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As a busy Mum, the to-do list never seems to end; in fact, it just seems to get longer and longer…

Between taking care of the kids, household chores, and work or personal commitments, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day (and let’s be honest, there aren’t enough hours in the day!). We all know the feeling of staring at a long list of tasks and feeling overwhelmed, not knowing where to start or how to make progress. It’s demoralising and soul destroying.

That’s where the Pomodoro technique comes in – a simple and effective productivity tool that can help you get more done in less time and feel more accomplished and in control. It’s super simple, but WOW is it effective.

So what exactly is the Pomodoro technique?

The Pomodoro technique a time management method developed in the late 1980s by Francesco Cirillo, which involves breaking your workday into 25-minute intervals, or “Pomodoros,” separated by short breaks.

The idea is that by working in focused bursts, you can improve your concentration, avoid distractions, and sustain your energy and motivation throughout the day.

Why the Pomodoro technique works

The Pomodoro technique can be an incredibly powerful tool for improving productivity because it allows you to focus on one task at a time, which can help you complete it more quickly and efficiently.

The Mum Brain is always focusing on many different things at one time, and whilst this is no mean feat, it certainly isn’t the highest level of productivity.

By breaking your day into small, manageable chunks, you’re also less likely to feel overwhelmed or burned out, and you can sustain your energy and motivation throughout the day (critical as a Mum, especially if your day is broken up into energy bursts fuelled by carefully spaced caffeine hits like mine…)

The benefits of the Pomodoro technique:

Better concentration: By working in focused intervals, you’re less likely to get distracted by other tasks or interruptions (other than- inevitably- your kids). This can help you maintain a state of flow and improve your concentration and attention to detail.

Improved time management: The Pomodoro technique can help you make better use of your time and prioritize your tasks more effectively. By breaking your to-do list down into smaller steps, you can also feel more accomplished and motivated as you make progress.

Reduced stress and fatigue: When you have a lot on your plate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. The Pomodoro technique can help you manage your workload more effectively and reduce stress and burnout (your kids and partner will be pleased to know this!).

So whilst all of this certainly sounds great, no doubt you are wondering how on Earth you can incorporate this into your unpredictable and over burdened day as a Mum.

Well, let me help you…

Step 1: Make a to-do list

Start by making a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish. This can include everything from household chores like laundry and dishes to work-related projects and personal goals.

It’s important to be as specific as possible and break larger tasks down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, instead of “clean the house,” you might break it down into “vacuum the living room,” “wipe down the bathroom,” and so on.

Step 2: Cut your list in half

Separate your list into things that MUST be done today, and the tasks that it would be great to achieve today but that you’d not be too annoyed over if you didn’t get the chance.

This gives you two steps towards achievement.

Achieving all the items on your list will certainly bring you a sense of productivity and achievement at the end of the day, but even if you only achieve the things on your MUST DO list, you can still feel as though you did everything that was necessary today, which in itself is highly productive!

Having this flexibility in your achievements as a Mum is, I truly believe, the key to success in productivity and levels of motivation. The more regularly you feel productive, the more likely you are to continue.

Show yourself the little wins and your confidence around your levels of productivity and motivation will begin to shine and carry you forwards through harder and more demanding days in the future.

Step 3: Set a timer for 25 minutes

Once you have your to-do list, it’s time to get to work. Set a timer for 25 minutes and focus on a single task from your list. Resist the urge to check your phone or email, or get distracted by other tasks (aside from your kids needs, demands for snacks etc; I mean, some things are just inevitable and non-negotiable!).

Kid snacks aside, simply work on that one thing for the entire 25-minute interval.

Involving your kids in this is great too. Kids love timers and it can be set up as a game for them. Depending on their age, you can either involve them in the task you are doing, or set them their own tasks for keeping their own spaces clean and tidy, or even 25 minutes of a certain craft, puzzle or toy, if that helps!

The timer aspect really is a draw for kids… try it and see!

Step 4: Take a break

When the timer goes off, it’s time for a short break – around 5 minutes should do. This is your chance to stretch, grab a drink, or do something else that’s unrelated to work. The key is to avoid anything too stimulating or distracting, like checking social media or emails. This break is a chance to recharge and prepare for the next Pomodoro.

So clearly this is particularly suited to a days work at the office, and a five minute break before starting the next task probably is not possible or desirable when you are at home with the kids.

This is where your flexibility as a Mum comes into play. You could even take an hour to get the kids to the park or all sit down on the sofa for a drink and a tele break; it doesn’t really matter.

Step 5: Repeat the cycle

What matters with the Pomodoro technique for Mum’s, is that you flexibly use your day to suit your household and what needs to be achieved. If you manage two Pomodoro’s in the morning and two in the afternoon with plenty of time in between them, then you have still probably achieved a huge amount!

Make the repetition suit you and your household. This is supposed to be a tool to support you, not hold you prisoner.

Tips for using the Pomodoro technique as a busy Mum

Although the Pomodoro technique is simple and straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the most of it:

Be realistic: When you’re setting your to-do list, be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day. Don’t over commit yourself, and be willing to push items to another day or delegate tasks when necessary. You are not the only person in the household who makes a mess, therefore you certainly don’t need to be the only person taking responsibility for tidying it up and keeping the house clean.

Choose your intervals wisely: While the standard Pomodoro interval is 25 minutes, you may find that a shorter or longer interval works better for you and your family. This might depend on your kids’ ages and temperaments too. Experiment with different intervals to find out what works best for your households productivity and concentration levels.

Embrace interruptions: As a busy Mum, you know that interruptions are inevitable. Whether it’s a crying baby or a phone call from school, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. When an interruption happens, simply pause your timer and deal with the situation, then return to your work when you can.

Use your breaks wisely: Your Pomodoro breaks are precious moments of rest and relaxation, so use them wisely. Stretch your muscles, take a walk outside, or do something else that helps you recharge and boost your energy.

Your kids will probably also need the time to move their bodies and use their brains in their own way for a while too. They will be much more amenable to helping you out regularly if they are able to fill their cups up with their own fun and enjoyment on a regular basis.

Celebrate your wins: When you complete a task or finish a Pomodoro, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment. Congratulate yourself by doing something fun or relaxing (either with or without the kids, depending upon your preference!).

Remember how difficult it is to get anything done when you have kids who need so much from you all the time. Remind yourself that achieving ANYTHING is a win. The fact that you keep your kids fed, watered, clean and sheltered is amazing in itself, getting the floors mopped is a MONSTROUS achievement on top of that!

Ultimately, be flexible, I can’t stress that enough.

Whatever you achieve today is enough, just be sure you’re achieving what you feel is important and not getting clogged up with procrastinating over the little things…

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