If I am being honest, finding time to do anything these days is such a challenge. Between kiddos, housework, grocery shopping, personal time, and time with my hubby; my to-do list never stops growing.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the things you needed to do that you can’t get anything done?

I definitely have.

When I get overwhelmed I can’t decide the first thing to do, so then nothing gets done.

Sound familiar?

If it does, take comfort, you are NOT alone. Here are somethings that I have found help in those moments.

1. Timers:
   • I was looking for ways to help me get things done when I stumbled over the timer concept.
   • You set a timer for a short amount of time. Then, you work at a certain task for only that amount of time.
     • i.e. Room needs cleaned – set a timer for 15 minutes. Clean/straighten for 15 minutes then move on to another task.
   • I use this when I am putting clothes away. It doesn’t take as long as I initially think and it becomes a race to beat the timer.
2. Get your kids involved
   • One thing I have started in my day is called “Rollback.” My husband gave me the name, Sally Clarkson gave me the idea. Check out her book Lifegiving Home. It has been a game changer for me.
   • At 4 pm every day, each of my children has a job to reset the house. My 4-year-old unloads the dishwasher. My 3-year-old puts a load of clothes in the washer. My two-year-old picks up toys from the main area of the house. Then, they put them in the toy room.
   • This has gotten me out of the slump of feeling like I do everything by myself. And it teaches my kids responsibility and that as a family we all have a job to do.
3. Quiet times/Nap Times
   • From the time that my oldest was 6 months old, we have done two quiet times/nap times. These times have been a lifesaver for me. I can have quiet time myself to get things done or even get ready for the day. In downloads, I’ll attach the schedule that we use.
   • I have begun to use the 1st quiet time to have school for my older two. They are in preschool, so we only do 15 minutes a day. The rest of the day is theirs to create and use their imagination.
   • Find times in your day when you can have some quiet time to recharge! This is key!
4. Last, but not least, call in reinforcements
   • When all else fails, and you just need to get things done call your people. My people are invaluable to me.
   • I have arranged for a young girl from church to come over once a month. It’s good for the kids because she plays with them. It’s also great for me because I can tune things out and finish a task.
   • I have had kids over to play with my kids. This allows me to work on a task while they play.
   • Have your people help you go grocery shopping too. Either by watching your kids or having them go with you. I have found having people go with me helps corral my kids and keep them safe. But if they can stay with your kids at your house, it gives you some quiet solitude! That is a blessing too!
   • If you don’t have people, you definitely need to find someone you can trust with you and your kids. Don’t close yourself off, no matter where you are. This will take time, but it is something I have found crucial for my sanity and mental health. And it’s great for my kids too!

At the end of the day, you’ll find things that work with your family and things that don’t. But just because you are having a day – remember you are doing a GREAT job. Take a breath, gather your thoughts, and enjoy raising the next generation!