5 Ways to Be A More Productive Stay-At-Home Mom!

Let's face it, being a Stay-At-Home Mom is work, but without the regulated hours or regular pay of a 40-hour work week job, YOU are left in charge of setting your own work, hours, goals, etc.

It can be frustrating to do the same droning chores each and every day like clock work, and the work day doesn't end at 6PM; it keeps going all day, all night, and into the next day. Being a SAHM can be extremely rewarding, but if you're anything like me, you've worked your whole life to the hardest of your ability to succeed, conquer, and accomplish. Being home all day can start to feel like you're not doing anything at all, and if you don't feel productive and successful, you might just want to give it up altogether.

So, here are 5 tips on how to be and feel more successful as a SAHM:

1. When possible, wake up before the rest of your family (namely your children) and shower, dress, and get ready for the day. This will automatically set your mind in "go-mode," preventing you from being sluggish and unproductive throughout the first hours of the day.
• It can also make for a very happy hubby: Get his clothes ready for him, his lunch if he's taking it, make him coffee, and gently wake him up. It gives you some great couple time before the kiddos get up, and it makes a great start to both of your days.
2. Any physical exercise, even just 15 minutes a day, will release extra endorphins, giving you some extra energy. Additionally, a little cardio can help you work out any anger/frustration you have built up (which can't help but give you more patience with your children).
• I try to make sure I fit in some pregnancy yoga each and every day since I can't do a lot of heavy exercise, and it definitely helps to eliminate some stress and frustration.
3. Each night, before going to sleep, jot down a TO-DO List for the next day. Even if you aren't able to accomplish everything on your list, you will find that simply having them written down will help you get more accomplished than if it was just on your mind.
4. Have one long-term goal (eat better, work out, finish an art project, sculpture, quilt, garden, etc.) and do a little bit of work on it each day. SAHMs are busier than ever, so giving just a few minutes a day over time will result in a substantial result that will surprise you.
5. Tune out the TV. Have favorite shows? Ones you can't miss? Choosing even one hour of TV that you would normally watch and substituting it with listening to the radio will easily turn into something far more important: an hour playing with the kids, a cleaner home, a better dinner that evening, etc.

However, always make sure to remember that as a SAHM, your number one priority is ALWAYS your children. If you ever have something going on in your life that seems to or even starts to seem to come above your children, re-evaluate yourself a bit. In five years, will you remember your spotless floors? Or will you remember that half hour that you laughed with and chased your children? Just be careful to always keep a balance.

While it's important to be productive, make sure that you are happy as well. Otherwise, you risk resenting your sweet children. Here are 5 Ways to Be A Happier Stay-At-Home Mom!

And, remember, it's tough! We're all always striving to be the best mom we can be, so here are some Tips on Being a Better Mama!