September always brings a sense of fresh starts. New uniforms, sharpened pencils, and a return to routine – it’s not just the children heading back to school, but mums in business resetting their schedules too.
For many Sussex business mums, the shift from summer holidays to school term is a chance to breathe, refocus, and build habits that make both family life and business life run more smoothly. Here are some tried-and-tested routines and productivity hacks to help you start the new term strong.
1. Create a “school hours” work plan
Instead of working reactively, design your week around school hours. Identify your high-focus tasks (like client projects or content creation) and schedule them for the quiet slots between drop-off and pick-up. Leave lighter admin for evenings or weekends.
2. Use the power of batching
Multitasking might feel productive, but batching is far more efficient. Group similar tasks together – answer emails in one sitting, create a week of social media posts in one block, or set aside one morning a month for invoicing. It reduces mental clutter and saves valuable time.
3. Prep the night before
The morning rush is real. A few minutes in the evening laying out uniforms, prepping lunches, or writing a next-day to-do list can make the school run calmer and free up headspace for work.
4. Set realistic daily goals
Back-to-school enthusiasm can tempt us into overloading our to-do lists. Instead, pick three key priorities each day. If you achieve those, the day is a success – and anything extra is a bonus.
5. Build in buffer time
Life happens. Traffic jams, forgotten PE kits, or a sick child can throw plans off course. By leaving gaps between meetings or setting flexible deadlines, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress when the unexpected arrives.
6. Lean on tools and tech
From scheduling apps to online grocery orders, small digital shortcuts can make a huge difference. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Metricool can help Sussex business mums keep tasks organised and consistent without taking up precious hours.
7. Remember your “why”
The return to routine can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a reminder of why you started your business in the first place – flexibility, passion, and the ability to shape work around family. Keeping that in mind can turn even the busiest days into purposeful ones.
Final thought
Back-to-school isn’t just a milestone for children – it’s a reset button for mums in business too. By setting up smart routines and using time wisely, Sussex business mums can enjoy more balance, more productivity, and more moments that matter.
This September, give yourself permission to plan with intention, work with focus, and celebrate the small wins along the way.
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