This post is from contributor Daniele Evans. Originally published July 2013.
We often talk of decluttering our homes, and this is incredibly helpful for keeping our “stuff” at bay!
I think it’s important, as well, to think through our days as mothers–how we go about doing our work–and to focus on decluttering there. Because while running around like a chicken with its head cut off may sometimes work to get a job done, it’s not a way to live.
And really, do we want to train up our children this way?
I’m learning more and more that they’re watching and patterning their little lives right after Mom’s and Dad’s habits.
So! How does a mom bring a little more calmness and peace into the day-to-day? Well, it’s a journey I’ve been on for years, and here are a few things I’m learning:
Prioritize Your To-Do List
Whatever tasks are on the agenda, it’s helpful to decide ahead of time which ones are more important than the others. Which ones must get done, and which would be nice? Prioritize by need.
Also, prioritize if possible by time of day. Tackle the most important task first thing if you can, or in whatever pockets of time you have earlier in the day. The longer that task sits, the more likely it may not get accomplished.
Then, prioritize people over things – relationships over tasks. As a mom, this can be tough! The dishes and dinner need attention, but the little one wants to read with you. What to do? There’s no perfect answer, but I think we know when we’re too task-oriented, and not more relationship-based in our days.
Ask God for wisdom, and seek to honor the ones you love the most.
Stop Multitasking Like Crazy!
It’s a myth — multitasking is not good for us! It honestly doesn’t help you to be more productive, which is the point, right? So instead, slow down and focus on less things at a time.
Your brain will thank you.
Don’t Aim for Perfection
I’m not supporting the idea that we shouldn’t do things well. Scripture encourages us to do our work ‘as unto the Lord’ and I think God is pleased with work given to Him as an offering (Colossians 3:23-34).
However, the emphasis is on faithfulness, NOT perfection. That we’re willing each day to do our work for His glory…day after day after day. Even if we mess up and need to ask for forgiveness or a fresh start. Perfection is for the birds–toss it out!
Aim for faithfulness instead.
Practice the ‘Clean-Enough’ Principle
While I’d love to have my home squeaky-clean most of the time, this is completely unreasonable with 6 of us living, learning, creating and being at home most of every day.
I practice what I call the clean-enough principle – tackling enough to keep things generally picked-up until I can get to a deeper clean later.
Take a Break Daily
Oh Mom, you need to rest. The work is ever with us, and may not all get done today (or tomorrow) – it’s more of a process.
Vacations and extended times of breaks are great, but I also encourage you to take a short break every day. Yes, a daily rest. Carve out whatever time you can; start with 5-10 minutes if possible. Decide on a quick leisure activity or sit to enjoy some coffee/tea, and pause your work.
I wrote more tips on how to prep and plan for a daily pause at this post.
Any other tips you would add for decluttering your daily routine?
Latest posts by Daniele Evans (see all)
- 5 Tips for Decluttering Your Daily Routine {or, tips to help keep Mama sane} - January 24, 2018
- The Only Homeschool Room You Need is In Your Heart - October 15, 2015
- Homeschooling Mom, You Need Balcony People - October 3, 2013
- One BIG Mistake Christian Homeschoolers Should Avoid - September 6, 2013
- Ease Up Homeschool Stress - August 9, 2013
I appreciate the tenor of this post….as unto the Lord.
I sometimes find the monotony of laundry and dishes and picking up again, and again to be spirit-crushing if I am not in the right frame of mind and have a God-focused perspective. I am trying to keep in mind the importance of cleanliness as opposed to perfection….I like “clean enough” because it realistically gives me more time for being more physically available for special moments with my loved ones.
I learned a long time ago that multi-tasking was an enemy of mine….it only allowed me to complete those tasks with mediocre results. I decided better to prioritize and do what I can do well, rather than lower my standards and thereby lower the value of my efforts.
My home is the prime example of “clean enough.” I had to learn to ignore a lot, and have more time in my day because of it! I have also learned that there are some things my children are completely capable of doing. Allowing them to help not only frees me for other things, but it teaches them the importance of teamwork and responsibility.
Same here with the multi-tasking Debi! Going slower through my days my mean that everything doesn’t get done, but I am calmer and more focused.
Thanks for your encouraging words!
Agreed Tabitha! Yes, having the family on board is definitely part of the picture, thanks for this reminder.
Loved this. Prioritizing and NOT trying to multi-task are key for me too. Internet free mornings and a muted phone are also very important to a smooth, uncluttered day. I’m far too easily distracted…
Good reminder of including the children in the work. It is necessary that they learn those household tasks, too. We often think that they can’t do them until they are older, but even wee ones can do something. I am on the empty nest side of life now, and I am so glad for the chores I did teach my children. Future college roommates and spouses will thank you! I didn’t do it perfectly, but every bit that they learned was a huge help and blessing.
Thank you Daniele. These are words I needed to hear this weekend. An excellent list to revisit from time to time, not just as a reminder to keep from getting overly busy, but to remain busy at the important things.
“Remain busy at the important things.” – I love that! It’s true, our lives are full…let’s focus on keeping our energies going in the right direction. Thanks!
Excellent reminder for PRIORITIZING, especially since school will be starting next month, and that’s when I REALLY get distracted. You know, when I should be teaching, but I walk by the laundry room and realize I forgot to put away laundry, which will “only take a second”; deliver laundry to a bedroom & see an empty glass that needs to go to the kitchen; deliver the glass to the kitchen & see a half a muffin that needs to be eaten…why are my kids playing Legos & not doing school??
And my favorite refrigerator magnet: MY HOUSE IS CLEAN ENOUGH TO BE HEALTHY, MESSY ENOUGH TO BE HAPPY Right?!
Ha, Nancy – that’s too funny…great magnet! It’s hard to school and keep house all in the same place, but I do agree with you on trying to prioritize and not get too distracted. I think it helps my brain!
Grace to you in the school start. 🙂