Intentional Multitasking for Busy Moms
What is intentional multitasking?
When I was at my wit’s end, I had to find a way to quit feeling like a spinning top. Intentional multitasking helps me get more done with LESS stress and MORE time to be the homemaker and Christian woman I strive to be.
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Even during this season of disability, I’m still BUSY! But, I got tired of feeling frazzled, stressed, and distracted! I don’t want to miss my daughter’s childhood.
Something had to change . . . how I tackled multitasking!
Tips for Intentional Multi-tasking
Have a daily WRITTEN to do list
One of my largest stressors is worrying about forgetting something. By having a written list (even just a note on my phone), I don’t forget anything and don’t have mental stress over forgetting something important.
When I remember something I need to do, I write it down. Instead of shifting away from the task I’m working on, I save it to my list. Then, I finish the priority task rather than let all my random thoughts distract me.
Combine activities, don’t split focus.
I can combine some activities, but some really need focused attention. I choose one task that needs most of my focus and combine it with some mindless mom task, like folding laundry.
They are PERFECT opportunities for intentional multitasking. I can chop vegetables while helping my daughter read a book (hint-if you plan meals well, you can chop/prep for a couple of different meals at once). I can vacuum while reviewing my mental to-do list or even use that time to pray for friends and family.
Intentional Multitasking? Put more quality back into your quality of life. Click To TweetThrow in a load of laundry while reading a book with the kids. Use toy clean up as a chance to do squats or stretch. Make it a game with worship music and you’re cleaning, praising, and spending quality time with the kids.
Right now I have a load of laundry going, my daughter is working on some math, and I’m finishing this post.
I need most of my attention to proofread and write, but can take a minute here and there to check on my daughter’s progress and to switch laundry from washer to dryer.
Make Time for Quiet Time
Quiet time can be one of the first things we set aside when life gets busy, believing we’ll get to it later, but the day only gets busier.
Some of my quiet time is listening my daily Bible reading on the YouVersion App. I wouldn’t trade all my Bible reading for audio, but while washing dishes or fixing my hair, I can primarily focus on God’s word. And it’s pretty hard to be bitter about chores while listening about the Israelites complaining in the desert. 😉
Driving in the car, it’s easy to turn on the radio, but I have a few favorite preachers I find uplifting and convicting, so I listen to recent sermons instead, which helps pass long drives and is great way to hear in-depth teaching of God’s word when I don’t have MARY time in my MARTHA schedule.
Using social media is the death of productivity. It’s a rabbit hole that will suck hours of your life away. If I want to get things done, I have to close tabs on my laptop, silence my phone and turn it screen down.
In fact, multitasking with our devices decreases productivity and even our IQ!
I literally work ON social media, but I have to set strict limits on it during the day or I find myself spending all day reading important articles and viral posts and then I’m commenting on my friends’ statuses. Next thing I know, it’s dinner, and I’m still wearing pajamas.
But if you’re on –
Know when NOT to multitask!
Trying to complete two tasks that require high levels of mental attention at the same time means doing them both poorly. It takes intentionality to know when I can’t multitask. Sometimes, I have to block everything out and finish something, especially something time-sensitive or important.
The Daniel Tiger-esque rhyme I created is “do one thing until it’s done, then you’ll have more time for fun!”
When I decided to stop making myself crazy doing a little bit of a lot of things and chose to do a couple of things with my best attention, I learned to use intentional multitasking to stay on task, to prioritize my to-do list, know when to multitask & not to.
Now, my daughter gets more undivided attention with lots of stories, hugs, and kisses. Unrushed quality time just feels longer!
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19 Comments
Brittany
I like these. I have focused on being more present in my daily interactions which had aided in me getting more done ironically. As I’ve focused less on doing lots at once, I’ve found myself finishing more projects and tasks. Kind of amazing!!
Jennifer
It is totally counterintuitive, but yes, I get more done when I focus on what I’m doing.
Kristi
I thrive on multitasking but I have had to learn I can’t multitask in all situations. For example, when it comes to people, I have to focus on just them otherwise, I could make them feel like I don’t care. People over productivity!
Jennifer
Yes. Taking five minutes to really listen makes all the difference!
Lo @ Mrs. Lo Tanner
I love these suggestions! In our home, we start the morning with “quiet time.” The boys have specific toys they can play with quietly while I clean up the kitchen and get breakfast going. I used to try to clean the kitchen at night but it was butting into the little family time we get.
I also really enjoy listening to audio while I handle business on the computer. Sandi Krakowski is a great spiritual and business encourager. I love listening to her stuff.
I think my favorite multi-tasking times is taking walks in the afternoon. I get family time in, my work out in, and the kids “gym” in.
These things really help me work smarter and make the most of my time.
Jennifer
Walks are great! We do prayer walks. We pray out loud as we walk for whomever or whatever comes to mind. I get exercise and work out her wiggles and get quality time with her and get good prayer time as well.
Tiffany
This is great. I am trying to find ways to be more productive daily…I’m really hard on myself when I feel I haven’t used my time wisely. You are a great example when it comes to time-management and productivity. I really appreciatie the tips. Thank you!
Jennifer
I hope these help. My biggest lessons are knowing what I have to focus on and when.
Susan Evans
One time while multi-tasking cooking and talking on the phone, I put way too much chili power in the Spanish beef and rice. The children cried over their dinner.
Jennifer
Yikes! I’ve had those kinds of moments.
Aleida Lane
You are absolutely right about how easy it is to miss quite time. I miss it so much. I need to be intentional about scheduling it into my schedule.
Nickia
I love your tips for mulitasking with purpose and intention. You are so correct that social media can become the death of productivity. I am very intentional with my time, so I schedule in time to peruse social media. Once I’m out of the time frame, I move on to… well multitasking more! 🙂
Jennifer
LOL – I haven’t quite set a timer, but I need to.
Marcee
Excellent tips! I agree with the to-do list, but never thought about combining mindless tasks with more focused ones. Much better than trying to do several serious things at once.
Jennifer
I know this is what turned out to be the lifesaver for me! Today we reviewed Latin/Greek while we folded laundry. Made both go faster!
Heather Hart
I love this. There is definitely a time for multitasking and a time to be single minded. Love you’re examples. I often multitask when waiting for files to upload or when I’m working out.
Jennifer
Exactly! Slow internet here so I have to split tasks up on my phone/laptop
Andrea
Maybe if I start off by creating a list (or schedule) for myself…
Jennifer
It takes discipline to start doing it but makes such a difference.