It’s such a busy time of year and if you are anything like me, you wonder how on earth you are going to get it all done. Being a wife, mom of three and a business owner keeps me on my toes and through the years I have found some tips, tricks and plain ole hacks that help me find some sort of balance through all the craziness, whether it is the holiday crazy or just everyday busy throughout the year.

Consider using these hacks or taking bite size pieces of them and making them your own as you tackle your to do list with joy, gratefulness and probably a whole lot of coffee!

1. Write it down. This may sound simple or maybe not even belong on the list because it is so easy but seriously, write it down. I swear if I don’t write it down it won’t ever happen and I will forget. I even email myself throughout the day when I have a thought of something that needs to get done and I am not near my to do list. Having it written or typed somewhere helps me remember all the things that I wouldn’t otherwise remember. And let’s be honest, crossing something off the to do list is so satisfying.

2. Ask for help. I know many of us moms like to pride ourselves on doing it all or doing a lot but here’s the thing…we don’t have to! We can accept help and we can even ask for help too! Put your pride aside and let others come alongside of you. Whether that is asking your kids to do the dishes, asking your husband to run an errand or even if it is asking another mom for helping in carpooling don’t be afraid to ask for help. This looks different for everyone, maybe it is hiring cleaners or outsourcing your laundry or maybe asking a co-worker to help on a project but whatever it looks like for you just ask for help, I promise you won’t regret it.

3. Give your best yes. And no to the rest. I have talked about this countless times before but make sure you are only saying yes to the things that bring you joy and that you want to do. This may mean saying no to lunch with friends because it will add stress to your week or no to the school volunteering because you don’t enjoy it…my point is only say yes when you want to not when you feel obligated to. Just this week I have said no to three things and while most are things I would want to do, they add more stress to my schedule than anything right now.

4. Take time to rest. This is something we don’t do enough of and I am a firm believer that when we rest, we are actually more productive. Look, I have burnt out and I have run myself down and it serves no one and only slows me down. Make sure you sit and drink that hot coffee, take a nap, read a book…whatever fills you up even just for 30 minutes each day, I promise it will make a difference in the fast pace you are used to.

5. Plan ahead. I know this doesn’t come easily to everyone but the more you plan ahead the better you will feel and the better the days will go. Know that you won’t have time to stop for lunch when running errands? Pack some healthy snacks in a lunchbox to take with you. Know that you can’t cook dinner with 3 activities in one night, order pizza on your way home. Know that you have a busy day ahead, plan ahead for carpool and anything that you can take off your plate ask someone to help!

Mama’s, I know we feel like we have to do and be it all but that is a lie straight from the devil himself. We are only human and only have the capacity for so much…make sure you are taking care of you, delegating when you can and streamlining your processes so you can enjoy this life you live too!