How to Squeeze More Learning Time Into Your Day When You're a Work at Home Mom

We know it's important to keep learning and growing, but how in the world are we supposed to fit time for that into an already too busy day as work at home moms?

My secret? "Smart" Multitasking. In general, multitasking isn't a good idea. But in some situations it's brilliant!

For example, you can listen to audio books or teleclasses on your iPod while you exercise, or read (if your exercise of choice allows for it safely). I read while I use my elliptical machine or listen to audio while I do yoga. If I'm following an exercise DVD I turn off the sound and listen to audio learning on my iPod instead. In 4 days of 30 minute workout sessions I'm already halfway through the new edition of Four Hour Workweek. At this rate, I can read about one business book a week without spending any "extra" time reading. Since I'm already exercising, the time is doing twice as much for me.

You can also listen to audio learning on a CD player in the background while you play board games with children, cook dinner, or clean the house. It's an easy way to use time more effectively.

I read when my kids do. We have a minimum half hour of reading time a day outside of school related reading. They can choose any book or comic book (or Wii game strategy guide... or lego building guide...), as long as they're reading, and I try to do the same unless there's something else that can't wait. If you don't have a "family reading time" try starting one a few days a week.

I also squeeze in learning time whenever I can, even if it's only a few minutes. I keep the book(s) I'm reading handy (usually one fiction and one non-fiction) and pick them up whenever I have a little time to spare. I also load ebooks from Amazon to my iPod touch with the Kindle app, which makes it easy to read while waiting in line, or where ever else I happen to be, no need to remember to carry a book with me. If you've got an iPhone, Kindle, or Nook, download business books and you can learn on the go anytime.

As I read/listen I keep an action list so I can jot down what I want to take action on from what I'm learning about. Mine's in my iPod but you can use a notebook or whatever method works for you.

Here are some other tricks that might work for you:

listen to audio tapes/CDs while driving
read/listen while commuting on a train/bus/plane
read out loud to your baby (I don't have one young enough but I've heard lots of new moms read textbooks or business books to infants - the infant enjoys the sound of your voice and you're learning at the same time)

Look for opportunities and you'll find ways to work in reading or listening to audio so you can keep learning.

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

And now, let me give you access to some great free resources for small businesses including 101 Free/Cheap Ways to Market Your Business, 119 Things You Can Outsource, and more at www.michelleshaeffer.com

Michelle Shaeffer has been a work at home mom for more than 10 years and loves to share the tips and strategies she's learned to help other home based business owners balance, manage, and market their businesses.

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