How Do I Find Time to Write?

Finding time to write is a challenge for every writer. We are all given the same amount of time each day, so instead of fretting that some one else must have it easier than you, try to find ways to work with the time that you do have.

We all are given the same amount of time in a day, and yet some people seem to get WAY more things done than others. I’m still striving to make better use of my time, but it is an area that I’ve made a lot of improvement in over the last 2 years. Having a second baby really forced me to get more intentional with every moment, or else I just end up accomplishing nothing.

It’s certainly a challenge to run two professional blogs (this one and my personal blog), write & publish a book, all while tackling the weekly/daily responsibilities of a mama & wife. Not impossible, but challenging for sure.

Here are my top tips for finding time to write, even in them midst of laundry, dishes, diapers, playtime grocery shopping, Bible study etc.

1. Get creative – First and foremost, you have to make time for it. For me, it’s while the baby naps. During this time my daughter sleeps and my son has “quiet playtime” in his room. Sometimes he’s extra sleepy and falls asleep, other times he just plays on his own. All 3 of us need the time to ourselves and it really helps our family dynamic to have it, and it also provides me with a bit of uninterrupted writing time for each day. If your children don’t nap, perhaps you could find time before they wake up in the morning, after they are asleep, or another, quieter time of day. Even teaching the children that “this is mommy’s writing time” is an option!
2. Make it a priority – Find your time and stick to it. Sure, there are plenty of days when I’d rather read a book or sleep than write, but I don’t! This is my writing time and I take advantage of it, even when I don’t want to. Very rarely will I allow myself to do something else during nap time. If I’m completely worn out or stressed I might, but typically I will make myself get some work done first, before I get to do something more relaxing. If I’m extra tired I might tell myself something like “I will complete this post and 2 images and then I’ll let myself watch an episode of Sherlock”. This gives me incentive to finish what I’m doing so I don’t get behind, but also lets me have some fun and relax when I need it as well.
3. Schedule time away – Have a set time to write, but also have a set time not to write. Time spent away from the computer and with your family and children is never wasted. Having set time when I refuse to get online to post statuses/tweets or jot down blog post ideas has done wonders for myself and my family. It enables me to be more productive when I am on the computer and it helps me live in the moment with my family more. I’m not fabulous at this, but I’m working on it, and our days are so much more fun when I keep to my schedule both on and off the computer.
4. Do it offline – Some of my best blog posts have been drafted in a little notebook while sitting and watching my kids play. Writing offline helps to keep you free from distractions so you can focus on the words you are putting together, instead of checking notifications on social media.

What about you? How do you find time to write without losing site of what is really important?