The plans will go off the rails, so you need strategic planning to make a new plan.

In the previous planning strategies post, we talked about making plans and executing them. Now we are going to talk about strategic planning when everything goes off the rails because at some point it will.

Strategic Planning to Accomplish Big Things

In part one, we talked about creating routine to save your sanity and to create a peaceful day. But how do big things fit inside a routine. I want to write a book. Or I want to start a blog. I want to upskill. How do I do all these things?

Once you have your routines down, you will start to notice more time in your day to get these big things done. And did I mention more space in your brain to think about them. Instead of wondering if your kids brushed their teeth and changed their underwear, you will start thinking about how you’re going to kill off the character in your book.

You have space to think more creatively.

We are all unique and wired differently. Whether you are an uber-planner or totally chill, here are my 3 strategic planning tips to get big things done.

1. For big tasks work consistently in small blocks

I hate dragging projects out. Working this way doesn’t come naturally to me. But life is busy, and I don’t have 8 hours to lock myself in a room to finish a project in one go.

If there are large tasks you need to accomplish, then work on them 15-30 minutes every day, which easily becomes a routine. It can be before the kids get up or during naptime. You can accomplish big things in small, consistent blocks of time.

Even though I am not of fan of small, consistent blocks, I do know that is the only way anything is getting done. You can easily fit these small, consistent blocks into any of your routines. And you are still accomplishing your goals, it is just at a slower pace. You know what, we are busy moms, we are raising humans, and they are the most important thing. So a slower pace is ok.

2. Don’t wait until the last minute to get things done

Yes, there are some things that can only be done at the last minute. But don’t wait on everything until the last minute. Get everything you can get done ahead of time and you might even have time to spare.

Waiting until the last minute causes a pile up that become impossible to get out from under. Spread out a big project and determine what can be done in advance and what is a required last minute task.

Do all of your advance tasks ahead of time, and then do only the required last minutes tasks at the last minute.

3. Create a realistic to do list for your week

There are so many things that we need to get done, but plan your week with the time that you have. Unfortunately, time is a limited commodity, so what can you realistically do.

If you are constantly failing at your to do list, maybe your list is too long, and you can only get to a few things every week. Then you aren’t going to look at your list as an accomplishment (you did get half of it done) you are going to see everything that didn’t get done. This is not setting your week up for success.

Since you created your routines, there are parts of your day that just happen on autopilot. Your to do list are add-ons to your week. Depending on the size, pick 3-5 to do every week, and write them down in pencil. You have the freedom to erase as needed.

Strategic Planning for When the Plan Goes Off the Rails

It is important to understand that you aren’t managing time, but managing yourself and how you relate to time. If you are like me, you want to take on the world and conquer it in an hour. As hard as you may try it just isn’t possible, you need at least two hours to conquer the world, after coffee of course. And sometimes your plans go off the rails, even for self-proclaimed gurus.

Your seasons of life are constantly changing, and you will need to change with it. You may find yourself in a season of pregnancy, and you are coping with the first three months of struggling not to fall asleep before lunch. Or you have a newborn that is a Klingon and wants to be held All. The. Time. Or you are adding a kindergarten to your homeschool. There are so many things that can cause your plans to go off the rails and that’s ok.

But ask yourself, if you are the reason the plans are going off the rails. Are you doing any of these things?

1. Excuses

This can go both ways. You can look for excuses not to do something or look for reasons to keep doing it when you really need to take a break. Believe it or not, we do need to take a break from our world conquering.

Are you coming up with all the reasons that you need to keep working on something? There is always just one more thing to do. Or are you avoiding things that need to get done? Let’s face it, not everything you do is pleasant, fun, or fulfilling. Anyone else make excuses to avoid the dishes?

There are a lot of things on your plate, and it is important to figure out the best way to manage all the things for you. This includes giving yourself downtime, or time to be creative, or whatever it is that helps you relax.

Managing your time means managing your workload, your downtime, and family time. Watch out for the excuses to keep working and not taking a break. Or the excuses to play more, when we actually need to finish the project. You are the queen of your schedule, so stop making excuses.

2. All the little things

Mom, it is so easy to look at EVERYTHING that needs to get done and try to do it all at once. Your day is easily sidetracked by seeing everything that needs to get done. Although these are little things they are still important and need to get done. But don’t try to accomplish them all at once because that will leave your energy depleted, and then your time isn’t used effectively. And you are too tired to do anything at all.

3. Paralysis by analysis

It is so easy to fall into the trap of over analysis. Yes, paralysis by analysis is a real thing. Honestly, I would love to keep doing research and take another class, instead of doing what actually needs to be done. There is always one more thing to research or look into that you can keep going and going and going. But you do need to reach a point when you shift gears from research to action. 

You know how it is. Let me look at one more math curriculum. Or take one more marketing class before I launch my business.

Mom, you will never research everything as thoroughly as you like. So make the decision to put action to what you’ve learned. You will probably surprise yourself.

Life is always going to get crazy for us. Depending on the season, so here are some tips when life sends your plan off the rails.

You May Also Like

Planning in the Cracks: What Are the Margins in Your Day

When Motivation Dies but the To Do List Lives On

From Mom Burnout to Bounce Back

We are homeschool moms and work from home moms. We may have busy times, and then there are super busy weeks. Here are my practical tips for the super busyness.

1. Not doing my normal habits

Yes, I have certain things that I do every morning. When things get busy, I delete everything from the morning schedule because I need more time to manage the busyness of the rest of the day.

2. Skip the do list

Usually, I have a really long to do list to start off my week. But during busy weeks chunks of my time are being hijacked by everything else, I am not adding any more to the list, but I am taking things off it.

3. Figuring out easy meals to make

Using my crockpot and making things like tacos or spaghetti are simple to make and kid approved.

There will be weeks that are exceptionally busy with other things that are not normally on the schedule. Instead of freaking out about it, I need to look at it as the exception and not the rule. So I can make exceptions to everything that I normally do for each week that part of strategic planning. During busy weeks my goals and habits are paused for the moment, so I can release some pressure that is on the schedule.

However, if you find that your plan is going off the rails every week, then it is time to make a new plan.

Make a New Plan

There are seasons to everything, and seasons change. Don’t be disappointed if your plan goes off the rails. That is the beauty of working from home and homeschooling, you can make a new plan.

How you accomplish things will depend on your personality. You want to execute your plan in a way that makes your day easier, not more difficult. Finding your equilibrium with anything new is challenging. But once you found your balance, if it is still too difficult, then change it.

Let’s start with making a new plan.

1. Write it down

Write down your to do list and schedule. Whether in a notebook or planner, there are so many benefits to writing down all the things you need to do.

Writing down your to do list or ideas, gives your brain permission to stop thinking about it. Your brain switches from, I need to remember this, to I can stop thinking about it because I know that it is in a place to remind me. Get a fun notebook because nice things help and start writing down all your world conquering ideas and to-dos.

Track your time. This is not something you will do forever, but it is going to give you a clear picture of how you spend your time. Sometimes we just need a bit of clarity in order to plan our days with knowledge. We may think one thing, but does it match reality. Write down how you spend your time in a day, so you can realistically make a plan.

Find the flex time in your schedule and come to terms with the fact that unexpected things happen.

2. One bite at a time

Growing up I am sure you were asked this question, “How do you eat an elephant?” The answer, “One bite at a time.” This is the same answer to when you are trying to accomplish everything. Or are overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done. Take a deep breath and start with one bite at a time. You will get more done by consistently working at it every day, then working at large chunks sporadically.

Mom, if you are making a new plan because your other plan went off the rails, then take it one bite at a time.

3. Create habits that you do every day

Habits are a great way to consistently work towards those things you want to accomplish. You can read more on the science behind it in Atomic Habits by James Clear. It is important to know the difference between goals and habits, and how to create habits as the process to accomplish your goals.

You’re going to create these habits with routines. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away I scheduled my day. Yes, I followed the conventional wisdom when it comes to setting goals and scheduling my day. All the experts say this was the only way to get things done, so it must work. Right?

The problem with what the experts were saying is kids weren’t really considered in any of these systems. Time blocking, deep work, or other system never consider kids in the picture. Yes, they sound great, and if I actually had the time, I could get things done. But this isn’t my life.

I need a flexible routine that will bend to ambulance rides and fire extinguisher involved science experiments. You know, normal mom stuff.

So what’s a mom to do when the gurus can’t get it right? Be a rebel mom, of course, and forge her own path. That’s what I did with creating routines.

The purpose of routines is to create a flexible framework that still allows you to get stuff done. The benefit of establishing a morning routine is your kids know what to do and you keep your sanity. And they will know what to do without needing constant reminders.

Strategic Planning Next Steps

If you are feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to juggle, and you started hearing the angels sing when we talked about routines, then let’s take a deeper dive on them.

If you want more peace, structure and productivity in your day, then check out my course on routines. Let the power of routines transform your day.

Strategic Planning FAQ

Q: What is strategic planning for homeschool moms?

A: Strategic planning is simply creating a flexible plan for your homeschool, work, home, and goals. It is not about making a perfect schedule that never changes. Because let’s be honest, that schedule does not exist. Strategic planning helps you decide what matters most, what needs to happen next, and how to adjust when life gets crazy.

Q: Why do my plans keep going off the rails?

A: Your plans may be going off the rails because your season of life has changed, your to-do list is too long, or you are trying to fit too much into too little time. Sometimes the problem is not that you need more discipline. Sometimes the problem is that your plan was unrealistic from the beginning. That is fixable. Make a new plan.

Q: How do I get big things done when I only have small pockets of time?

A: Work on big projects in small, consistent blocks. Even 15–30 minutes a day can move a project forward. You may not finish it as quickly as you want, but you will finish it faster than if you keep waiting for a magical eight-hour workday to appear. Spoiler: it probably won’t.

Q: What should I do when I feel overwhelmed by everything on my list?

A: Start by writing everything down. Then pick the few things that actually matter this week. Not everything is urgent, and not everything needs to be done right now. Choose 3–5 realistic tasks and give yourself permission to move things around. Pencil is your friend.

Q: Is it okay to pause habits and goals during a busy week?

A: Yes. Pausing is not failing. During unusually busy weeks, it is okay to simplify your routines, skip the extras, make easy meals, and take things off your list. The key is knowing the difference between an unusually busy week and a plan that is not working anymore.

The post Strategic Planning (Part 2): The Plan Goes Off The Rails, Make A New Plan appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Robert McCloskey’s Make Way for McCloskey: A Robert McCloskey Treasury is a beautiful collection of classic children’s stories that that are perfect for kindergarten read alouds. This treasury brings together some of McCloskey’s most beloved works, including Make Way for Ducklings, Blueberries for Sal, One Morning in Maine, and more. It is sweet, nostalgic, and full of the kind of storytelling that reminds you why some books stick around for generations.

Little Sal picked three berries and dropped them in her little tin pail…kuplink, kuplank, kuplunk!

Author: Robert McCloskey

Genre: Children’s Literature, Picture Books, Kindergarten Read Alouds

Recommend: Yes!

Overview of Kindergarten Read Alouds

Make Way for McCloskey is a collection of Robert McCloskey’s classic picture books gathered into one volume. It is the kind of book that works beautifully for kindergarten read alouds, homeschool literature, bedtime reading, or simply introducing children to timeless stories.

McCloskey had a gift for capturing ordinary childhood moments and making them feel important. His stories are not loud or overly complicated. Instead, they are gentle, observant, and full of real childhood curiosity. The illustrations are also a major part of the experience. They are detailed, expressive, and filled with movement, but they still have that calm, classic feel that makes you want to linger on the page.

Summary

This treasury includes several of McCloskey’s best-known stories. Make Way for Ducklings follows Mr. and Mrs. Mallard as they search for the perfect place to raise their ducklings in Boston. It is charming, funny, and probably the most famous story in the collection.

Blueberries for Sal, one of my favorite stories that I am always excited to pass on to my kids, tells the story of little Sal and her mother picking blueberries on a hill, while a bear cub and its mother are doing the very same thing nearby. It has just the right amount of suspense for little readers without tipping into anything scary.

One Morning in Maine follows Sal again, this time as she loses her first tooth and experiences the simple adventures of a day in coastal Maine. The story feels slow in the best way. It notices the things children notice: loose teeth, boats, errands, family, and small discoveries.

The treasury also includes more of McCloskey’s work, giving readers a fuller picture of his storytelling style. Across the collection, his books celebrate family, nature, small-town life, and childhood independence.

Key Themes of Make Way for McCloskey

• Childhood Wonder: McCloskey’s stories pay attention to the small moments that matter deeply to children. A lost tooth, a blueberry pail, a family outing, or a group of ducklings crossing the street all become meaningful adventures.
• Family Life: These stories often center around parents and children moving through everyday life together. The family relationships feel steady, warm, and realistic.
• Classic Storytelling: These are not fast-paced modern picture books. They are slower, richer, and more observational. That may take a little adjustment for some children, but it is also exactly why they are worth reading.

Who Should These Kindergarten Read Alouds

Families who enjoy classic children’s literature will love this treasury. It is especially good for parents who want kindergarten read alouds that are gentle, meaningful, and beautifully illustrated.

Homeschool families can easily use this book as part of a literature-rich early elementary curriculum. We used it for kindergarten, and it was a hit. You could pair it with nature study, geography, art, copywork, narration, or simple hands-on activities.

This book is also a good fit for families who want to build a home library with books that will not feel dated in two years. These stories have already proven they can last.

If I was rating this book like a movie, I would give it a G rating. There is nothing concerning in the content. The stories are gentle, wholesome, and family-friendly. It is a safe kindergarten read aloud.

Final Verdict

Make Way for McCloskey: A Robert McCloskey Treasury is a beautiful addition to a family library. It is classic without being boring, gentle without being dull, and nostalgic without feeling pointless. Robert McCloskey had a rare ability to make ordinary childhood moments feel memorable, and this collection showcases that gift well.

If you are looking for a read-aloud that slows everyone down, encourages observation, and gives your children a taste of timeless storytelling, this treasury belongs on your shelf. It is perfect for homeschool families, picture book lovers, and anyone who wants children’s books that feel like a deep breath instead of one more noisy thing in the day.

The post Kindergarten Read Alouds: Make Way For McCloskey appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

I am a homeschool mom of 6, running two businesses, and I am a self-proclaimed productivity guru. With this much going on all the time, it requires planning strategies.

I’ve been homeschooling and working from home for over 10 years now. I’ve homeschooled every single grade, most of them two or three times. In all my years, I’ve come to appreciate how necessary it is to have planning strategies. And they usually look like this: make a plan, execute the plan, the plan goes off the rails, we make a new plan.

This is how life works. We need to make a plan and then adjust as necessary. For smaller families it is easier to make the adjustment. It is like driving a speedboat. You can just turn and head in an different direction. For larger families, it is more like turning a battleship. You need to plan way ahead of the turn and start making it in slow increments.

Regardless of family size, we are moms so we have a lot on our plates. The demands of work and school are a lot. Then add things like people want to eat, every single day. Then you notice every little thing that needs to be fixed or cleaned around the house. After that, you are back to grading schoolwork while planning your clients’ next social media campaign. You need to figure out if you can squeeze in that other activity. You know the one that every homeschool family is doing. And then you are feeding them again.

It is a lot. The only way to really juggle it all is to have a plan, work the plan, the plans go off the rails, and you make a new plan—you know planning strategies. Despite all of this, you can still get things done and crush your goals. It may take a bit more time than you are used to. And you will need to adjust when the plans go off the rails.

Wherever you fit, whether you’re a speedboat or a battleship, I want to give you the practical tools you need for planning and time management. So you diminish the overwhelm, relieve your stress, and enjoy what you do.

This is part one of the planning strategies series: make a plan and execute the plan.

Planning Strategies: Make a Plan

As a busy mom, I wish I had more time in my day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could wave our magic mom boss wand, and piff, puff, poof, we have more time in our day to get All. The. Things done. You are juggling a lot of mom roles,  and it takes the precision of a tight-rope walker to balance it all.

When you work at home with kids, it adds another layer to juggle. So tight rope walker juggling on a tight rope.

If you are a working and homeschooling, you are already getting a lot done. I’m not sure if we can add any more to that. And we all have the same number of hours, so multiplying time would truly be magical.

Let’s talk about some tools that will help you with your planning strategies. Think of this as a sketch and not an oil painting. It is going to give you an idea of the direction you head in, but you have room to erase any mistakes.

Knowing how to divide your time, organize your tasks, create habits and plan to get things done is the secret sauce for a successful homeschool and work from home mom.

Learning systems and how to manage your time at home is an essential skill to success. Yes, life changes, so these strategies need to bend and change with you.

Before I get into some of the essentials for planning strategies. Let me slay the dragons of time blocking and deep work. Now if these work for you great. I just found I was putting so much pressure on myself to block out chunks of time, and then never really getting anything done. I want to give you a permission slip to ignore the productivity gurus who promote this so hard, if it doesn’t work for you. If it works for you, then keep doing it. But you don’t have to plan your life according to someone else’s recipe.

There is a lot of hype around time blocking and doing deep work. These systems do work in certain circumstances, like is if you have childcare, or your kids aren’t around for large chunks of time. I often tell my husband, “I could get so much done if I had a few hours of uninterrupted time.” That time never comes, so I need to figure out how to still get things done with constant interruptions. And it is possible. It just doesn’t work with time blocking and deep work.

Your Essential Planning Strategies to Make a Plan

These are the tools you need to plan a successful day. Remember, it is a sketch not an oil painting. This is meant to be a guide and not a recipe.

1. Write it down

Did you know that writing things down frees up brain space? Also, using paper and pen helps you to think more creatively.

I like writing with paper and pen because I am more creative. Also, I don’t need to be in front of a screen just to get my thoughts down. Grab a notebook and write down what you need to do.

2. Work and school in the same space

One essential that I always recommend is to have your workspace and school space in the same place. If you can, then work and school together. Yes, this creates a lot of noise. But it is how you stay available to your kids during work hours.

There are times when I’ve taken phone calls in the bathroom or the garage. Those are the quietest places in the house. For the most part, we work and school in the same place.

The kids can ask me questions, and I can keep an eye on their computer screens. They are mostly independent, but if they need me, I am available.

This is probably the most important thing I can do for our work and homeschool.

3. Create routines

After many years of trial and error, I’ve landed on the best way to plan your days, tame the chaos, accomplish goals, and still have flexibility with your day.

The secret is to create routines instead of schedules. Instead of scheduling every minute of your day, and inevitably fail every day. Routines will give you the flexibility you need in your day while still accomplishing colossal tasks.

Planning Strategies for Homeschool

Every homeschool is unique. That is one of the reasons we homeschool. Even the season you’re in is unique, but there are things you can do to plan your unique homeschool.

Our first year of homeschooling was a disaster, and I am a homeschool graduate. I walked into our first year with the confidence of a four-year-old wearing a Batman cape. By the time Christmas rolled around, I really thought I would end up putting them back in school the following year.

But I didn’t. There were things we needed to figure out, grooves we needed to find, and curriculum we needed to dump.

The lesson here is don’t judge your entire homeschool by one bad year. And just know that it is normal, just when I think I have it figured out something changes.

Although your homeschool is unique to you. There are things to keep in mind when your homeschool planning strategies.

1. Learning styles

Understanding learning styles is key to tailoring learning to your child. Part of the reason we homeschool is so our kids can learn at their pace and in their own way. Understanding their learning styles is going help you find the right curriculum and tools.

2. You can change

If something didn’t work for you this year, then change it. I know it is easy  to keep buying what’s familiar. You understand how the curriculum works and your kids do. It’s easy. But if it made you cry (yes, you can cry over curriculum), then change it.

Even if you like something and your kids didn’t, change it.

3. Is high school coming

After planning for 3 high school students and I have 3 more following behind them, I kind of enjoy this process. Is your child going into high school or is he almost there. Do you need to start planning homeschool high school transcripts or figuring out dual enrollment?

You child can start taking high school courses in middle school. If you want to start on some of the credits, then start planning for high school in middle school.

4. Organization

Do you need to change your homeschool space? We are like sardines in our homeschool space. It is just enough room to work, school, and walk. This has changed over the years. We’ve moved desks, rearranged, bought more bookshelves.

Is there something that drove you crazy this past year that you need to change before next year? Or are you adding another child to your homeschool and you need to make space? Now is the time to reorganize your homeschool space.

5. All-in-One curriculum is fine

I’m just going to say it. Sometimes we can be pretty snobby about the curriculum we use. Like I’m a better homeschool mom if I curate all the curriculum each year. Or if I write all the curriculum my kids use, and I shun workbooks.

This isn’t new. Curriculum comparison was around when I was homeschooled. I think we do it because we want to validate that we are doing enough for our kids. That we won’t mess them up. Let’s change this mom and validate each other. We all are have reasons for choosing the curriculum we do for our kids. Let’s encourage each other’s choices. Homeschooling is about schooling on our terms.

However you want to homeschool do it. For work from home and homeschooling moms, being able to open the box and run is one of the best ways to homeschool.

I haven’t always used all in one curricula. I’m a homeschool mom, we need to test drive different styles. I’ve done eclectic, and sat on the floor of our used bookstore searching for book after book, and checking it off the list. Meticulously putting each subject together. The planning for homeschooling like this is a major time suck. Especially, with six kids. I spent so much time looking for curriculum. Although, I liked having a valid reason to go to the bookstore a lot. But part of balancing working and homeschooling for me is using an all in one homeschool curriculum.

Mom, if that works for you, then do it.

Planning Strategies: Execute the Plan

Now that you made a plan, you actually need to execute the plan. It doesn’t do anyone any good if it sits in your pretty notebook taunting you.

So how do you actually structure your day to get everything done? You create routines. Routines have been the secret weapon to get this battleship running at optimal levels. I think I heard the angels sing when I finally figured this out. Yes, mom, even self-proclaimed productivity gurus need to figure things out.

Many people have told me, “You are so organized. I don’t know how you stay so organized with everything on your plate.” Mom, I am going to let you in on a secret. I’m not organized so I can be a self-proclaimed guru, I am organized because it is the only way I can keep my sanity. If things weren’t organized, we would definitely be going off the rails every day. And the one tool that gets me there is creating routines.

Routines will help you create habits, and these habits are essential to accomplishing all your stuff. We have a lot of mundane tasks that take up space in our brains. When you create routines that turn into habits your brain also starts to do them without thinking about it. So, you free up brain space. And we all can use some more brain space.

Routines also sets clear expectations with your kids, so they know what to do and what comes next.

Here are 5 routines to create, so you keep your sanity, and your kids know what to do.

1. Morning routine

Creating morning routines for you and your kids will set the tone for your entire day. Having a good morning routine is essential to creating a day that runs on autopilot.

Ensuring that your kids have a morning routine will also eliminate the need to nag. I mean constantly remind them of what they need to be doing.

2. Workout routine

Your physical and mental health are your greatest assets. It is also the two things we put on the back burner and hope we get to it…someday.

Create a workout that you will actually do consistently and that you can build on. It is possible to work, homeschool, and work out at home.

I incorporated a lot of movement at my desk. I’ve had a bike under and now I’ve upgraded to a walking pad. I am accomplishing two things at one time—work and working out.

3. School routine

Your kids should have a school routine as well. There is a lot of freedom in homeschooling. So find what gives you the most freedom while still learning, and doesn’t cause you frustration.

One thing that works for us is nothing else can be done until schoolwork is finished. The kids are free to do their subjects in the order they like. They can also take as many breaks as they want. But fun stuff doesn’t happen until schoolwork is finished. This is a great motivator to get it done because there is a lot of fun stuff they want to do.

4. Work routine

Yes, you need a routine to manage your clients and your tasks. This will also help set boundaries for your office hours too.

I get up before my kids so I can work on my blog. Then I start on client work. This helps me to feel like I have a head start on the day. I also end work about the same time every day.

5. Evening routine

You need to wind down, your kids want to eat…again, and you need to spend time together. Create an evening routine that helps you do all this and prepare for the next day.

One thing we try to do every night is eat dinner together. Now that the kids are older and working, we might have one missing from the dinner table. And my youngest is very offended by this. She looks around the table, asks where the missing brother is, and then announces, “We need to eat dinner as a family.” This time at the table is probably the most important for everyone. We share, we talk, and we are all together.

It helps us process the events of our day, share what’s going on, and connect with each other. It is too easy for everyone to head in different directions. The dinner table anchors us all back to the things that are most important.

If creating routines is a new idea, then just pick one to start with. You don’t need to change everything all at once. Start small.

Conclusion: Planning Strategies for Moms Who Need to Get Things Done

Planning strategies are not about creating a perfect day. The goal is to create a flexible plan that helps you move through your day with more confidence and less chaos.

The best planning strategies are the ones that actually work for your real life. Start small. Write things down. Create routines. Build habits. Adjust when something is not working. If your current system makes you feel like you are failing every day, then change the system. You are not here to serve your planner. Your planner is here to serve you.

Mom, you can get things done. You can homeschool your kids, work from home, run your business, manage your house, and still keep your sanity. It may not look polished. It may not look like the productivity gurus promised. But it can work.

So grab your notebook, make the plan, work the plan, and when it goes off the rails, take a deep breath and make a new one. Then check out Strategic Planning (Part 2): The Plan Goes Off the Rails, Make a New Plan.

FAQ: Planning Strategies for Work From Home and Homeschool Moms

Q: What are the best planning strategies for busy moms?

A: The best planning strategies are the ones that give you structure without locking you into a rigid schedule. Write things down, create routines, keep your work and homeschool space practical, and build habits that make your day easier. You do not need a perfect planner or a color-coded system that looks like it belongs on Pinterest. You need a plan that works when the kids need help, the client emails, and someone asks what is for dinner again.

Q: How do I make a plan when my day is constantly interrupted?

A: Start with routines instead of strict schedules. A schedule tells you exactly when something should happen, but a routine gives you a flexible order for your day. This helps you keep moving even when your day gets interrupted. And if you are a mom, it will get interrupted. That is not negative thinking. That is just Tuesday.

Q: Why do routines work better than schedules for homeschool moms?

A: Routines work better because they bend with real life. Homeschooling and working from home require flexibility. A routine helps your kids know what to do next without needing you to repeat yourself every five minutes. It also frees up mental space because you are not constantly making the same decisions over and over again.

Q: How do I execute the plan instead of just writing it down?

A: Keep the plan simple enough that you can actually follow it. A beautiful notebook full of impossible expectations will not help you. Pick the most important things, build them into your routine, and start there. You can always add more later, but if you start with too much, you will burn out before the plan has a chance to work.

Q: How do planning strategies help with mom overwhelm?

A: Planning strategies help because they take all the floating thoughts out of your head and give them a place to land. When everything lives in your brain, it feels heavier than it really is. Writing things down, creating routines, and setting clear expectations helps you stop carrying every detail by memory. And honestly, mom brain does not need one more thing to remember.

Q: How do I keep my kids on track with school while I work?

A: Give them a clear school routine and expectations they can follow. Let them know what needs to be completed, where their schoolwork is, and what they should do when they finish. As they get older, they can become more independent. This does not happen overnight, but it is worth building because it helps your homeschool run without you micromanaging every subject.

Q: What is the most important planning strategy for work from home moms?

A: Create routines that protect your sanity. A good routine helps your day run with less nagging, fewer decisions, and more direction. It will not make your day perfect, but it will help you know what comes next. And sometimes knowing what comes next is the difference between getting things done and staring at your coffee wondering where the day went.

The post Planning Strategies (Part 1): Make A Plan And Execute The Plan appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Working moms from home, do you feel like the to do list is never ending. You finally get to check a project off this list, just to add three more to it. It can feel overwhelming and never ending.

What is the secret to mastering time management for working moms from home?

I started 2025 a little different than normal. I was actually looking for the reset button a week into the new year, but that is more details than we have space for right now. Usually, I take January to plan my year, and I know the formula that works to get all the things done. This year I wanted to narrow my focus a bit more.

This is not an easy task for me. A friend once asked me if my brain ever turns off. The answer was no. It never stops churning, and it can be exhausting. As 2025 approached, I decided I wanted to do the hard work and focus more. But opportunity pounded on my door, and I needed to open it.

This left me feeling very overwhelmed by my bursting to do list. But I just needed to take a deep breath and tell myself, “One step at a time.” Focus on the important stuff, right now, not on the important stuff that was coming up.

Mom, these are exciting opportunities, and I love the fact that I can juggle all of this from the comfort of my home. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t overwhelming at times. Working moms from home need to make an effort to not blur the lines between work, home, and school because it creates a never ending cycle of tasks.

Understanding how to manage your time effectively and knowing when to draw the line is crucial for maintain both productivity and sanity for working moms from home.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

The Challenge of Working Moms from Home

Mom, it is challenging juggling work, home, and school. As working moms from home, I think there are more challenges we face because we see all the things that need to be done around the house. The kids need our attention, and we are still working with clients.

It is a lot.

But I wouldn’t want it any other way. I’ve spent years working in an office while my kids were in daycare or school. That is not something that I ever want to go back to. So while being a working mom in an office comes with its challenges, and being a working mom from home presents its own unique challenges. I’ve chosen my hard, and I am ever grateful that I can be home with my kids in my work from home mom job.

Although, I’ve chosen my hard, I still want to juggle everything well. I want to manage my time well, manage my clients well, and be with my kids well.

That means we need to manage our time well as working moms from home.

The Emotional Toll of Doing it All as a Working Mom from Home

The pressure to balance everything—from deadlines to dinner prep—is exhausting. It can leave us feeling drained, burned out, and inadequate. Doing it all usually doesn’t happen. Although, we do try really hard.

The first step to a more manageable routine and better time management as working moms from home is understanding that no one can do it all.

My January looked a lot different this year because I needed to take things off my list. There were things I was determined to finish and accomplish, but when opportunity came pounding on my door I needed to make room for it. That means I needed to eliminate things from the list.

If you want to enjoy your life and use your working from home as tool to that enjoyment, then you might need to eliminate things from your to do list. And that’s ok. Our priority as working moms from home is our kids. Once they are at the top of the to do list, everything else falls into place or is removed from the list.

Good time management requires knowing what you need to take off this list as well as leave on it.

Embracing Limitations as Working Moms from Home

In order to create balance as working moms from home, we need to understand our limitations. It is impossible to do it all.

Even for your homeschool there are limitations. I use all in one curriculum because piecing everything together takes too much time. This is a limitation, but there is a solution to it and that is all in one curriculum. I don’t use curriculum that places a heavy emphasis on being parent-led. I use curriculum that is designed for the students to be independent.

Let go of the idea that you need to be involved in every subject. We homeschool for the flexibility and to tailor learning for each child. I can still do that with all in one curriculum and understanding my limitations.

What are your limitations? What can you realistically do in a day? Are there days where you need to plan easy meals?

Your May Also Like:

Hello Moms: My Story from Corporate Workhorse to Momtrepreneur

Time Management for Moms Who Work from Home

Flexible Fall Schedule

How to Set Personal Boundaries for a Better Work Life Balance

5 Steps to Master Time Management as Working Moms from Home

Time management for working moms from home is really about understanding what’s important to you and eliminating those things that aren’t. You can’t do it all. There are limitations to your time, so let’s start managing it effectively to improve your productivity, gain a sense of control, and enjoy your life.

1. Identify your priorities

What are your non-negotiables? List the things in a notebook that are most important to you. Create categories for clients, business, and homeschooling. Or the categories that make the most sense to you. Under those categories list everything that comes to mind.

Rate your list from 1-10. One being the least important and ten being the most important. Pick your top 3 on work on those.

Whether you do this for the year, month, or week. It is important to see what is most important to you right now, and work on those. If they are large projects, then focus on one instead of three. Work your way through your priorities, and then more to the next ones.

2. Determine what can fit into the margins

There are so many things you can fit into the margin of your day. Maximize your margins. Sitting in the car picking up a kid from work, bring a book along. Or bring a notebook to write down your to do list or start a blog post.

There are certain things that require time and focus. Those are your priorities. But, then, there are other things that can get done in 5-10 minutes. Or you can at least make progress on them in 5-10 minutes. Need to read a 10 page report, bring along as your brush your teeth and read it.

Identify those things that are still important but can be done in short spurts of time. Maximize the margins of your day.

3. Set boundaries

Working moms from home, if we are going to juggle it all then you need to set personal boundaries with clients, with kids, with expectations, and so on. This is the only way you will be able to get things done.

It is ok to set deadlines that work for you with your clients. As long as you are clear with what you can realistically do, clients will be ok with it too. Also, it is ok to tell your young son, who just realized that he can read, that he can only read you 3 books instead of 5. And it is ok to take a project off your list, or to push it down the list because you just don’t have time. Yes, I know it is a brilliant idea, but you may need to set boundaries on your expectations.

4. Create a realistic routine

I know I say this a lot because it was such a game-changer for me, but you need to create realistic routines. It is amazing how creating a routine will change the tone of your home, and the brain space it frees up for you.

If you aren’t sure where to start, then start with a morning routine.

5. Have office hours

Yes, you need to have office hours. If we are working moms from home, then this is a must. State it clearly in your freelancer contract and then stick to it.

For example, I only work Monday–Thursday. That means if I get a phone call on Friday, I don’t answer it. Now, there may be things that pop up very, very rarely, and I will make exceptions for those rare occasions. Things happen. But the clients that I work with are great and respect my time limitations. So office hours aren’t an issue.

You also need office hours for yourself. It is important that you stop working. It is very easy to keeping going because there is always one more thing to do. Write it down in a notebook, and then hang up the closed sign. Or just turn your computer off and walk away from your desk.

Conclusion: Working Moms from Home Find Your Rhythm

It is possible to live your impossible dream of working from home and homeschooling. That doesn’t mean it will be easy, but it is totally possible. It just requires figuring out what works for you and your family and understanding your limitations. Working moms from home set realistic routines, focus on the things that really matter, and set clear boundaries. You will rock this working moms from home journey.

Mom, sometimes we can feel like islands as working moms from home. Having a support system can make all the difference in balancing work and family. That’s why I want to personally invite you to join the Rebel Moms Club, this is the working moms from home community that you’ve been looking for.

FAQ: Time Management for Working Moms from Home

Q: How can I manage time with a baby or toddler at home?

A: Flexible schedules, nap-time productivity, and babywearing can be lifesavers. Use moments of quiet to tackle high-priority tasks.

Q: What if my job has unpredictable demands?

A: Build buffer time into your schedule and communicate openly with your clients about your availability.

Q: Is it okay to let my kids watch TV while I work?

A: Absolutely! Screen time can be a helpful tool when used in moderation. Choose educational or age-appropriate content to make it more beneficial.

Q: What’s the best way to transition between work and mom mode?

A: Create a ritual—like a short walk or a cup of tea—to signal the end of work and the beginning of family time. This helps you mentally shift gears.

The post Working Moms From Home: The Secret To Mastering Time Management appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Have you been a highly motivated person, and then suddenly your motivation is gone?

What do you do when motivation is suddenly gone?

Yes, it can happen. And it is something that I do not like. I’ve been struggling with a lack of motivation for some time now. I haven’t diagnosed it, yet. But going from a highly motivated person to almost zero motivation has been a serious struggle, and, honestly, I hate that feeling. I’m not motivated to read, or to do my class assignments, or to even work on my business.

So what do we do when we find ourselves without motivation? Things still need to get done. The books need to be read, the assignments need to get done, and the business needs to be built. Is it even possible to get big things accomplished without motivation? Asking for a friend.

As a work from home and homeschool mom, we can’t build our lives on motivation alone. Motivation is nice when it shows up, but it is not reliable enough to carry your family, your homeschool, your business, your house, your meals, your goals, and your sanity. That is too much pressure for a feeling.

What moms need is not more will power. We need systems. When motivation is gone, systems will get you through to the next step.

And the irony is, I am doing everything in my power to avoid writing this because I am so not motivated to do it. And now that I’ve finally stopped putting around to avoid writing, let’s get into it.

Why Motivation Feels So Powerful at First

Motivation is powerful because it gives you a burst of energy. You feel like the impossible is possible. There is inspiration. You see yourself in an aspirational light. Whether that is being a mom boss bringing in seven-figures. Or a homesteading homeschool mom. You imagine yourself in the best possible way. Motivation is a fulfiller of dreams.

That version sounds lovely. I would like to meet her.

The problem is motivation usually comes when the pressure is low. You are thinking about the new routine while sitting quietly with coffee. You are planning the homeschool year when no one is crying over fractions. You are setting business goals when your inbox is calm. You are deciding to get healthy while wearing stretchy pants and feeling hopeful.

But then real life starts asking questions.

Can motivation survive a sick kid, a missed deadline, a co-op morning, a toddler meltdown, a grocery pickup at the wrong location, and a teen who suddenly needs to talk about something important at 10:47 p.m.? Usually not. Motivation can only take you so far. It is usually to ignite the spark of an idea.

The Motivation Problem for Moms

The biggest problem with motivation is that it assumes your day belongs to you. Or that your attention is singularly focused.

That is adorable.

If you are a mom, your day does not fully belong to you. You may own pieces of it. You may get a quiet hour here or a focused 20 minutes there. But your day is full of people with needs, questions, emotions, snacks, missing socks, and dramatic announcements that they are starving even though they ate 14 minutes ago. And I wouldn’t change this for anything.

But I still want to be productive and see if my brilliant idea is actually, well, brilliant.

This is why so many productivity systems fall apart for moms. They are often built around uninterrupted time, predictable energy, and the assumption that you can simply decide what to do and then do it. That may work beautifully for someone alone in a quiet office. But for the mom working from home while homeschooling, the situation is different.

You need a system that bends.

You need something flexible enough to survive interruptions but structured enough to keep you moving forward. You need something that does not require you to feel inspired every morning. Because, let’s be honest, some mornings your biggest accomplishment is not saying what you are thinking before coffee.

You May Also Like

The Only Trait Every Momtrepreneur Needs to Achieve Big Things

Planning in the Cracks: What Are the Margins in Your Day

Let’s Talk Setbacks and Motivation in Business

Motivation and Will Power Are Not the Same as Discipline

Recently, we had a long discussion in our house about the difference between motivated people and highly motivated people. After much wrestling over semantics, we reached the consensus that there is a difference between motivated people and highly motivated people. That difference comes down to discipline.

We know a lot of people who are motivated by a great idea, but yet they are unable to follow through on it. But it is the highly motivated individual that will see the idea through to the finish line. The difference between these two people is discipline. 

Now, before we throw motivation into the trash completely, let’s be clear. Motivation is not bad. It can be helpful. It can get you started. It can give you the emotional boost you need to try something new.

But motivation is not discipline.

Discipline is doing the thing because it matters, not because you feel like it. Like writing this post instead of putting around. Systems help you practice discipline without needing to drag yourself uphill every day by sheer will power. A good system removes some of the decisions. It lowers the friction. It makes the next step obvious.

That matters because moms make too many decisions already. We decide what everyone eats, when school starts, what curriculum to use, whether the toddler’s cough is normal or suspicious, who needs new shoes (I need to go get them), when to schedule appointments, what client work matters most, and whether the smell in the laundry room is survivable.

By the end of the day, deciding whether to work on your goal can feel impossible. Not because you are lazy. Not because you lack character. Because your brain has already run a marathon in flip-flops.

Where motivation stops, discipline needs to take over.

Why Moms Need Systems Instead of More Motivation

A system is simply a repeated way of doing something. It is a process that helps you move forward even when you are tired, distracted, or not feeling particularly inspired.

And moms need systems because systems reduce the mental load.

When your kids know the morning routine, you do not have to say the same thing 47 times before breakfast. When you have a simple weekly to-do list, you do not have to wake up and reinvent the day. When you have a meal plan, even a very basic one, you do not have to stare into the fridge at 5:00 p.m. hoping dinner reveals itself like a prophecy. I really hope it does for tonight, though.

Systems are not about becoming rigid. They are about creating freedom.

A system gives you a flexible framework. It tells your brain, “This is what we do next.” And when your brain is tired, that is a gift.

Motivation Fades, But Habits Keep Going

One of the best systems you can build is a habit. Habits are powerful because they become automatic over time. You do not have to think as much. You just do the thing because it has become part of your normal rhythm.

This is why habits work better than dramatic declarations.

These are not flashy. No one is making an inspirational reel about wiping counters after lunch. But these small habits add up. They quietly carry the weight that motivation drops.

And that is the magic. You need a repeatable process that helps you keep going.

Create a System with Routines

Routines are one of the best systems for moms because they are structured without being suffocating. A schedule says, this must happen at exactly 8:00. A routine says, this happens after that.

That difference matters.

A routine allows for the baby needing extra snuggles, the teen needing help, the toddler having a meltdown, or mom needing another cup of coffee because the first one disappeared somewhere between phonics and client emails.

Start with a morning routine because mornings set the tone for the day. This does not need to be complicated. In fact, please do not make it complicated. Complicated systems are where good intentions go to die.

The goal is not perfection. The goal is fewer decisions and fewer reminders.

Use a To-Do List as a System

Your to-do list can either be your best friend or a bully with bullet points.

If your to-do list has 43 items on it, it is not a plan. It is an emotional attack. No wonder you feel overwhelmed. You are looking at a list that no reasonable human could complete, especially one who is also raising children and running a business. As my husband reminds me on a daily basis.

Instead, use your to-do list as a system.

Start with a brain dump. Write down everything floating around in your head. Get it out. Your brain is not meant to be a junk drawer. Once it is on paper, sort it.

What must happen today? What can wait? What can be delegated? What can be deleted entirely?

Then pick your top three. These are the most important things that will move the day forward. Not the only things you will do, but the things that matter most.

This gives your motivation direction. Instead of waking up and trying to feel inspired by a giant list, you know exactly where to start.

That matters.

Give Yourself Grace Without Letting Yourself Quit

There is a difference between grace and excuses.

Grace says, today was hard. I need to adjust. Excuses say, today was hard, so I am done forever.

Moms need grace because life is unpredictable. Kids get sick. Babies do not sleep. Teens need emotional support at inconvenient times. Business problems pop up. Homeschool plans fall apart. Some days really are no good very bad days, and you need to take a break.

But grace should help you keep going, not give you a reason to quit.

This is why systems matter so much. When life knocks you off track, a system gives you a place to return. You do not have to start over from scratch. You just step back into the routine, the habit, the list, or the process.

You are not failing because you had a bad day. You are only in trouble if your entire plan depends on never having one.

Conclusion: Motivation Is Nice, But Systems Save Your Sanity

Mom, motivation is not enough. It never was.

You are not struggling because you are lazy. You are not behind because you lack will power. You are carrying a lot, and you need systems that support the life you actually live. Motivation may help you start, but systems help you keep going when the coffee is cold, the toddler is loud, the homeschool lesson is sideways, and your inbox is giving you attitude.

So stop waiting to feel motivated. Build the routine. Create the habit. Simplify the to-do list. Set up the environment. Make the next step obvious.

You do not need to become a different person to make progress. You need a better system.

And honestly, that is good news. Because if success depended on feeling motivated every day, we would all be in trouble by Wednesday.

Are you ready to start transforming your day? Get the course (that is quick and easy) to help you build routines. I promise you will thank me.

FAQ: Motivation for Moms

Q: Why is motivation not enough for moms?

A: Motivation is not enough because mom life is full of interruptions, decisions, and unpredictable needs. You may feel motivated at the beginning, but that feeling fades when real life gets loud. Systems help you keep going even when you do not feel inspired.

Q: What is the best motivation system for busy moms?

A: The best motivation system is one that fits your real life. For many moms, that means simple routines, short to-do lists, habit stacking, and clear expectations for the kids. The goal is to reduce decisions and make the next step easy.

Q: How do routines help with motivation?

A: Routines help because they remove the need to decide what comes next. When your day has a repeated rhythm, you can move through tasks with less mental effort. This frees up brain space and helps you stay consistent.

Q: What should I do when I lose motivation for homeschooling?

A: Go back to your why, but also check your system. Are your expectations realistic? Is the curriculum working? Are you trying to recreate public school at home? Sometimes lost motivation is a sign that your homeschool routine needs adjusting.

Q: Can habits replace motivation?

A: Habits can carry you when motivation fades. Once a behavior becomes part of your routine, you do not need to feel excited about it every time. You simply do it because it is part of the rhythm of your day.

Q: What is one small system I can start today?

A: Start with a top three to do list. Write down everything in your head, then choose the three most important tasks for the day. This gives your brain direction and helps you focus without feeling buried under a giant list.

The post When Motivation Dies But The To Do List Lives On appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Let’s talk about the thing we don’t want to talk about, staying fit working from home.

There is enough on your plate. Staying fit or getting in shape is usually the last on your to do list. Even when you have the convenience of work out routines at home, it still seems like an impossible task. How to stay fit while working from home? Is it possible?

There is so much that demands your attention, and if you add one more thing to your plate you might just break it. Working from home is hard. Homeschooling kids is hard. Add them together and you have a special kind of chaos. Working from home with kids is exhausting. You are juggling a lot throughout the day. Busy mom fitness tends to get put on the back burner.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Then there are all the temptations lurking around every corner. The pantry beckons you to indulge, the fridge cries out for attention, and the couch calls you to rest. It is hard to fit in work out routines at home, even those that promise only 30 minutes per day.

But your mental and physical health are your two biggest assets in life and in business. You need to take care of both. 

Why You Need Work Out Routines at Home

Some people prefer to go to the gym and work out. The act of taking the time to drive there solidifies the commitment to exercise. I’m not one of those people. If my body is going to shake like a bowl full of jelly, then I want to do it in the comfort of my own home. Not to mention my lack of coordination. Trust me it is a public service working out at home.

Whether you go to the gym or workout at home, know that sitting all day long is not good for you.

Here are a few facts. Most people sit more than they realize, and all that time sitting without activity causes some legitimate health risks. Sitting for long periods every day, over a long period of time, increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events. But there is worse, sitting too long also makes your butt bigger. Yikes!

It is so easy to think that you are moving enough when you are working from home. You feel tired often. Honestly, I am not sure what it feels like to not be tired anymore. So thinking of adding work out routines at home makes me feel even more exhausted. But here’s the catch, I do feel better when I start working out on a regular basis. As a mom working from home, it sometimes feels like you are running a marathon every day. Your mind can trick you into thinking you are getting enough movement.

Here’s the challenge to see if you are moving enough throughout the day. Get a fitness watch that will count your steps. Garmin, iWatch, Fitbit—I’ve used them all. Get one that you like and works with your budget. Any of these watches will get the job done. I’ve found the Garmin to be the most cost effective, and I haven’t been disappointed with it. At the moment, I have an iWatch because we switched to iPhones, but either will work. Wear it and see how many steps you take during the day, you will probably be shocked. 

When I first got my smartwatch, I was curious to see how working from home changed my movement. And I was shocked. On average I only clocked in about 1500 steps a day (the recommended daily goal is 10,000 steps). I was not moving nearly as much as I thought I was. It was a stunning reality check.

Do you know how many steps you are getting in each day?

3 Tips to Stay Fit Working from Home

So you want to stay or get fit. You don’t want to increase your chances for diabetes or cardiovascular events. And you definitely don’t want your butt getting bigger. Here are my tried and tested tips for staying fit while you are working from home.

1. Move at your desk

This is actually one of my favorites. Any easy way to multitask is a win in my book. I spend so much time at my desk. I need an option to can work out while I’m working. This is a great way to add work out routines at home.

If you decide to use a standing desk (I’ve tried it, but it didn’t work for me). You can get a Simply Fit Board and twist at your desk. I would strongly suggest not buying generic. I did and the board cracked within a month. My actual Simply Fit Board is still in one piece more than 5 years later.

You can use hand weights to lift at your desk. Put a mini exercise bike under your desk. You can try a wobble cushion that helps with your core. There are also desk ellipticals.

Currently, there is a desk elliptical under my desk. When I use it. I turn on the workout for my smart watch. This is how I know that I am intentionally moving and keeping up a pace that counts as a workout. I also like to see my ring close and get rewarded for my workout.

There are so many ways that you can start moving at your desk and start your journey to getting fit. And we still need to talk about actual work out routines at home.

2. Drink water

This is one of those things that is easy to forget even with the kitchen right there. Or you might even be working out of your kitchen. But it is so easy to keep going throughout the day and not think about drinking water. Drinking water helps you stay full and this will help you not overeat. The pantry is right there and the fridge says, “Hey, come on over and see what’s inside.”

Anyone else eat out of boredom? Sometimes you just need a break from your computer, and the easiest place to go to is the pantry. In an office, you would probably walk over to your friend’s desk for a distraction. At home it’s the fridge or the pantry to distract you. So instead of heading to these two place, head for the water instead.

3. Work out routines at home—make it part of your daily routine

Although you added more movement at your desk, it is time to add actual work out routines at home. It is recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate exercises or 75 minutes of intense aerobic exercise per week. That is 30 minutes 5 days per week, or 50 minutes 3 days per week. For intense workouts that is 15 minutes 5 days per week, or 25 minutes 3 days a week. Or just get a smart watch and the app will track this time for you.

You can do this! Pick how many days per week you want to work out, and then start working towards the time frame. Make it part of your daily routine, so you can start forming habits. Once a habit is formed, you do it without thinking.

You don’t have to start your intense workout immediately. Build up to it. If you are going from nothing to 30 minutes of intense workouts, your body is going to be worn out. You will increase the likelihood that you won’t follow through or keep up the routine.

Start slow. Aim for 15 minutes a day to start out. The key is to do it at the same time every day, so that you create a habit of working out at the same time every day. This will increase your chances of sticking to the routine for the long haul.

Here are some of my favorite work out routines at home: pilates, treadmill, exercise bike, and more. Follow my Pinterest board for workouts I like that include Tabata exercises, kettlebell, and treadmill interval exercises.

At the moment, I am focusing on weight training. The more muscle you build the more calories you burn at rest.

Conclusion

Are you convinced that you need to work out more? Part of my reason for writing posts like this, is so I can remind myself that I need to do this too. Are you ready to get moving? Or at least start adding movement at your desk? What is the first step you will take to get started?

For my ideas for workouts you can do, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!

The post Work Out Routines At Home: 3 Tips To Stay Fit Working From Home appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

I know. You are already a busy mom, so adding one more thing to your plate seems ridiculously impossible. But your physical and mental health are your greatest assets and you can’t ignore them.

Finding the time to exercise feels impossible for busy mom. We all know that we need to do it. Sitting is the new smoking has been said for years now. But how do you actually do it between running businesses, homeschooling, laundry, and they want to eat again.

The problem is not that a busy mom doesn’t care about fitness. It is that most fitness advice is not written with a busy mom in mind. Just like everything else, we are rebel moms redefining everything, this is just one more area that we need to make work for us. Not Pinterest perfect with all the matching workout clothes, but practical and maybe even a little ugly. And that’s ok. We don’t actually need to post our workouts online.

A busy mom needs a fitness plan that bends with real life. It needs to work when the baby wakes up early, when math takes three hours, when work deadlines explode, when dinner is cereal or frozen pizza (no judgement here), and when the only quiet moment of the day happens after everyone is asleep and you no longer have the will to move your own body.

So let’s talk about practical fitness for busy mom. Not extreme fitness. I can’t promise you a beach body in 30-days, but after six kids who actually wants to wear a bikini. This is not a system that requires you to become a completely different person by next Monday.

This is fitness for the mom who wants more energy, more strength, less stress, and a body that can keep up with the life she is actually living.

Why Fitness Feels Impossible for the Busy Mom

The biggest paradox when it comes to being a work from home and homeschool mom is that I am sitting more, but I am also completely exhausted by the end of the day. Some days it does feel like I ran a marathon, but I barely walked from my desk to the kitchen.

Our minds get tricked into thinking that we are moving more than we actually are.

When I worked in the corporate world, I did get up and move around a lot. Especially, working in New York City. It wasn’t something that I really thought about, but I did get a lot of movement throughout the day. It was a longer walk between offices. Now the only place to go is the kitchen or the bathroom and that distance is significantly shorter.

As a busy mom, we have this problem of being busy, feeling exhausted by the end of the day, so assuming that we are getting more movement than we actually are. And once we realize that, we reach the conclusion that we need to add one more thing to our plates. But it feels impossible.

Fitness feels impossible for the busy mom because it is usually presented as something separate from the rest of life. You are told to carve out an hour a day, drive to the gym, follow a program, meal prep, track everything, drink more water, stretch, walk 10,000 steps, lift heavy, get enough sleep, and manage your stress.

Wonderful. Now where do I actually add that to my day?

Most moms are not lacking discipline. They are lacking margin.

That is a very important distinction.

When you are overloaded, the answer is not to just try harder. The answer is to build a fitness habit that fits into the cracks of your day. That may not sound glamorous, but neither is wiping applesauce off the wall. We are not here for glamour. We are here for something that actually works.

There are many times when it feels like if I add one more thing to my plate it is going to break. But I also want to be healthy for my kids and any future grandkids. What we do now is going to determine how well we age.

Are we going to be the bent over 75-year-old ladies shuffling around or are we going to be the 80-year-old grandmas crushing an Iron Man? Personally, I would like to know that I could do an Iron Man if I wanted to, but I don’t actually want to.

You May Also Like:

The Self-Care Secret Every Mom Needs to Know

Living a Creative Life for Your Mental Self-Care

3 Tips to Stay Fit Working from Home

The Busy Mom Mindset Shift: Fitness is a Habit, Not a Project

I know, you don’t need fitness to become a massive project. That is the last thing a busy mom needs. But here’s the good news, you don’t need to overhaul your entire life in one dramatic Monday morning moment.

Instead, think of fitness as a habit.

A project has a deadline. A habit becomes part of who you are and how you live. This is why the I need to lose weight by summer mindset often falls apart. It gives you a finish line, but it does not help you build a sustainable life.

A better mindset is, I want to become stronger, healthier, and more energized so I can show up well for my family and myself. You want to be able to do that Iron Man at 80. That has to start now.

And this mindset changes everything.

Now fitness is not punishment for what you ate. It is not a frantic attempt to fix yourself. It is not another measuring stick to prove whether you are succeeding or failing.

Fitness becomes stewardship. It becomes caring for the body that carries babies, groceries, emotional burdens, laundry baskets, and sometimes the entire family schedule in one exhausted brain.

Practical Fitness for the Busy Mom Starts Small

If you are overloaded, start embarrassingly small. I know. You want the big plan. You want the beautiful calendar. You want to become the kind of woman who wakes up at 5 a.m., works out, showers, reads her Bible, drinks water, and smiles peacefully before the children wake up.

That woman may exist. I have questions.

But most of us need to start smaller. Much smaller. Start with five minutes. Yes, start with something that is going to give you a quick win.

Five minutes of squats. Five minutes of walking. Five minutes of stretching. Five minutes of pushups against the counter. Five minutes of dancing in the kitchen while your kids look at you like you have finally lost it. I may know that look.

It may not feel like enough, but it is enough to build the habit. Once the habit exists, you can build on it. The goal is not to impress anyone. The goal is to begin.

The Busy Mom Fitness Plan That Actually Works

The best fitness plan for a busy mom is the one you will actually do. The plan that works is simple, flexible, and repeatable.

My workouts have changed through the years. So start with this framework to get started, but adjust, tweak, or change as you build the habit.

Here is a practical weekly framework:

1. Move Daily in Small Ways

Daily movement does not need to mean a formal workout every day. Some days it will. Other days it may mean a walk around the block, stretching before bed, or doing lunges while waiting for the microwave.

Do not despise small movement. It adds up.

Over the years, I’ve used different tools while I work. I’ve had an under the desk bike and elliptical, but I recently upgraded to a walking pad. The habit is to get in 8,000 steps while I work. And it is working. The immediate improvement that I saw after I started using it was better sleep.

Find ways to add movement while you are doing other things.

2. Strength Train 2-3 Times a Week

Strength training is one of the best fitness choices for busy moms because it gives you the most return for your time. You do not need a gym membership or a full home gym. Start with bodyweight exercises.

Think squats, lunges, pushups, planks, glute bridges, and rows if you have dumbbells or resistance bands.

Strength matters because motherhood is physical. You lift kids, carry groceries, haul laundry, rearrange furniture when the mood strikes, and somehow bring every bag from the car in one trip because two trips are for people with time.

Getting stronger helps real life feel easier. The muscle you build now is going to make a huge difference as you age.

Check out Exercises for Mom

3. Stretch Because Your Body is Not 20 Anymore

I feel this…every morning. There comes a point in life when you can hurt your neck by sleeping wrong. This feels deeply unfair, but here we are.

Stretching helps with stiffness, stress, and mobility. It also gives your body a moment to exhale. You do not need a complicated yoga routine. Stretch your back, hips, shoulders, hamstrings, and neck.

If you sit at a desk, homeschool at the table, nurse a baby, carry toddlers, or sleep in weird positions because a child invaded your bed, your body needs stretching.

Check out Stretching Exercises for Mom

What the Busy Mom Should Stop Doing

Sometimes the best way to make progress is to stop doing the things that are making fitness harder than it needs to be.

Stop waiting for motivation. Motivation is unreliable. It shows up when you buy the cute planner and disappears when the toddler throws yogurt.

You do not need motivation. You need a routine. You need a small habit you can do even when you do not feel like it.

Stop choosing programs designed for someone else’s life. If a program requires two hours a day, a strict meal plan, and no interruptions, it may be a great program. But it may not be great for your season.

Choose what fits your life right now.

Stop thinking small workouts do not count. Small workouts count. A 10-minute walk counts. Five minutes of strength training counts. Stretching counts.

You are building consistency, and consistency is where the magic happens.

Busy Mom Fitness When You Are Exhausted

There will be days when you are bone tired. On those days, be wise.

Sometimes movement will help. A short walk, gentle stretching, or light strength work can clear your head and reduce stress.

But sometimes you need rest. Actual rest. Not fake rest where you sit down and mentally plan the next 47 things.

Fitness for overloaded moms must include recovery. You are not a machine. Even machines break when they are not maintained, and you are much more valuable than a dishwasher with a questionable attitude.

So ask yourself: Do I need movement, or do I need rest? Then answer honestly.

Once you’ve created the habit, it is ok to take time to rest. Workout for six weeks and then plan to rest for the seventh week. Planned rest will still keep you on track with your fitness habit, while also giving you a milestone to achieve.

Make Fitness Easier with Your Environment

Make fitness easy for a busy mom. If your workout shoes are buried in the closet, your resistance bands are in a mystery drawer, and your water bottle has been claimed by a child, you are making fitness harder.

Set up your environment so it is easy. You do not need an elaborate home gym. You need fewer barriers.

Also, remove a few obstacles. If scrolling your phone eats your evening, set a boundary. If late nights make mornings impossible, start working backward toward better sleep. If your to-do list is overloaded, stop pretending you can add a 90-minute workout without removing something else.

Fitness needs space. Not a huge amount of space, but some.

Conclusion: The Busy Mom Can Build Practical Fitness

Fitness for the busy mom does not need to be extreme. It needs to be practical.

You do not need to become a different person. And you do not need to overhaul your life. You do not need to wait until the kids are older, the schedule is calmer, the house is cleaner, or the stars align over the laundry pile.

Start small.

Move for five minutes. Take a walk. Stretch before bed. Do a few squats while the coffee brews. Build strength two or three times a week. Rest when you need it. Keep going when life gets messy.

You are not failing because fitness feels hard. You are living a full life with a lot of demands. So stop trying to force yourself into a fitness system that was never designed for moms.

Be a rebel mom. Build one that works for you.

FAQ: Busy Mom Fitness

Q: How can a busy mom start exercising?

A: A busy mom can start exercising by making the habit very small. Begin with five to ten minutes a day. Walk, stretch, do squats, or try a short bodyweight workout. The goal is to build consistency first, then increase the time or intensity later.

Q: What is the best workout for a busy mom?

A: The best workout for a busy mom is one she will actually do. Strength training, walking, stretching, and short cardio bursts are all great options. A simple plan that includes two or three strength workouts and regular walking is a practical place to start.

Q: How many minutes should a busy mom exercise each day?

A: Start with five to fifteen minutes if you are overwhelmed. You can always build up later. Small workouts are better than waiting for a perfect hour that never comes. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Q: How can I stay consistent with fitness as a busy mom?

A: Use routines instead of rigid schedules. Stack movement onto something you already do, like coffee, brushing your teeth, or starting laundry. Keep your equipment visible and your plan simple. The easier it is to start, the more likely you are to continue.

Q: What equipment does a busy mom need for fitness?

A: You do not need much. Comfortable shoes, resistance bands, and a pair of dumbbells are enough for most home workouts. You can also start with no equipment and use bodyweight exercises.

The post The Busy Mom Guide To Fitness: Practical Fitness For Overloaded Moms appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea is a fantasy novel filled with underground worlds, mysterious doors, secret stories, and layers upon layers of symbolism. It is a story within a story, and it gets very hard to follow.

Because I haven’t figured out the puzzle yet even though I don’t know what the puzzle is.

Author: Erin Morgenstern

Genre: Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism

Recommend: Not really

Overview of The Starless Sea

The Starless Sea follows Zachary Ezra Rawlins, a graduate student who discovers a mysterious book in the library. Inside the book, he finds a story from his own childhood, which leads him into a hidden world filled with keys, bees, swords, doors, stories, and ancient secrets.

The novel is highly atmospheric and symbolic. Morgenstern creates a world that feels like a maze of fairy tales.

Summary

The story begins when Zachary finds a strange book that somehow contains a moment from his own life. This discovery sends him searching for answers. Along the way, he meets mysterious characters, follows clues, and enters a hidden underground world connected to stories, fate, time, and love.

There are several storylines woven throughout the book, including fairy tale like interludes that are meant to build the mythology of the world. These sections are well written, but they also made the book feel scattered to me.

Instead of pulling me deeper into the story, the layers kept pulling me out of it.

I kept waiting for the plot to become clearer. I kept waiting to feel attached to the characters. I kept waiting for that magical moment when everything clicked.

And then I finished the book still waiting.

Not every book is for every reader, and that is okay.

What Didn’t Work for Me

I really debated writing a book review about a book I didn’t like. It is hard to write something and put it out into the world, so I respect any author who has the courage to do that. But I am also very aware that not every book is going to be for everyone, and it is ok to say that. We can offer our opinion in a way that still respects the work. I think that is a lost art in today’s culture, so hopefully this can be can example of offering a careful critique of a piece of creativity.

The biggest issue for me was the lack of a strong, clear story. The writing is lovely, but beautiful sentences are not enough to carry an entire novel if the plot feels foggy. At some point, I need to know why I am walking through all these symbolic doors.

The book also felt emotionally distant. Zachary should have been an easy character to root for, but I never felt deeply connected to him. The relationships felt more like ideas than real relationships, and the romance in the story was just off-putting.

There were moments where the imagery was interesting. I can appreciate that. But the constant symbolism became exhausting. Bees. Keys. Swords. Doors. Honey. Owls. Cats. Books. More doors.

I know this is a book that worked for other people, it was recommended to me, but it just didn’t work for me.

Key Themes of The Starless Sea

• Stories and Storytelling: The book is built around the idea that stories shape us, connect us, and live beyond us.
• Fate and Choice: Characters wrestle with whether they are following a path already written for them or choosing their own way.
• Mystery and Symbolism: Almost every object and image in the book carries meaning, sometimes beautifully and sometimes, for me, too heavily.

Who Should Read This Book

Readers who love atmospheric writing may enjoy The Starless Sea. If you like books that feel like dreams, puzzles, myths, and poetry all tangled together, this may be your cup of tea.

However, if you prefer a strong plot, clear character development, and a story that moves forward with purpose, this book may frustrate you. It is slow, abstract, and more focused on mood than momentum.

And that is exactly where it lost me.

If I were rating this book like a movie, I would probably give it a PG-13 rating. There is some language, romantic content, violence, and darker imagery. Nothing felt overly graphic to me, but the book is definitely written for an adult audience.

Final Verdict on The Starless Sea

The Starless Sea is one of those books I can respect without enjoying. Erin Morgenstern clearly has a gift for language and atmosphere. She writes sentences that feel rich, strange, and magical.

This book did not work for me, and that is okay.

We are allowed to dislike books. We are allowed to say a popular book missed the mark for us. The key is to share our thoughts honestly without being rude, dramatic, or acting like everyone who loved it is wrong.

Reading is personal. Sometimes a book becomes someone else’s treasure.

One of the best parts of reading is we can disagree about books and still have good conversations. This would be a great book for a book club.

Even if I am still not sure what all the bees were doing.

The post The Starless Sea Book Review appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Mom, sometimes we just have a no good very bad day!

Mom woke up, hopped in the car and went to pick up the groceries. But something happened they weren’t there. “Oh, no!” she cried. She looked at the app completely confused. That wasn’t the location she always picks up from. The store app changed the place. Mom backs out of the parking lot. On her phone she searches for the fastest route to the other location on the other side of town. This is turning out to be mom’s no good very bad day …and it just started.

Her eyes are staring at the gas gauge as it creeps closer and closer to red. Yes, she starts to cry over…groceries.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase using one of these links, I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me keeps things free for you, and who doesn’t love free stuff. For more information, see my disclosures.

Mom’s Real Life No Good Very Bad Day

I know it silly that I cried over groceries, in hindsight. At the time, it seemed like a perfectly natural response. I could have pasted on a fake smile and used the power of positive thinking, but crying seemed like a better response.

Have you ever had those times when the pressure gets to you, and you finally break over the smallest thing? If we are honest with ourselves the answer is probably yes. It was a difficult week. Nothing seemed to be going right for me, and it all came to a head over groceries.

Moms, sometimes we just have a no good very bad day. Although, I’ve written about bad days in a previous post, I wanted to write about it again. As moms sometimes we need to hear that it ok again and again.

The Mom Guilt

Usually, we start with a bad day and that can come from any direction. But it is usually not just one thing. It piles on. One thing after another. We are struggling with our kids. The toddler bought a first class ticket on the hot mess express. Or we messed up something with a client. You had an intense discussion with your husband. Or you received bad news from a doctor. Whatever it is, the spiral usually starts.

You have a bad day. Then the mom guilt pours on because you feel guilty for feeling so rotten. You are then frustrated with yourself and everyone around you. Let’s be honest these mommy moments aren’t our finest. But this is place for honest reflection and sometimes we just need to be truthful about where we are at and also know that it is ok to have a no good very bad day.

Keep Calm, Mom On

If you are in the midst of a no good very bad day, or you want to plan for the next one. Here are some mom helps just for you.

The previous post contains six tips to manage your bad day. Here are a few more.

1. Write it out

Sometimes the emotions are threatening to overwhelm, and you just need to get them out. Sometimes life delivers some really hard things that can totally disrupt and change your life. Or in the grand scheme of things, it is not a big deal, but you are still being thrown for a loop by it.

Then there are those things that you just allowed to build up over time, and then you react to a small insignificant circumstance. Whatever it is, you need to get all those emotions out, but it may be hard to find someone you can vent to. Or that you want to vent to. Who wants to admit they finally started crying over groceries…seriously.

Writing it out in a journal or notebook can really help you to vent. This is a place where you can be the most honest. It is just your thoughts and emotions. Now these thoughts and emotions will change, but while they are threatening to overwhelm you talk them out on paper.

2. Dance party

Have you ever noticed how your mood and attitude change when you turn up the music and start busting a move? If you just need to inject a bit of an attitude adjustment into yourself or your kids, then have a dance party.

Turn on your favorite tunes from when you were a kid. Bye Bye Bye  by Nsync is the baby’s favorite song. Seriously, she stopped crying the ambulance when I played it for her. And the kids will love hearing, or making fun of, the music you used to listen to.

It creates a fun bonding experience for all of you. Yes, your teens will even get in on it (but don’t tell them I told you), especially when the two-year-old says, “Come. Dance with me.” It gets them every time.

It is also good exercise which releases the stress hormone cortisol will help you feel calmer and in more control.

3. Retail therapy

You don’t even have to buy anything. I love Hobby Lobby, like I could spend all day walking the aisles. It is my therapy sessions. Although, I don’t go often, when I do it puts a smile on my face, and I come out more relaxed. I told my husband that these are my therapy sessions and they work.

My mind is highly analytical, with a closet creative lurking on the edges, it helps to force my mind to be creative. The juices start to flow and engage another part of my brain. I am sure there is some sciency reason for it, but I will just stick with it works.

Pick your favorite store and just walk around. Let you mind wonder. And if you want to indulge in a purchase, then do it (as long as it is in your budget).

4. Read a book

If you are having a no good very bad day, then you may just need a distraction. This gives you an opportunity to unplug from your circumstances and get a break from all the emotions. Then you can jump back in when you are done. Pulling away can help to give perspective.

So combine some retail therapy and buy a good book, win-win.

5. Gain perspective on your no good very bad day

Sometimes your idea of circumstances is not the true state of things. Although your feelings are telling you one thing, those feelings can be pretty little liars sometimes. You need a voice that is louder than the one inside your head, so you can gain perspective on your circumstances.

Yes, it is ok to cry. This can actually be a really good thing. Crying detoxifies your body, improves your mood, dulls pain, and helps restore emotional balance, among others. So if you feel like you are ready to explode, cry it out. You will probably feel better once it is out than you do holding it in. Find out more on the benefits of crying.

Conclusion: Mom’s No Good Very Bad Day

Mom, it is true that we have no good very bad days. Let’s not pretend that we don’t. The important thing is not to stay there. You need to deal with it in a healthy way.

How do you handle a bad day? What are some of your favorite things to do when the emotions are threatening to overwhelm?

30-Day Reboot Plan for Mom Burnout

A simple month-long reset for overwhelmed moms who need breathing room, better rhythms, and a real plan. Download now!

Subscribe

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with Kit

FAQ: Managing Mom’s No Good Very Bad Day

Q: What is mom guilt and how does it contribute to a bad day?

A: Mom guilt is the feeling of guilt and frustration that mothers often experience when things go wrong or when they feel they are not meeting expectations. It can add to the stress and make a bad day feel even worse.

Q: How can writing help manage emotions during a bad day?

A: Writing in a journal or notebook allows you to vent your thoughts and emotions. It provides a space to be completely honest and helps in processing and understanding your feelings, which can be therapeutic and relieving.

Q: What is the purpose of a dance party on a bad day?

A: A dance party can improve mood and attitude by allowing you to have fun and release stress. Dancing to favorite tunes can create a positive and energetic environment, helping you feel better and more in control.

Q: How can retail therapy be beneficial, even if you don’t buy anything?

A: Retail therapy involves walking around your favorite store, which can be relaxing and mentally stimulating. It engages a different part of your brain and helps you unwind, providing a mental break from stress.

Q: Why is reading a book recommended for a bad day?

A: Reading a book offers a distraction from your current circumstances and emotions. It allows you to unplug and gain a break from stress, providing a fresh perspective when you return to your situation.

Q: How can gaining perspective help during a bad day?

A: Gaining perspective helps you see the true state of things rather than relying solely on your emotions, which can sometimes be misleading. Talking to someone or even just reflecting can help you understand your circumstances more clearly.

Q: Is it okay to cry on a bad day?

A: Yes, crying can be very beneficial. It detoxifies your body, improves your mood, dulls pain, and restores emotional balance. Allowing yourself to cry can help release built-up emotions and make you feel better.

Q: What is the key takeaway from the story about managing bad days?

A: The key takeaway is that it’s normal to have bad days, but it’s important to deal with them in a healthy way. Finding strategies to manage stress and emotions can help you move past a bad day and not let it affect you long-term.

The post Mom’s No Good Very Bad Day appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom

Mom burnout is real, and when it hits it can suck your motivation dry. But you can overcome it.

I know when you are in the middle of mom burnout it feels like it will never end. It is the worst stuck feeling in the world. And it can feel like you were suddenly hit with a ton of bricks.

For me, mom burnout shows up as a lack of motivation for whatever task needs to be accomplished. I am just kind of done and there isn’t any amount of positive thinking that is going to get me motivated again.

Mom burnout doesn’t show up with dramatic music and a flashing neon sign. It usually sneaks in when you aren’t looking. One day you are managing the kids, the work, the house, the meals, the school, the laundry, the texts, the appointments, and everyone’s emotions like a champion. Then suddenly you are standing in the kitchen staring at the fridge like it personally betrayed you.

If that is where you are, welcome. Pull up a chair. Maybe hide in the pantry for a minute if needed. No judgment here.

Mom burnout is real, and it hits hard. Especially, if you are normally a highly motivated person and suddenly your motivation is gone.

If you are a work from home mom, homeschool mom, stay at home mom, or any combination you have a lot going on. There is always one more thing to do.

The good news is this: mom burnout does not have to be the end of your story. You can recover and reset. You can bounce back. If you actually want to.

It doesn’t happen by becoming a different person. Or by buying a prettier planner. You don’t have to wake up at 4:30am, although if you are in your forties you probably already are. And it doesn’t happen by waiting for the woodland creatures to come and do everything for you (Disney lied to us). But you can bounce back from mom burnout by making simple, strategic changes that help you breathe again.

Mom life is not always nice and neat. It can be a little sticky, a little loud, and always involves coffee. Let’s reboot your mom life, so you can bounce back from mom burnout.

And here is the obligatory disclaimer. This is not intended to be professional advice. This is just one mom sharing her experience with other moms. Please see professional care if what you are feeling is deeper.

What is Mom Burnout

Mom burnout is not the same thing as just being tired. Tired can usually be fixed with a decent night of sleep, taking a break, or at least a hot cup of coffee that you actually get to drink while it is still hot.

Burnout is deeper. It is the kind of exhaustion that makes even simple things feel heavy. Making dinner becomes an insurmountable task. That email seems impossible to write. And let’s not even start on grading.

For me, mom burnout usually shows up as a total loss of motivation. It is not that I do not care.  I don’t suddenly become lazy overnight. It is that my brain and body have reached the point of saying, “We are done here.” That is why positive thinking alone does not always fix it. You can slap a motivational quote on a coffee mug, but it will not magically refill an empty tank.

Mom burnout is what happens when you have been carrying too much for too long without enough margin or enough real rest. It is mental overload, emotional depletion, and physical exhaustion all rolled together into one giant stuck feeling. You still have responsibilities. People are still depending on you. You still have things that need to get done. But the drive you normally have to do them is nowhere to be found.

You May Also Like:

How to Handle Mom Brain and Decision Fatigue

Mom’s No Good, Very Bad Day

The Self-Care Secret Every Exhausted Mom Needs to Know

Why Moms Burn Out

Moms burn out because we are carrying a ridiculous mental load, and much of it is invisible. People often notice the obvious tasks like making meals, driving kids around, helping with schoolwork, or getting work done.

What they do not always notice is the mental load sitting behind all of it. Moms are remembering appointments, planning meals, tracking school progress, answering questions, managing emotions, noticing what is running low, figuring out what needs to happen next, and trying to keep the entire machine moving without it all flying apart. That kind of constant decision making will wear you out.

It is often the little things that pile up and do the most damage. One question is not a problem. Or one mess. One interruption is not a problem. But when the whole day is built out of questions, messes, interruptions, decisions, and people needing something from you, it becomes exhausting in a way that is hard to explain unless you are living it. Moms are not usually falling apart because of one big dramatic event. We are worn down by the constant drip, drip, drip of responsibility.

There is also the issue of expectations. Moms are notorious for expecting too much from ourselves. We want to be present, productive, patient, healthy, organized, and emotionally available while also somehow staying motivated and not looking like we have been dragged behind a minivan.

Another reason moms burn out is that we do not always build our lives in a way that works with reality. The standard productivity systems are often built for uninterrupted people. That is why rigid schedules and overcomplicated systems fall apart so fast for moms. We need routines that bend instead of systems that break the moment real life barges in like a toddler with a Sharpie.

Burnout also grows when there is no recovery built into your life. If you are always pushing, always producing, always carrying, and never stopping long enough to reset, eventually something is going to give. Usually, that something is your patience, your motivation, or your ability to care about one more task on the list. That does not make you weak. It just means you have been trying to function like a machine when you are a person.

The 30-day Reboot Plan: A Weekly Overview

The good news is that mom burnout does not have to pitch a tent in your life forever. You can reset. You can bounce back. But it usually does not happen through one giant dramatic change. It happens through small, strategic changes that help you breathe again and get some ground under your feet.

Here is the weekly plan to get you to the 30-day reboot. Download the free day-to-day plan to get your mom reboot started.

30-Day Reboot Plan for Mom Burnout

A simple month-long reset for overwhelmed moms who need breathing room, better rhythms, and a real plan. Download now!

Subscribe

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with Kit

Week 1: Stop the Spiral

The first week of the reboot plan is about stopping the spiral. This is not the week to conquer the world, launch three new projects, organize your pantry, and become a new woman. This is the week to cut back, lower the pressure, and get honest about what is draining you.

Start by reducing your expectations and focusing only on what actually needs to get done. Do a brain dump and get everything out of your head and into a notebook. When your mind is trying to hold every detail of life, it starts to short-circuit. Writing it down helps take the pressure off. That kind of practical offloading matters when burnout and decision fatigue have been running the show.

Focus:

Reduce the pressure and calm the mental overload.

Priorities:

• Lower your expectations for the week
• Brain dump of everything on your mind
• Identify your biggest sources of stress
• Make a must do list instead of an endless to-do list
• Take one guilt-free break each day

Reminder:

You do not need to fix everything this week. You need to slow down.

Check-In:

What is draining me the most right now?

Week 2: Rebuild the Basics

The second week is about rebuilding the basics. This is where you start putting structure back into your days in a way that help. Focus on simple anchors like a basic morning routine, regular meals, better sleep, working out, and getting outside more often.

Nothing here needs to be fancy. The point is to create enough rhythm that your day stops feeling like chaos with a side of caffeine. Routines, instead of time blocking, work well for moms because they add structure without demanding perfection, and they can bend when life gets weird. Which it will. Because life with kids always gets weird eventually.

Focus:

Support your body and mind with simple daily routines.

Priorities:

• Create a basic morning routine
• Eat actual meals
• Improve sleep where you can
• Drink more water
• Get outside several times this week

Reminder:

You are easier to live with when you have eaten and slept well. This applies to children and grown women.

Check-In:

Which basic need have I been ignoring the most?

Week 3: Cut the Clutter

The third week is about cutting clutter and reducing friction. This is where you start looking at what is making your days harder than they need to be. Simplify meals. Repeat more decisions. Delegate something. Drop a standard that no longer serves your family in this season.

Moms often think they need a better attitude, but sometimes what they really need is fewer decisions and less nonsense. Burnout gets worse when every part of life feels harder than it has to be. Simplifying does not mean giving up. It means getting smart.

Focus:

Reduce decision fatigue and remove friction from your days.

Priorities:

• Simplify meals
• Repeat more daily decisions
• Clear one clutter hotspot at a time
• Drop one unnecessary standard
• Delegate something you do not need to carry alone

Reminder:

What can I make easier this week?

Focus:

Create a more sustainable pace going forward.

Week 4: Build a Better Routine

The fourth week is where you start building a better routine going forward. This is not about going back to the exact same pace that burned you out in the first place. That would be a terrible plan, and we are not doing terrible plans here. This week is about asking what actually helps you feel steady.

Maybe that is a few non-negotiable routines. Or maybe it is protecting your stopping point for work. Maybe it is getting back to something creative that helps you unplug and think like a person. Burnout recovery is not just about resting. It is also about rebuilding a life that does not keep crushing you.

Focus:

Create a more sustainable pace going forward.

Priorities:

• Reconnect with something you enjoy
• Choose 2 to 3 non-negotiable anchors
• Plan your week with kindness
• Watch for your burnout warning signs
• Make space for margin

Reminder:

A humane plan will always serve you better than an ambitious fantasy.

Check-In:

What helps me feel steady and grounded?

30-Day Reboot Plan for Mom Burnout

A simple month-long reset for overwhelmed moms who need breathing room, better rhythms, and a real plan. Download now!

Subscribe

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Built with Kit

Conclusion: From Mom Burnout to Bounce Back

If you are in the middle of mom burnout, I want to say this as clearly as possible: you are not broken, and you are not failing. You are overloaded. There is a difference.

The way forward is not to become a completely different person. You do not need a magical planner, a six-step morning makeover, or a motivational speech from someone who clearly has never had a child yell “Mom” through the bathroom door. What you need is a simpler, kinder, more realistic way to live. You need room to breathe, routines that support you, and the willingness to stop treating burnout like a personal flaw.

Start with one week. Then keep going. Recovery from mom burnout is usually less dramatic than we want it to be, but it is still powerful. It happens in small choices, repeated over time. And if what you are feeling goes deeper than burnout, or starts to feel like more than you can carry, please reach out for professional support. There is no prize for suffering in silence.

If you’re ready for a reboot, download the free guide now.

FAQ: Mom Burnout

Q: What is mom burnout?

A: Mom burnout is a state of mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion that happens when you have been under chronic stress for too long. It often shows up as overwhelm, irritability, lack of motivation, brain fog, and feeling like even simple tasks are too much.

Q: What causes mom burnout?

A: Mom burnout is usually caused by carrying too much for too long without enough support or recovery. The mental load, constant decision-making, unrealistic expectations, lack of sleep, and never fully being off duty all play a role.

Q: How do I know if I have mom burnout or I am just tired?

A: Being tired usually improves with rest. Mom burnout feels deeper and more ongoing. If you feel emotionally drained, mentally overloaded, and physically exhausted for an extended period, burnout may be the issue.

Q: What helps with mom burnout?

A: What helps most is reducing the pressure, simplifying your routines, cutting decision fatigue, getting more real rest, and creating a more sustainable rhythm for your days. You do not need a complete life overhaul, but you probably do need some changes.

Q: Can routines really help with mom burnout?

A: Yes, because routines reduce mental load and create predictable rhythms without needing every minute scheduled. They are one of the most practical ways to make life feel less chaotic and more manageable.

The post From Mom Burnout To Bounce Back: 30-Day Mom Reboot Plan appeared first on Life Unboxed.
Jodie the Mom