What Productivity Looks Like as a Working Mom Dealing with Fatigue
Productivity Doesn’t Always Look the Way You Think
What does productivity look like as a working mom dealing with fatigue? I can tell you firsthand that productivity looks different, but it’s still productive. It often looks like prioritizing self-care.
For instance, today after work, I had a long list of things I “had” to do, including putting away the dishes and helping my son with his homework. I also wanted to blog, plan my week, and fit in a workout.
I wanted to do all the things. However, I knew I only had so much energy.
Not Everything Has to Get Done Today
Then I realized something important: everything was not going to get done. And not everything actually had to get done.
Helping my son with his homework needed to happen. It wasn’t something I could put off or delegate. The dishes would be nice to put away, but they weren’t as important as being mentally present for my son. Once I identified my priority, the question became simple: How was I going to have the energy to do it?
Sometimes Rest Is the Most Productive Choice
I knew I needed to lie down and rest for a few minutes. At first, resting can feel unproductive. It can feel like you’re wasting time when your to-do list is already too long. But in this case, resting was productive. By giving myself a chance to recharge, I had the energy to help my son with his homework later.
Progress Is Better Than Perfection
After resting, I was able to help my son, put away the dishes, and even write this blog post.
Did I get everything done? No. But I got the important things done.
That’s what productivity looks like when you’re dealing with fatigue. You decide what matters most, and then you give yourself the rest and support you need to accomplish it.
A New Way to Think About Productivity
Working moms know what fatigue and exhaustion feel like, but our responsibilities don’t simply disappear. Sometimes priorities have to be rearranged. Sometimes self-care has to come first.
After all, you have to put on your own oxygen mask before you can help others with theirs. And sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is rest so you have the energy to show up for what matters most.
