When the subject of time management techniques comes up a lot of people tend to get that deer-in-the-headlights look. It can be a pretty intimidating subject. But if you look at it as a challenge, as solving a puzzle, then it becomes a whole different ballgame. As I'm sure you've figured out, to fully enjoy life you must have techniques to manage your time in order to get all your have-to's done and still have time for your want-to's.
For instance, say you decide you want to take up ballroom dancing but you don't know if you can spare the time. You're a busy mom, you work, you're in charge of the house, and Lord knows your kids wouldn't have clean clothes or food that didn't come out of a can if it weren't for you. But, I bet you could brainstorm and create ways to save that 2 hours/week you'll need to take that class (hey, you'll need some time for practice).
One thing you could do is on your weekend cook extra for a quick weeknight meal. Say, have spaghetti for one night and a couple of nights later have beefaroni. If you really want to get time efficient, then make enough sauce to freeze and have it ready for the next week. You would be absolutely shocked at what you could make with spaghetti sauce. Heck, add some chili powder, diced tomatoes and beans and voila, you have chili.
A real time waster-and therefore, a potential time saver, is to delegate some of the chores to the kids. If they are not already helping (which they should be) teach the kids little-by-little to help with the chores. Kids can, and should, do age appropriate chores.
Still another big time saver is to sit and figure out where your time is leaking and plug it up. Or, find ways to incorporate things you want to do with things you need to do. For instance, I have a TV in my kitchen-not because I watch a lot of TV and can't do without it, but to catch up on the news (want, though some would argue a need) while I'm cooking (need). That saves me from spending extra time doing these things separately (this would be the plug that is mentioned above).
Another great combination is exercising and listening to a book, lecture, sermon, or just music. I personally prefer to walk outside but, for those inclement days, I do have a totally awesome treadmill. When I'm using the treadmill I'll either read a book or put my laptop close by and watch a show on the internet. This is generally the only TV time I spend, other than the news. It's also a fabulous way to do something you know you need/want to do (get in shape) while doing stuff you really want to do. When you're into a great book or music, you'd be surprised at how you can, day-by-day, go a little longer. And the time goes by much quicker.
Psychologically speaking, you really should learn to appreciate the "me-time" of exercising-i.e., getting to do what you want whether that's listening to music or just enjoying the walking park. This will make exercising more enjoyable, life more enjoyable, and maybe you'll realize if you have young children and can still find time for exercise then hey, life ain't so bad after all. You may realize that, while you could do a little better, you do have pretty functional time management techniques.
I had been a full-time employee and single parent of 4 for years and simply could not have survived without having an arsenal of tricks up my sleeve. I've got them to fit every situation. This is because I have been a soccer, football, band, weightlifting, hockey, basketball, tennis, swimming, and karate mom (usually with a few of the sports going on at the same time). Did I mention I was single at the time with a full-time job? You can do it too.
