How to Use Time Blocking for Moms to Beat Overwhelm

Let me guess: You’re running around, trying to juggle work, the kids, the house, and maybe your own sanity? And yet, somehow, the day ends with half the to-do list still sitting there, untouched. Sound familiar? As moms, we’ve got a million things on our plates. Throw in a side of chaos, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But, what if I told you there’s a way to manage your time and feel a little less frazzled? Enter: time blocking.

Time blocking isn’t about packing your day to the brim with tasks—it’s about creating a bit of structure without boxing you in. It’s all about giving you the flexibility to actually get stuff done, even in the midst of your unpredictable, chaotic life. Let’s talk about how to make time blocking work for you—yes, even with everything on your plate.

My Personal Time Blocking Story

When I first heard about time blocking, I was honestly skeptical. I already had a million things on my to-do list, so the idea of adding another system to manage seemed a little… much. Plus, I’ve tried setting up a rigid schedule before, but it never worked. My days just don’t flow like that.

Now, picture this: I’m managing work deadlines, running a business, and keeping up with two busy kids. And just to keep things interesting, my husband’s work schedule means he can be away for up to six days at a time. So, more often than not, I’m flying solo on the parenting front and handling everything else on my own. Some days it’s like I’m juggling a million things, all while trying to keep everyone fed, happy, and on track.

One of those days, I had a dentist appointment for my daughter, grocery shopping to do, a work deadline looming, and, of course, dinner to make plus sports in the evening. By the time my head hit the pillow, I was questioning what just happened to me and if every day was just going to be a crazy blur. The next day, I decided to give time blocking a shot—but with a little twist. I wasn’t trying to stick to a strict, hour-by-hour schedule. Instead, I made broad blocks like “Morning Routine,” “Focus Time,” and “Family Time.” It wasn’t perfect, but it helped me feel more organized and less scattered. By the end of the week, I realized that this simple structure really did help me feel more in control and a lot less stressed. I was making progress and keeping my sanity!

Now, time blocking is my go-to tool for managing the busyness of life. It gives me the flexibility I need while still keeping me focused on what matters most. If I can make it work, so can you!

What Is Time Blocking?

Time blocking is basically carving out chunks of your day for specific tasks or themes. Unlike a rigid schedule, you get a little more breathing room to work within those blocks without stressing over every minute.

Why Moms Love Time Blocking

It cuts decision fatigue: You know exactly what to focus on during each block, so you’re not wasting time wondering, What’s next?

It’s chaos-friendly: Kids get sick? Project deadlines creep up? Time blocking allows for pivots without throwing off your entire day.

It clears your head: By batching similar tasks together, you’re not constantly switching gears, which, let’s be real, drains your energy faster than a toddler on a sugar high.

Step-by-Step Guide to Time Blocking

Ready to give it a shot? Here’s how to make time blocking work for your busy mom life:

1. Identify Your Priorities

Start by figuring out what absolutely needs your attention. For me, it’s work and business tasks, family time, house stuff, and—don’t forget—self-care (yeah, I said it). Write down the non-negotiables for your day.

Example: Morning routine, school drop-off, work, emails, laundry, family dinner, evening wind-down.

2. Break Your Day into Blocks

Ditch the hour-by-hour schedule and break your day into 3-5 broad blocks. Example:

• Morning Block (Start of the Day): Focus on personal care and setting a positive tone for the day.
• Midday Block (Focus Time): Knock out your most important work or household tasks.
• Afternoon Block (Flex Time): Tackle errands, appointments, or homework.
• Evening Block (Wind-Down): Spend time with family and prep for the next day.

Pro tip: Make sure your blocks are realistic. If you’ve got little kids, keep them shorter and build in buffer time for those inevitable interruptions.

3. Batch Similar Tasks Together

Group tasks that require similar focus. For example, fold laundry and tidy up in one block instead of spreading them out. Less back-and-forth = less brain drain.

4. Be Realistic About Your Energy Levels

Tackle the tough stuff when you’re at your peak energy—mid-morning for me, after I’ve had my first (or second) coffee.

5. Write It Down or Use a Planner

Write it out in a notebook, use a planner, or try a time-blocking app like Google Calendar or Trello.

Time Blocking for the Unexpected

Let’s face it: Moms are basically professional jugglers. Things will pop up—kids will get sick, school projects will magically appear last-minute, and you’ll probably forget the lunches at least once this week. And that’s okay. Time blocking gives you the flexibility to adjust without feeling like you’ve failed.

Quick Tip: Always add in a “catch-up” block for anything you didn’t get to earlier.

Tools and Resources to Get Started

To make your life even easier, I’ve created a free Daily Time Block Planner just for you! It’s a no-nonsense tool to help busy moms map out their days, prioritize their tasks, and add in a little self-care (because we all need it).

Download Your Free Daily Time Block Planner Here!

A Final Note

Time blocking isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go according to plan. The beauty of time blocking is that it’s flexible—it’s designed to work for you, not stress you out.

If you’re ready to get a handle on the chaos and beat overwhelm, give time blocking a try. Let me know how it goes, or share your own time-management tips in the comments. I’d love to hear them!

And don’t forget to grab your free Daily Time Block Planner to start making your days feel a little less chaotic.

Looking for more tools to simplify your life? Check out my shop for planners, printables, and resources made for busy moms like you!