Multitasking Done Right for the Work-at-Home Mom

Multitasking Done Right for the Work-at-Home MomMultitasking Done Right for the Work-at-Home MomFor many work-at-home moms (WAHMs), the art of multitasking means learning not only how to multitask but when to do so. Busy WAHMs develop tricks and shortcuts so they can manage to get everything done they need to get done throughout their day. Inevitably, WAHMs find themselves in some circumstances when they have no choice but to multitask in other circumstances, its just not a good idea. Knowing when to say no to multitasking is as important as learning how to do it. There are a few guidelines that can help you do both. Combine Mental and Physical Tasks Pair complex mental tasks only with simple physical tasks. Emphasize the word simple. Driving, for example, isnt a simple task (nor is it purely physical), so it shouldnt be combined with a complex mental task. Here are some examples of simple-physical-task/complex-mental-task combos that work well together Think out a multifaceted p roblem in the shower or while walking the dogFold laundry while watching a recorded video of a work-related presentationCatch up on reading for work in a doctors waiting room Offer Your Full Attention Nothing is more annoying than talking on the phone to someone whose responses to questions are preceded by long pauses punctuated with the tapping of a keyboard. So dont be that person. Give your colleagues your full attention when you are speaking to them. The same goes for your family. Children of WAHMs can get the idea that their mothers work all the time, especially if they continue to check email or talk on the phone while playing with their kids. Establish a Clear Divide One of the important rules for working from home is, as much as you can, to work when you say you will and not to work when you say you wont. Inevitably, life sometimes intrudes on work and vice versa. But establishing a clear divide between work and life most of the time helps your children understand th eir place in your work environment and prevents work from making your children seem second most important. Work Until Completion Whenever possible, stay focused on each individual task, whether its home- or work-related, until its completed. Otherwise, multitasking can lead to a scattered approach and a list of half-finished jobs. A related tip is to complete tasks that require less of your time first to get them out of the way. Of course, thats not possible if a hugely important and very time-consuming project is suddenly due in six hours, for instance. But if all things are of relatively equal importance, check off the small jobs on your list first. Choose Joy Instead of Guilt Trying to get lots of things done in a given workday can lead you to feel rushed and stressed. Take a breath or a break when youre feeling overwhelmed. Attempt to find the joy in what youre doing each moment and dont feel bad if a non-crucial task falls through the cracks. Theres always tomorrow.