Balancing Self-Care and Productivity for Busy Mums

Winter presents a unique set of challenges for busy mums. The shorter, darker days and colder temperatures can sap energy and motivation, making it harder to stick to routines and stay productive. At the same time, mums are often juggling an overwhelming to-do list: managing family schedules, preparing meals, keeping the household running, and for many, balancing work responsibilities. Add to that the demands of winter holidays, which can bring both joy and extra stress, and it’s easy to see why many mums feel stretched thin. Luckily, we’re here with the Productive Babe Club to help you out with some tips and tricks.

Productivity Hacks

In colder months, children may spend more time indoors, leading to more noise, mess, and activity that requires constant attention. This adds another layer of stress for mums trying to keep things under control while also working or managing their personal life. School closures or snow days can disrupt routines further, making it even more challenging to carve out time for personal productivity or self-care. If you want to enter your Productive Girl Era, keep reading.

Morning Routine Revamp

Winter mornings can be tough, with the darkness making it more tempting to stay in bed, but setting a consistent wake-up time is one of the most effective ways to start your day on the right foot. Spend a few minutes doing your skincare and journaling. Don’t forget to make your bed!

Incorporating simple, energy-boosting activities such as light yoga or stretching can help shake off the early-morning grogginess. These quick exercises get your blood flowing, warm up your body, and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. You don’t need to commit to a long workout session; just five to ten minutes of stretching or gentle movement can work wonders. The Productive Babe Club defines these morning non-negotiables as ‘essential activities you make a priority every morning, no matter what.’

To make your mornings run smoothly, prep the night before. Lay out your kids’ clothes, pack lunches, and set out any necessary items for the day. A well-prepared morning frees up mental space, allowing you to focus on starting the day calmly instead of rushing around trying to get everyone ready. You can even take a few minutes before bed to review your to-do list and prioritise your tasks for the next day while you drink your sleepy girl mocktail. Thank PBC for that recipe!

Prioritise and Batch Tasks

Setting daily priorities is key to staying productive without feeling overwhelmed. Winter days can feel shorter, and when you're juggling multiple roles, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos. Each morning, or the night before, take a few minutes to identify the most important tasks you need to complete. Focus on those first before getting sidetracked by smaller, less critical activities.

Batching similar tasks together can also save time and energy. For example, if you need to meal prep for the week, do it all in one go rather than cooking multiple times throughout the week. Similarly, if you have laundry to do, dedicate a specific block of time to handle all the washing, drying, and folding rather than spreading it out over several days. This not only creates more efficiency but also helps reduce mental clutter, as you can tick off a big chunk of tasks in one go.

Digital tools like Trello, Google Keep, or even simple calendar apps can be lifesavers when it comes to planning and organising. These apps allow you to track tasks, set reminders, and break down your workload into manageable steps, ensuring you stay focused on what matters most each day.

Leverage Nap or School Time

For mums with young children, nap time or school hours can feel like precious moments of freedom. Instead of letting that time slip by, use it strategically for your high-priority tasks. Whether it’s work, house chores, or even some self-care, make the most of this uninterrupted time to tackle your most important responsibilities.

Using time-blocking techniques like the Pomodoro method - where you work in focused intervals, usually 25 minutes, followed by a short break - can boost your productivity during these pockets of time. By breaking your work into short, concentrated bursts, you avoid burnout and can get more done without feeling drained. Remember to mix in breaks to keep yourself energised and focused.

Delegate and Outsource

You don’t have to do everything on your own, and learning to delegate can be a game-changer. Enlist the help of your partner, children (if age-appropriate), or even friends and extended family. Simple tasks like folding laundry, tidying up, or setting the table are great ways to teach responsibility while lightening your own load.

In addition, don’t hesitate to take advantage of outsourcing options when you can. Grocery delivery services, meal kits, or hiring someone to help with cleaning can free up valuable time that you can spend focusing on work or self-care. While this may involve an extra cost, the investment in your well-being and time is often worth it, especially during hectic winter months when demands are higher.

Winter-Friendly Multitasking

The cosiness of winter lends itself to multitasking in relaxing yet productive ways. For example, you can combine activities like catching up on emails or planning for the week while sipping a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. Or, if you’re preparing dinner, use that time to listen to an inspiring podcast or audiobook that supports your personal growth or work. The Productive Babe Club has pulled together some great choices.

Another great way to multitask is by combining self-care with small, productive tasks. Light a candle or diffuse essential oils while tackling a home task, or take a short walk outdoors while brainstorming ideas for your next project.  By blending winter comforts with productive moments, you can stay on track while also enjoying the cosy vibe of the season.

Self-Care with the Kids

For busy mums, balancing personal self-care and family responsibilities can feel like a juggling act. One of the best ways to incorporate self-care into your routine is by making it a shared experience with your children. This allows you to model healthy habits for them and creates opportunities to bond and enjoy quality time together.

Family Yoga

Family yoga or even Pilates is a perfect example of shared self-care. Many simple yoga poses can be adapted for children, turning exercise into a playful yet relaxing activity for everyone. You can either follow along with family-friendly yoga videos or simply make up your own routine that gets everyone stretching, breathing, and calming their minds. This teaches children mindfulness and the importance of movement and gives you a chance to unwind and connect with them in a positive, healthy way. If you need a hand getting started, check out 

Cosy Movie Nights

Another shared self-care moment is creating cosy movie nights. On cold winter evenings, gather blankets, make hot cocoa, and watch a family-friendly movie together. The act of slowing down and enjoying a peaceful, screen-free (except for the movie!) evening can be incredibly restorative for both you and your children. It offers a break from daily responsibilities, creating a comforting environment where everyone can relax.

Arts and Crafts

Crafting together can also serve as a form of self-care. Engaging in creative activities, such as drawing, painting, or making holiday decorations, allows both you and your kids to express yourselves, destress, and have fun. This kind of hands-on creativity can be therapeutic for you while also keeping the kids entertained. Plus, it teaches children the value of slowing down and enjoying moments of creativity and reflection.

These shared experiences allow you to engage in self-care without feeling like you're neglecting your family. In fact, they help instil a valuable lesson in your children: downtime and caring for oneself are important, healthy, and necessary.

Final Thoughts

As a busy mum, it’s easy to fall into the trap of prioritising productivity over everything else, especially during the winter months when there seems to be an endless list of tasks to complete. However, balancing productivity with self-care is not only possible but essential. When you focus solely on getting things done, you may achieve a lot in the short term, but over time, the physical and emotional toll can lead to burnout, stress, and exhaustion. On the other hand, when you make time for self-care - even in small ways - you recharge your energy and enhance your ability to be productive in a sustainable way.

This balance allows you to approach your daily tasks with more clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind. Rather than rushing through your to-do list, self-care helps you stay grounded and focused, making your efforts more effective and fulfilling. The key takeaway is that productivity and self-care go hand-in-hand; when you invest in your well-being, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of your family, work, and personal life without feeling overwhelmed.

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Hana Ames is a cat mama, feminist, enjoys cooking, playing board games and drinking cocktails. She has been writing professionally for since 2018 and has a degree in English literature. Her website is www.hrawriting.com and she is always interested in discussing new projects. Catch her on Twitter @hrawriting and Facebook: www.facebook.com/hrawriting