Mastering the Week Ahead: A Pre-Planning Guide for Busy Women and Working Mums

Balancing work, family, and personal time can often feel like a juggling act, especially for busy women and working mums. But a little bit of planning can make all the difference. Here’s how you can pre-plan your week and set yourself up for success—without the overwhelm.

1. Set Your Priorities

Before diving into schedules and to-do lists, take a step back. What’s most important to you this week? Think about work deadlines, family commitments, and personal goals. Write down your top three priorities for the week and let these guide your planning.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to prioritize yourself! Whether it’s a gym session or 30 minutes of quiet reading time, add self-care* to your list.

2. Time Block Your Calendar

Time blocking is a game-changer. Allocate specific chunks of time for tasks and appointments in your calendar. This helps you focus on one thing at a time and prevents overloading your schedule.

• Work Hours: Block time for meetings, deep work, and emails.

• Family Time: Reserve evenings or weekends for quality time with your loved ones.

• Chores & Errands: Group them together to save time.

Pro Tip: Use color coding in your digital calendar to visually separate work, family, and personal time.

3. Meal Plan Like a Pro

Food prep can take a lot of stress off your plate (literally). Dedicate a little time over the weekend to plan meals and snacks for the week. Even if you don’t cook in advance, having a plan ensures fewer last-minute scrambles.

• Lunches: Prep grab-and-go options like salads or wraps.

• Dinners: Choose easy recipes or rely on slow cooker meals for busy nights.

• Snacks: Stock up on healthy options to fuel your busy days.

Pro Tip: Involve the family! Let the kids choose a meal or help with prep.

4. Declutter Your Space

A clutter-free space equals a clutter-free mind. Spend 15-20 minutes organizing your desk, kitchen, or any area that needs tidying up. This small effort can boost your productivity and mood throughout the week.

Pro Tip: Use storage baskets or trays to keep items organized without much effort.

5. Create a Weekly To-Do List

Instead of tackling daily lists, create one master list for the week. Break it into categories like Work, Family, and Personal. This way, you can see the big picture without feeling overwhelmed.

• Work: List deadlines, meetings, and projects.

• Family: Include appointments, school activities, or playdates.

• Personal: Add self-care, workouts, or hobbies.

Pro Tip: Highlight or star the must-dos so they don’t get overlooked.

*6. Schedule "Me Time"

Carving out time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Whether it’s a yoga class, a coffee break, or simply sitting in silence, schedule it into your week. When you’re recharged, you can give more to others.

Pro Tip: Treat your "me time" like any other appointment—non-negotiable!

7. Plan for the Unexpected

Life happens. Kids get sick, deadlines shift, and traffic jams are unavoidable. Build some buffer time into your schedule for those unexpected hiccups. It’ll save you from scrambling and keep your stress levels in check.

Pro Tip: Keep a "Plan B" list of quick meals, backup childcare options, or alternate routes to work.

8. Reflect and Adjust

At the end of the week, take 10 minutes to review what worked and what didn’t. Use these insights to tweak your plan for the following week. 

Pro Tip: Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Progress is the goal, not perfection. 

With these simple strategies, you can take charge of your week and feel more in control of your busy life. Remember, planning isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating space for what matters, getting things done and minimizing stress. 

Happy planning!