. This allows you to focus on the most important things, reduces stress and helps to ensure the tasks are completed to a better standard.
Monotasking
Monotasking is where you focus on one task at a time, giving it your undivided attention.
Some benefits of monotasking are: stress reduction, increased productivity, better concentration and finer quality work.
Though this isn’t always possible as a mother of littles, it’s worth limiting the amount of tasks you take on at one time.
Limit Distractions
You may be surprised at the amount you can get done, when you set your phone aside.
Switching off any non-essential notifications, can help you quit the habit of needlessly reaching for your phone.
Take Breaks
It’s important and necessary to exert yourself in your role as a homemaker. But there needs to be a balance – after hard work comes rest.
Slowing down and resting is actually an essential component of productivity. It’s not about sitting idle, it’s taking the time to care for your body and mind.
Fuel your body with nutritious food, stay hydrated and utilise this time to gain nearness to Allah.
Work Together as a Family
In order to attain a peaceful home it requires a team effort. The husband and wife working together, while fulfilling their respected roles – through this the children can adopt good productivity habits.
Which of these habits did you find the most useful? Please let me know in the comments.
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