WORK SMARTER - NOT HARDER

I think one of the best things I do is to find ways to be more efficient so that I can have more time to be lazy af 🤣. I used to try to figure out how I can get all the things I need to get done efficiently and effectively so I have more time to do nothing. Now I'm extra motivated so I have that extra time to spend quality time with Elle. I literally have years of trial and error to get all the things done and done well enough with systems and routines. 

A few of my strategies are:
1. Time Blocking - put your to do's into chunks of time and give yourself scheduled breaks.

2. Have a sustainable routine. Every morning and evening should have a sustainable routine so you rarely forget anything from the breastmilk in the freezer to your much needed caffeine as you're walking out the door. 

3. Reminders - Use the power of your smartphone, apps, and other technology to make sure you're staying on track so you don't have a million things to remember when you have a severe case of #mombrain 

4. Use technology- find project managing and to do list apps and programs to keep everything you need to get done organized. 

5. Say this with me: IT WILL GET DONE. - This is my mantra when I feel overwhelmed. When too many things are happening or due within a few days of each other, I revisit my time management strategies, utilize some stress management coping skills, and repeat to myself, "It will get done."

Time management was crucial for me to manage working full time, writing my dissertation while still attending classes, running an online coaching business, and still feeling like I had quality time to spend with Elle. 

The systems, tricks, tools, mindset, and all the things I use to manage my time and manage it well is just one out of the 6 modules of Mastering Motherhood - a 6 week transformation from hot mess to sane for busy, working moms trying to balance it all. 

Use Code: FOLLOWERS300 for $300 off during the pre-sale of Mastering Motherhood by May 31st 🥰🥰🥰

Let's do this!

So I know you received this, please reply with one thing you are struggling with and/or one thing you want me to blog more about. 

Talk soon,
xoxo

Yesterday Greg and I spent a few hours in port in Haiti. Not the real Haiti, but a fabricated version that Royal Caribbean is leasing from the government. I have VERY mixed feeling about this, and would like to do more research on how this affects the locals. Something about prancing around on the beach gorging myself in food while the locals on the other side of the island live in poverty feels very icky. I do know that 300 locals are employed, food and aid is delivered with each port stop there, and $12 per tourist is given to the government. But really how much of this is going to those who are devastated by poverty and the earthquake that they had a few years ago? We tried to enjoy ourselves, but felt heavy in our hearts.

Does your body ever need a reset? We have to switch up our workout routines to see results. HOWEVER, after I switch it up, I always go back to this 21 day program. It's all complex whole body moves aka burning more calories. I just use one set of dumbells and in 30 minutes a day, the transformation always impresses me. I start seeing muscle definition within a few days and I can tell my body just CRAVED it. I initially went back to this program to prepare for our cruise to the Bahamas, but I'm going to do it again April 1st. Drop a 🙋🏻‍♀️ if you want to join me for your own accountability too! Everything can be done from home or a gym, plus have access to our sisterhood community for life👯‍♀️👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

Late #piday Post 🍕🍕🍕 I don't feel guilt for anything I eat. I don't workout so I can eat treats. I don't feel like I need to burn off calories of food society deems as "bad." I workout because it makes me feel good. I eat food that makes me feel good. I only track my food to make sure I'm getting a balanced nutrition intake everyday and that I'm eating enough nutrients and drinking enough water. I still eat treats and yummy food often. I'm not an extreme clean eater because that life is NOT sustainable long term. I eat the pizza. I eat the donut. I eat the cake. I'm aware of how it bogs my body down, making me feel tired, sluggish, and messing with my gut health. So I do it in moderation, like everything we should do in life. Break up with your negative mindset about food. Enjoy your life and get a nutrition plan that works with YOUR life, because yo-yos are a child's game, so quit the yoyo dieting and find a plan that becomes a lifestyle. You know who to go to if you need support 🙋🏻‍♀️

We had a productive weekend of dissertation writing for me, museums and playgrounds for Elle, and studying for quarter finals for Greg. Elle mimicked my workouts in her own video series (see IG stories) and I've been working on a secret project to help out busy mommas!
.
Elle walked 7 blocks, played her heart out at the playground, and still wasn't tired enough for a nap. 2 nap-less days in a row after very busy mornings. It is quite anxiety producing to decide if skipping a nap is a good idea, but we worked through it and have had 2 nights of early bedtime. Is this normal?!?

Nothing quite beats the high vibes of digesting the experiences of young mothers while working alongside strong women in my dissertation writing group during #womenshistorymonth - Thankful for your community, support, and the work you do in and outside the walls of academia. #mamascholar