As a working mom myself, I know how overwhelming life can get. Some days it feels like there just aren’t enough hours to go around. But with a few smart tweaks, you can reclaim your time and your peace.

picture of a woman sitting calmly while reading a book

I've found a way around it and that’s what this post is about: time saving tips for busy mothers and women who want to get more done without burning out.

Let me walk you through the 10 habits that help me (and so many other women) keep it all together without losing ourselves.

1. Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself

This is the biggest secret: busy women don’t do it all.

They delegate, outsource, and ask for help. I used to believe I had to carry everything on my shoulders. I thought being “strong” meant doing it all. But I’ve learned that real strength is knowing when to say, “I need help.”

My husband is super hands-on now, but that didn’t happen magically. I had to communicate my needs. We sat down, looked at our household tasks, and divided them up. I let go of perfection and embraced partnership, and it changed everything.

So take a look at your list. What can you let go of? What can someone else handle?

You don’t have to wear the cape every day.

2. Take Care of Yourself First

I know, it sounds counterintuitive when your to-do list is exploding. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. When I’m running on empty, nothing works. I’m irritable, forgetful, and honestly, not very productive.

Now, I make time for things that restore me.

Sometimes that’s a long walk. Sometimes it's five quiet minutes with my journal. Whatever it is, I honor it like I would any important appointment. Because when I’m filled up, everything else flows better.

PS: You can pick up my free journaling guide for working moms if it's your first time writing to defeat burnout. I'll hold your hands through it.

3. Start Your Day Early

This one isn’t for everyone, but hear me out. Waking up just 30 minutes earlier gave me something I hadn’t had in years: quiet.

I use this time to breathe, read, journal, or just sit in silence before the chaos begins.

It's the magic pill for starting your day grounded. Those early morning moments help me set the tone and face the day with intention. So if your schedule allows it, try waking up before everyone else. You might find your new favorite time of day.

4. Minimize Distractions

Distractions steal more time than we realize. I turned off push notifications on my phone and it instantly gave me back hours every week. I also use a simple kitchen timer to work in focused blocks of time. This method (called the Pomodoro Technique) helps me stay locked in.

It’s tempting to check every ping and scroll every update, but trust me, you’ll get more done in less time if you give your full focus to one thing at a time.

5. Focus On One Thing At A Time

Speaking of focus, let’s stop pretending multitasking is efficient. It’s not. It just makes everything take longer.

Now, I choose one task, give it my full attention, and don’t move on until it’s done. Be it writing, cooking, or helping with homework, I’m all in. This keeps my energy from being split in ten directions, and helps me finish faster with fewer mistakes.

6. Stay Organized

My brain can’t keep up with everything and yours shouldn’t have to either. That’s why I write everything down. I use my calendar, reminders, sticky notes, and voice memos on my phone.

I’ve learned that freeing up mental space gives me more clarity. Staying organized might not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most powerful time-saving tips for busy women. It prevents decision fatigue, forgetfulness, and those frantic “What did I forget today?” moments.

7. Practice Being Present

This one is hard but it matters. When my kids come talk to me, I put my phone down. If I can’t give them my full attention, I say, “Give me five minutes.”

Presence is a form of productivity. When you give something or someone your full focus, things get done faster and better. Could be your child, work, or even your rest, just try being fully in it. You’ll feel more grounded and less scattered.

Wanting to be present is almost impossible when your mind is racing. That’s why I put together The Present Mama Playbook. This guide is the grounding tool for real-life motherhood that’s helped me stay calm in the chaos, all in one place. Get it for FREE today

8. Don’t Procrastinate

If it takes less than five minutes, do it now. This simple rule saves me hours each week.

Whether it’s sending that email, folding that laundry, or replying to a message, just get it over with. Small things pile up and create mental clutter. Clear them out as you go.

9. Delegate and Automate

One of the biggest shifts I made was letting go of tasks that someone or something else could do.

Need groceries every week? Set up a recurring order.
Laundry? Hire help if it’s in the budget.
School lunches? Have your kids help pack them.

This is strategy. Automating and delegating is how you create space to do the things only you can do.

10. Take Breaks

I used to feel guilty about resting. But now I know: rest is how you recover and come back stronger. I get up from my computer, stretch, step outside, or just breathe for a few minutes.

These breaks reset your brain, boost your energy, and prevent burnout. You don’t need to earn your rest. You deserve it.

Let’s Stop Glorifying the Grind

If you’re constantly tired, constantly rushing, and constantly feeling behind, you’re not simply doing too much without the right support. But these time-saving tips for busy women are less about doing more and more about doing less, better.

You deserve time for yourself. You deserve peace. You deserve to feel accomplished without feeling exhausted.

Start with one tip. Then another. Then build a life that supports you. And if any of this spoke to you, come be part of our community of moms who are rewriting the rules. We're learning to rest, recharge, and reclaim our time. You belong here.

10 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Women: How to Get More Done in Less Time