Three Things That Can Affect Your Productivity As A Work From Home Mom

My life is split into two main shifts, the work shift and the mom shift. Sometimes I can balance both and keep all the balls in the air. And sometimes, I’m not so productive.

Then there are times the two shifts intertwine and that really throws off my day. For instance, if I don’t do the laundry over the weekend, I have to do it during the week. And I end up behind on my schedule. And if I stay on my blogging schedule the clothes will pile up. They’ll get washed but we’ll be living out of baskets of clothes. And it wouldn’t be the first time!

I’ve always said all moms have super powers. We do so much for everyone and put ourselves last. And no, I’m not about to jump on my soapbox and go on about that and how great we are. We already know that don’t we ladies!

The Work From Home Mom Kryptonite – 3 Things That Affects Productivity

What I do want to talk about today are the three main components that can affect your productivity as a work-from-home mom. It’s kinda like our kryptonite.

You know what I’m talking about ladies…all the stuff that weighs us down and keeps us from feeling fabulous and being on top of our game in all that we do.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.

Procrastination

I am so guilty of this – it’s almost an art form, hehe. We all have our goals and most of us use a list to help us reach them. Do you get your to-do list and push stuff to the end of your list? Let me be the first person to raise my hand here because I do this from time to time.

It’s not that some of the items on my list are difficult but it’s as simple as “I just don’t want do that right now” so back to the end it goes. There are times when projects are pushed to the end of the week!

Yes, I am the queen of procrastination. We’re talking “wrapping Christmas presents on Christmas-Eve” kind of procrastination! Anyone else (please)?

You can get around procrastination by getting other people to do the legwork. Sounds hard, I admit, but it’s the best way.

People like Caitlin Brodie do it for a living. They invest in companies that generate returns, but that other people manage. It’s genius!

You can do something similar at work. Either become a manager or partner, look for a better job outside the firm that gives you more control over people, or just use the money you already have saved to buy something. It’s a real procrastination killer!

Distractions

Just because we work from home doesn’t mean it’s all hunky-dory. If you ask me, I think it’s because the family doesn’t think we’re working hard. Otherwise the kids or the hubs wouldn’t find it so easy to just walk into our office with all the noise. And a friend wouldn’t drop by unannounced and get a little miffed because you can’t join her for lunch.

And the distractions don’t stop there. We get hooked on what’s on TV, we stop to look at our Facebook page or we can get caught up shopping online.

Health

Last but not least is our health. How many of you forget to eat or just grab a snack passing through the kitchen. Even worse, pick up a cheeseburger at McDonald’s. Do you drink sodas to keep you going but then start yawning in the afternoon because you’ve come down from the caffeine and sugar rush?

Poor eating habits and lack of exercise takes a toll on our body. We become too tired to work, moody, and sleepy. Then we’re just dragging ourselves until it’s time to logoff and call it a day.

So How Can We Fight The Kryptonite So Your Productivity Is At Its Best?

There are some things we can do to beat down the kryptonite and they’re very simple.

First, for your productivity, create a to-do list for your schedule and stick to it as best as you can. I say that because I know as a mom there is always going to be something that will require your attention. But as long as you pick up right back where you left off – you can still tackle your daily tasks.

To avoid distractions. Turn off those Facebook alerts, close down websites that will distract you – for me, that would be Wayfair!

If you’re constantly getting calls or visits from fam and friends, share your schedule with them and let them know when you’re free to chat or hang out. Tell the kids to knock and enter quietly in case you’re on the phone.

By keeping healthy snacks on hand and leaving the sodas and sugary snacks in the pantry or don’t buy them at all. Make time for lunch. It does the mind some good when you step away from your desk and a healthy meal will re-energize you for the second half of your work shift.