From Chaos to Calm: Time-Saving Strategies for Overwhelmed Moms
EPISODE 78
by Dianne Jimenez
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From Chaos to Calm: Time-Saving Strategies for Overwhelmed Moms
Today’s episode is all about tackling the overwhelm that comes with the new school year. From new teachers and activities to the seemingly endless to-do lists, I’ll share how I navigate this chaotic period. Whether it’s September or anytime during the school year, these tips are designed to help you keep your sanity. Join me as I discuss brain dumping, sharing responsibilities with your spouse, and effective planning techniques that can make a world of difference. Let’s get organized together!
The episode at a glance
[00:00] Introduction and Episode Overview
[02:35] Understanding the Overwhelm
[06:03] Practical Steps to Manage Overwhelm
[09:36] Communicating with Your Spouse
[12:29] Organizing and Planning
[15:37] Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Are Toys Taking Over Your Home? Reclaim Your Space - NOW
Some seasons of motherhood feel heavier than others. Back-to-school in September. The rush of June before summer break. Right before a family vacation—or the messy week after you return. The details change, but the chaos feels the same: overwhelming.
If you’re in one of those “everything hits at once” seasons, you’re not alone. Here’s how to get out from under the mental load, reset your routines, and bring order back to your home and family.
find out how families with 3+ kids tackle the beast: laundry!
Why Overwhelm Happens in Certain Seasons
Big transitions—new school routines, end-of-year deadlines, holiday prep, travel—dump more on your plate all at once. Even the most organized moms feel stretched thin. And let’s be real: the emotional load of kids adjusting (or melting down) lands on your shoulders, too.
Truth Bomb: You’re Not Supposed to Do It All
Overwhelm isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s a sign you’re carrying too much alone. The fix isn’t perfection; it’s building a system that lightens your load and keeps your family running without burning you out.
My Secret Sauce for setting the kids up for success
Real-Life Strategies to Cut the Chaos
- Start with YOU
Take five minutes before you tackle anything. Deep breath. Center yourself. You can’t organize well if your mind is racing. - Brain Dump It All
Get every to-do, event, and “don’t forget” out of your head. Paper, whiteboard, app—it doesn’t matter. What matters is freeing your brain. - Pause Before Planning
Look at your list. Step back. Breathe. Then decide what actually matters this week versus what can wait.
3 things to establish now before losing your s#!t later on (during the school year)
- Share the Mental Load with Your Partner
Don’t carry it all quietly. Share a calendar, send the text, or ask outright. Early communication beats simmering resentment. - Use a Family Calendar
Paper or digital—just make it visible. When everyone sees what’s coming, you’re not the only one juggling dates. Bonus: kids learn responsibility by managing their own schedules.
- Daily Check-Ins
Write out the week, then check in daily. This isn’t micromanaging—it’s about spotting pockets of breathing room you didn’t know existed.
Free training: "How to find time in a busy schedule"
- Delegate Like a CEO
Let go of doing everything “your way.” Kids can help, partners can take ownership. Delegating isn’t failing—it’s leading.
Don’t Forget Community
You weren’t meant to mom alone. Surround yourself with other moms (local or online) who get it. Swap tips, share rides, vent without guilt. Community makes the chaos less heavy.
Stay on track with laundry & tips to getting the kids involved
Final Word
Overwhelming seasons will come and go—but they don’t have to run you into the ground. With a brain dump, a plan, shared responsibility, and small daily systems, you can shift from chaos to calm. Remember: you’re not trying to do it all—you’re building a family rhythm that works for everyone, including you.
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