3 Easy Ways to Catch Up on Your To Do List for Busy Moms

Have you ever felt buried under a mountain of tasks that you just can’t seem to work through? You're not alone! For busy moms, it's so easy for our to-do lists to get out of control, especially with the random tasks that pop up and disrupt our routines. Let’s look at three effective strategies to help you manage that overwhelming to-do list and lighten your mental load.

The Challenge of a Growing To Do List

Life can often feel like an endless cycle of tasks. We have our day-to-day responsibilities, but unexpected chores and errands can quickly pile up. It’s common to make a mental note of things as they come up or jot them down on a sticky note, but without a solid plan to address your to-do list tasks, they can become daunting.

Extra tasks, whether big or small, can lead to unnecessary stress. Personally, I often find myself procrastinating on things like returning something or scheduling an oil change for my car. When things like this start to pile up, they increase my mental load and can become overwhelming, making it easy to put them off for even longer.

Why It’s Important to Get Things Done

The more we procrastinate, the more our mental load increases, leading to increased stress levels over time. Even though taking care of these tasks may seem tedious, getting them done can be incredibly rewarding. Once you finish them, you’ll find that your mental load lightens, and you can spend more time on other things you enjoy.

So, how do you start chipping away at that extensive to-do list? Here are three practical strategies:

1. Dedicate a Day to Your To Do List

If your list is particularly long, consider setting aside a full day to focus solely on getting these tasks done. It could be a Saturday or even a day off work. Block out time on your calendar and treat it like an important appointment that you’re not going to miss.

Once you have your day set, write down everything you need to accomplish and create a basic plan to work through each task efficiently. For example, if you need to donate a few things, and also visit a hardware store, try doing both tasks in one trip.

While it may not sound like the most fun way to spend your day, you’ll feel a huge sense of relief once everything is checked off your list. More often than not, the tasks aren't nearly as daunting as we imagined them to be.

2. Check Off One Task Every Day

If you can’t spare an entire day, another effective approach is to commit to completing one or two tasks each day. Start by listing all your tasks and planning when you can fit them into your schedule. Maybe you can take care of a quick errand during your lunch break or handle something on your way home.

This method allows you to gradually work through your to-do list without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, there’s a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with checking off completed tasks every day.

3. Integrate Tasks into Your Routine

Another strategy is to carve out time in your regular weekly routine to address your to-do list. Identify specific days and times when you can consistently handle one or two tasks. For example, this could be a designated hour on Saturday mornings or every Tuesday after work. Whatever works best for your life and schedule.

Planning ahead for these sessions is crucial. By setting aside regular time, you’ll make progress without having to find time during a busy week. It also helps to develop a habit of regularly working through these random tasks before they start to pile up again.

Bonus Tip: Make It a Habit

If procrastinating on your to-do list is a common problem for you, consider establishing a weekly “to-do list day.” This dedicated time can help you keep on top of tasks that tend to accumulate, and prevent them from becoming overwhelming in the future.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to dedicate all your time and energy to your to-do list, but you do need to make time for it. Waiting to "find" the time might leave you waiting indefinitely. By actively addressing your tasks instead of putting them off, you’ll reduce stress and frustration.

Choose one of the methods above and commit to it. You’ll likely feel a sense of relief once you start chipping away at that list. The good news is that, once you catch up, you can integrate these strategies into your normal routines, making it easier to stay on top of your tasks in the future.

—Jessica