Work productivity for working moms sometimes feels mystical or make-believe. Some days it feels like I’m doing all the things: working full-time, raising kids, trying to be present at home, and still showing up as a professional. And yet, by the end of the day, I sometimes wonder where the time actually went. I often asked myself how I could increase my work productivity as a working mom.
For a long time, I told myself that feeling overwhelmed was just part of this season of life. That exhaustion was normal. That constantly playing catch-up meant I was doing something right. But eventually, I realized I needed systems, not perfection, to help me work more intentionally and protect my energy.
These are the habits I’ve built over time to help me stay focused at work, reduce burnout, and still have something left for my family at the end of the day. None of them are revolutionary, but together, they’ve made a huge difference in how I show up, both professionally and at home.
Identify Your Biggest Time Wasters at Work
While I am at work, my biggest time wasters are gossiping and scrolling social media. There is nothing wrong with catching up with your work friends, and it is always good to have a laugh with other adults at work. However, it is also very tempting to distract yourself from important work to talk with coworkers. While I am at work, I try to block out uninterrupted time where I give a specific task my full attention. This helps me meet deadlines without feeling rushed at the end. Ahem, procrastination.
I have also deleted all social media apps from my phone, so I’m not tempted to scroll while I’m in the office or even at home. Identifying your time wasters is a must to increase work productivity for working moms.
Plan Your Day Before You Open Your Email
The first thing I do when I get to the office is map out my day. What tasks absolutely need to get done? What deadlines are coming up that need my attention? Once that’s established, I write down my priorities. I try to limit myself to just 3–4 tasks that must get done so I don’t overwhelm myself.
After that, I go through my email. As I read through messages, I add tasks to my list that need to be completed that day. I’ve learned not to overwhelm myself with a long to-do list because when my list is too long, I tend to knock out only the easy tasks and leave the hardest (and most important) ones for the end of the day, which often means they don’t get done at all.
Use Timers to Work in Focused Blocks
This is my greatest secret. Throughout the day, I set timers for myself. I understand that not all jobs allow uninterrupted blocks of time, but this method has been especially helpful for me. I set a timer for 30–45 minutes and spend that entire time focused on one task.
For example, I’ve been working on a grant proposal that isn’t due for a few months. I set a 30-minute timer each day and work on it consistently. This approach allows me to make steady progress without burning out. I know from experience that if I spend an entire day on one task, I burn out quickly and then avoid it for days. In the past, that meant waiting until the last minute and working late into the night to finish a proposal.
Working consistently for a short amount of time each day has actually allowed me to perform at a higher level with much less burnout. Another benefit of using timers is flexibility. I don’t schedule myself rigidly from 10:00–10:30 to work on one task because unexpected meetings, phone calls, or drop-ins happen. Instead, whenever I find a 30-minute block, I sit down and focus on one of my priorities.
Take Intentional Breaks During the Workday
I also make sure to take breaks. After my timer ends, I allow myself a 10–15 minute break to reset before starting my next task. This gives me time to stand up, take a short walk, grab water, or have a snack. Allowing breaks throughout the day helps me finish work feeling more refreshed and has increased my productivity.
I don’t think it’s talked about enough how exhausting it can be to spend all day in front of a computer screen. I don’t want to end my workday completely drained only to go home and entertain kids, cook dinner, and prep for the next day. Breaks are so important for work productivity for working moms.
One thing I’ve been working on is actually enjoying my lunch. When I eat, I try not to work or scroll on my phone. Limiting screen time during lunch helps me feel more refreshed and ready to tackle the second half of my day.
Leave Work at Work
When I leave work, I leave work at work. I’ve set notification preferences on my phone so work emails, client calls, and coworker messages are silenced. After work is sacred time for me to decompress and be present with my family.
With my job, I sometimes have work events after hours, and that’s okay. But when I’m not working, I’m not working. This is a hard boundary for me.
Learn to Say No Without Guilt
Learn to say no. I know this is cliché, but “no” is a powerful word. Since having kids, I’ve learned that setting boundaries protects both my health and my family. In the past, I would have said yes to every collaboration, conference, and speaking opportunity. Now, I say yes only to things that fit into my schedule, align with my family’s needs, and are absolutely necessary for promotion and tenure.
Make Morning Time for Yourself
Make mornings you time. Seriously! The only consistent alone time I get is early in the morning. This is when I exercise and work through my morning routine (which I talked about in a previous post). If I don’t get up before my kids and take that time for myself, my entire day feels rushed.
I used to hate getting up early, but now mornings are sacred to me. If nothing else, try getting up before your kids for two weeks and see what you can accomplish for yourself. I noticed a huge difference, and I hope you find that same sense of calm and clarity.
Practice “Good Enough” Instead of Perfection
Be kind to yourself. You are doing a great job as a professional woman and a mom. You don’t have to be perfect 100% of the time. I’ve been reading The 5 Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans by Aliza Pressman, and one of my favorite quotes is, “Embrace good enough.” As long as you are good enough, your kids will flourish.
If you’re in a season where work feels heavy, time feels tight, and you’re trying to balance career goals with family life, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. Small changes really do add up.
I’d love to know: Which of these habits would make the biggest difference for you right now? Or do you have a routine or boundary that’s helped you protect your time and energy? Do you have any tips to increase work productivity for working moms? Leave a comment below! I truly love learning from other working moms navigating this same season.
And if this post resonated with you, save it, share it with a friend who needs the reminder, or stick around. I’m here for honest conversations about work, motherhood, and building a life that feels full without feeling overwhelming.
