Welcome to Leaf and Steel! I’m a busy stay-at-home mom with a lively toddler named Baby M. Juggling diapers, meals, pets, and playdates fills my days, but so does my passion for blogging. Today, I’m here to share my no-nonsense approach to finding precious moments in the midst of motherhood’s chaos, and how I turn them into productive blogging hours.
Let’s dive into practical strategies that allow me to pursue my passion and fulfill my SAHM duties without the fluff. If you’re a fellow SAHM blogger seeking time-management solutions, read on for insights that can help you reclaim your creative space.
Creating a Realistic Schedule
As a SAHM, my day centers around Baby M’s unpredictable wake-up time, which can vary. Since she doesn’t have regular naps, I’ve learned to prioritize rest during her brief moments of sleep. These moments of self-care help me stay refreshed, patient, and creative for my blogging endeavors. Flexibility and setting attainable goals enable me to make the most of my blogging hours while still meeting Baby M’s needs.
Early Mornings and Late Nights
Let’s talk about those precious hours when the world is still asleep, and it’s just you, your thoughts, and your keyboard. For me, early mornings and late nights have become my secret allies in the quest to find time for blogging amidst the whirlwind of motherhood.
You see, I’ve learned that if I don’t set aside dedicated time for my blog, the day can easily slip away in a blur of household tasks, diaper changes, and playdates. The solution? Embracing those quiet moments before dawn and after everyone’s tucked in for the night.
Early mornings are like my cozy corner of uninterrupted time. I’ve recently begun waking up at 5:45 (it’s painful) and it gets me an hour of blogging after I check exercise, coffee, and staring into the abyss off the list.
There’s a certain magic in brewing that first cup of coffee while the world outside is still wrapped in slumber. With a 30-minute timer set, I dive into my blogging zone. Whether it’s crafting a few posts or creating eye-catching Pins, I’m amazed at how much I can accomplish when the house is peaceful and my focus is laser-sharp.
Now, some might say, “But you need your sleep!” And they’re right; sleep is essential. That’s why I’ve learned to strike a balance. Early mornings and late nights are part of my blogging routine, but they’re not an everyday occurrence. It’s all about being flexible and knowing when to seize those pockets of time.
By embracing these precious moments, I’ve managed to fit in an extra 10 hours of blogging each week. It’s proof that sometimes, the secret to finding time is in the quiet hours when the world is still, and the possibilities are endless.
Timing Every Moment
I have learned that if I don’t time myself, I’ll waste my time. I’ll check the news, check stats, check the weather-anything but write. Now, I’ve found that if I set a 30 minute timer and sit down and grind out a few posts or create a few Pins, I’m much more efficient. I keep a blogging spreadsheet marked with how much I work each day, each week, each month, etc.
I used to think that I spent so much time on my blog until I started timing myself. Now, I do around 10 hours a week and I get way more done.
Setting Clear Blogging Goals
Here’s why you need a spreadsheet: clear goals. I have a master spreadsheet with everything that needs to be completed on my blogging checklist. It give me data on my blog posts and helps have a visual to-do list. Basically, every cell below this header is red until it’s completed and gets turned green. The goal is to have all my blog posts updated and “all green”.
In addition, I also have a clear number of posts I want to publish as well as commitments to sponsors with deadlines. Social media and writer-to-writer promotion is also on my to do list.
If you can’t find it, make it
If you can’t find the time to blog, make it!
Let’s face it, the life of a SAHM is a bustling one. When Baby M is wide awake and the day’s responsibilities beckon, finding a moment to sit down and blog can feel like an elusive dream. But you know what they say, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and sometimes you have to make that way yourself.
That’s precisely what I’ve learned when it comes to finding time for my blog. If the day is packed with errands, playdates, and baby giggles, I create the time. Here’s how:
1. Schedule “Blogging Breaks”: Just like those scheduled playdates and doctor’s appointments, I allocate specific blocks of time for blogging. It’s a commitment I make to myself and my creative passion. Whether it’s 30 minutes during Baby M’s afternoon nap or an hour after bedtime, it’s a non-negotiable part of my day.
2. Enlist Help: Remember when they said, “It takes a village?” Well, sometimes, it does. I’m not afraid to ask for a helping hand from a family member, a friend, or a babysitter. These moments of support allow me to focus on my blog without guilt or distraction.
3. Prioritize Tasks: To make the most of these newfound pockets of time, I’ve learned to prioritize tasks. I tackle the most critical and time-sensitive aspects of my blogging work during these moments, leaving the less urgent tasks for later. It’s about efficiency, not perfection.
4. Multitasking with a Purpose: As moms, we’re experts at multitasking. While Baby M enjoys some independent play, I might brainstorm blog post ideas or schedule social media updates. It’s all about making every moment count.
5. Adapt and Overcome: Life with a toddler is dynamic and ever-changing. So, I’ve embraced the art of adaptability. If Baby M’s naptime gets cut short or she needs extra attention, I roll with it and adjust my schedule accordingly. It’s all part of the SAHM-blogger balancing act.
Remember, if you can’t find the time to blog, don’t be discouraged. Make it! Your passion and creativity deserve a place in your day, even if it means carving out those moments amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood. It’s a lesson I’ve learned, and it’s made all the difference in my blogging journey.
If you can’t find it and you can’t make it…pay for it
I want to include it even though I know it could be hard to justify for some people, but I occasionally pay for child care so I can go to the library and write!
Blogging as Self-Care
Amidst the diapers, meal preparations, and endless playtime, it’s easy for us SAHMs to forget one essential thing – ourselves. We’re moms, yes, but we’re also individuals with passions, dreams, and a need for self-care. That’s where blogging comes in as more than just a creative outlet; it’s my form of self-care.
Blogging is my chance to step into a different world, one where I can express myself freely and share my thoughts with the universe. It’s my creative haven, and I treat it as such. Here’s how:
“Me Time” for the Soul: Just like how a relaxing bath or a good book can rejuvenate the soul, so can a blogging session. When I sit down to write or work on my blog, it’s a moment of ‘me time’ that helps me reconnect with myself beyond the role of ‘Mom.’
Channeling Emotions and Experiences: Motherhood can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Blogging allows me to channel those feelings into words. Whether it’s the joys of watching Baby M take her first steps or the challenges of toddler tantrums, blogging lets me process and share my experiences.
Creative Expression: Blogging gives me the creative freedom to explore my interests, whether it’s writing, photography, or design. It’s a canvas where I can experiment and nurture my talents.
Setting and Achieving Goals: As a mom, it’s easy to lose sight of personal goals. Blogging provides a structured platform for setting and achieving milestones, which can be incredibly empowering.
A Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a blog post or a creative project gives me a sense of accomplishment beyond the everyday tasks of motherhood. It’s a reminder that I can pursue my passions alongside my parenting journey.
In essence, blogging isn’t just a hobby; it’s an act of self-care. It allows me to nurture my individuality, process my emotions, and find fulfillment beyond the role of a mom. It’s a gift I give to myself, and it enriches both my life and my motherhood journey.
As a SAHM blogger, I understand the challenges of balancing the demands of motherhood with the pursuit of personal passions. It’s not always easy, but it’s entirely possible to carve out time for blogging when you approach it with intention and efficiency. Remember, finding those pockets of time, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing self-care are keys to achieving your blogging dreams while cherishing the precious moments of motherhood.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to discover how to make blogging work as a busy SAHM. I hope these insights help you navigate your own path to successful time management and fulfilling creative endeavors. Your stories and experiences matter, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
How do you find the time to do what you love? Let me know below!
O.
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