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School is out for the summer! We know the kids and their teachers are definitely ecstatic that summer break is finally here, but if you’re looking to make money as a side hustle mom, you might be stressing about how you’re going to fit your work in when you’re littles are constantly by your side and want to be entertained.
No worries, Mama! Here are 7 easy hacks to conquer your time management woes, create a summer schedule that works (for you AND the kids!), and stay organized – all while keeping your side hustle thriving.
7 Easy Productivity Hacks for Side Hustle Moms During School Break
- Embrace the Early Bird
- Prioritize and Schedule Tasks
- Utilize Pockets of Time
- Batch Similar Tasks Together
- Involve the Littles
- Delegate and Outsource
- Don’t Forget Self Care
Embrace the Early Bird
I know, I know. It’s summer and you FINALLY have the chance to sleep in now that you don’t have to have the kids up and ready and out the door by a certain time. But hear me out.
Even one hour of quiet time before the rest of the house wakes up (yes, including your husband) can make a massive difference in your productivity AND believe it or not, can actually increase your energy levels.
You can choose how you use this extra time, whether starting your day with a few minutes of Jesus and coffee, doing a quick living room workout, or hopping online and getting some focused work time using the power hour method.
Prioritize and Schedule Tasks
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Whether you just got into your side hustle for the creativity, you just wanted some extra coffee money, or you have big dreams to pursue financial freedom, treat your side hustle like a regular job!
At the start of the week (I do this on Sunday), sit down and block out time for the tasks and work that need to be accomplished. This includes everything from your side hustle to the laundry! I use a combination of time blocking and a written to-do list in a paper planner. Prefer technology? Utilize options like Trello or Google Tasks.
Utilize Pockets of Time
Let’s be real…the kids are home and the chances of being able to sit down for more than 2 minutes to get anything done distraction is not gonna happen. Take advantage of the in-between moments and see just how much more you can accomplish!
Whether you’re giving the kids a few minutes of Bluey or you’re waiting for lunch to heat up, grab your phone and get a couple of small things done like answering emails, scheduling a social media post, or any other administrative task that can be done quickly. All those little moments add up so don’t lose that advantage!
Batch Similar Tasks Together
Remember how we talked about scheduling tasks? Batch similar ones together to avoid distractions and maximize efficiency. This easy organizational trick helps keep your mind flowing versus creating a time drain of constantly switching gears.
Need to get through your inbox? Take care of all of those emails at once. Need to focus on your social media content? Great! Take care of your IG, FB and Pinterest content all at once then schedule them to drop at a scheduled time later on in the week.
Involve the Kids
One thing that I struggled with for a long time is the concept of being present with the kids. There are a million things that need to get done, and it’s easier to focus on my task list by sending the kids off to play. But here’s the thing: your kids want to be with you.
Involve your kids in tasks! You’ll stay productive while they enjoy spending time with you. As a bonus, being involved NOW might make them more likely to let you get work done LATER.
Some great ways to do this (with supervision, of course) are:
- Let them help with meal preparations
- Let your preschooler help transfer the laundry from the washer to the dryer, then turn it on
- Let them take care of your shredding pile
- Let your older kids sort inventory
- Let your older kids help with packaging orders
Delegate and Outsource
If you have tasks that you just dread, delegate or outsource them if possible! Hire a cleaner to do a monthly deep clean so you can just focus on keeping the house tidy. Enlist a virtual assistant to help with administrative tasks like answering emails or scheduling appointments. Have your hubby help out with meal prep on the weekends so that you can reheat meals quickly throughout the week. Even though it’s hard to ask for help, doing this will let you focus more on the parts of your day that you love.
Don’t Forget Self Care
As moms, we tend to put self care on the backburner, but it is SO important. Schedule breaks for yourself throughout the day and don’t feel guilty for taking that time! Take a quick walk with the kids, practice mindfulness, or steal a few minutes to read a book. Taking time for yourself helps you show up more fully for your business and your family.
Remember: you’re doing great, Mama!
By implementing these simple hacks, you will easily navigate the fun and chaos of summer break while making money, pursuing your passions, and still being present with your family.
