Hello, to all you happy homemakers out there! I assume you found me because you struggle with productivity in your workplace. Yes, homemaking is a workplace too.
As for me, a day in the life of a homeschooling homemaker has its challenges. Some mornings I struggle to wake up early, while other mornings, I find myself ahead of schedule with time to spare.
Whatever your area of struggle is, I’m with you!
As homemakers, we have a lot on our to-do list. Homemaking encompasses many different roles, from the cook, maid, to sometimes lawn care and teacher, and the list goes on. Our job never stops.
I want to stress, please, don’t feel like you have to do it all—mostly all in one day. Time is continual and relative and learning a new skill takes time. Although it may seem like there may never be enough time in a day, life will go on. It’s okay to ask for help and adjust your expectations accordingly.
For the last 7 years, I’ve been a homeschooling homemaker, and throughout the previous 7 years, each season does not precede the prior. Perfecting the art of homemaking takes skill, time, and patience. Here are some tried and true homemaking tips and tricks I’ve used to become and stay a productive homemaker.
Dress for Success!
Nighttime routines, in my opinion, are the most important. Believe it or not, your nighttime routine sets you up for success or failure for the following day. We, homemakers, know what happens when we do not have enough sleep or forget to plan out what we are wearing or plan out meals for the next day, absolute chaos.
Pajamas, yes, I said pajamas. “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.”― Socrates. I know myself so well that if I wear lounge clothes to bed or an old tee-shirt, I am less likely to get up and get going. Not to mention, my girls like to inform me of the bad example I am setting by being in my pajamas past 9 am on a weekday (insert eye roll). Thanks for the reminder, ladies.
No exceptions list. Remove any bad habits.
I have a terrible habit of getting back into bed after I’ve already gotten dressed for the day. One of the first things I like to do after getting dressed is my quiet time, consisting of prayer and reading scripture. What turns this positive morning routine into a negative is that I get back into bed, therefore rendering me cozy and lazy.
My solution to my laziness is to create a bad habits list of where I’m going wrong in my day, resulting in a loss of productivity. Here are just a few things on my list of what to do or not to do;
- wear lounge clothes to bed
- get back into bed after getting dressed for the day
- Bible study in my living room and not the bedroom
- never sleep past 7 am
- plan each weeks wardrobe
- meal plan
- etc.
Create a daily schedule or to-do list.
Life as a homeschooling homemaker has its challenges. I try not to plan out my schedule far in advance, but instead stick to a daily block schedule or only plan for a few days in advance, if possible. Click here to access your free printable blank block schedule template.
Each day looks a little different than it felt or seemed the night before. I like to sit down and go over my day each morning and rearrange, take away or add to our daily schedule. I want to feel the mood and the room if you know what I mean.
Always take care of the laundry and dishes.
Are you new to homemaking? No worries, I will let you in on a little secret laundry and dishes are the least favorite of mine and the most time-consuming daily chores to catch up on, especially if you have a large family.
No matter what stage I am in or was in life, laundry and dishes seemed to pile up quickly. My thumb rule is to commit daily to at least one load of laundry and maintain an empty sink.
Choose to make positive choices.
I make positive choices during my day in various categories (food, time management, etc.). I always choose to have something to look forward to each day. Whether it’s a chocolate treat, tv show, or only time alone, I like to reward myself a few times a week (sometimes more). Hey, even adults need motivation too. The choice is up to you.
Parting Thoughts
Life is not always going to be constant and comfortable in some cases. Make the most of your time and energy the best you can. Stay positive, take a break, and treat yourself every once in a while or as often as you need. Don’t let one bad choice overwhelm you or ruin your day.
Have a fabulous homemaking day, my friends!
Jaclyn