Carpool Productivity & Tasks On the Go

Being productive in the midst of driving kids to different places can be tricky. I am a high achiever. I want to use those 30 minutes of waiting. The 45 minutes after drop-off can be used to do something that matters to me. Wasted time drives me crazy.

I also love routine. So being in a situation without a plan makes my head hurt. I don’t want to overthink where I should be going and what I should be doing. But I do want to allow for spontaneity.

So what does that look like?

How can I make the most of driving here and there and everywhere?

What can I do while waiting for my kids during their activities?

These are questions I wrestle with as I begin a new school year and find odd gaps in my schedule.

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Here is the situation:

I have just dropped off the kids for an activity and I have a set amount of time (usually 30 min to an hour) before I have to pick them up. We live over 20 minutes away so I don’t want to drive home.  This is a weekly event so I need to make a plan for my time.

What I think about for tasks on the go:

What to do –

• What does your day look like? What kinds of activities have you already done?
• What do you need more of? (exercise, quiet, adult conversation, reading time…etc.)
• What would 30 minutes of self-care look like for me today?

Where to go – 

• What is the outside weather like and what conditions do I need to consider?
• What do I need? bathrooms, drinks, a snack, quiet?
• What do you want to do? Can you do that comfortably in that space?
• What is your budget? I try to reduce expenses whenever possible. Free is my favorite.

What to take-

I prefer to bring what I need. It saves me money, time, and frustration (and I get to pick what I like).

• My Essentials – Here are some things I bring in my to-go tote bag:
  • a special drink – tea, iced coffee, soda
  • a snack – something healthy and then something sweet (just for me)
  • my cactus pencil case – pencils, highlighters, my favorite pens, and some sticky notes
  • a clipboard – to create a flat surface anywhere
    • (Also, who doesn’t leave the house without this essential?? Yes, I am a nerd.📋🤓)
  • the notes app in my phone – Brian Dump out all my tasks and ideas
  • earbuds for podcasts & workout music
  • my book to read – Anne Bogel says this is the key to being a consistent reader
  • my journal – I try to journal every day.
  • comfy shoes – so I can walk if the weather allows it
  • sweater – in the AZ desert most places use really cold A/C

• The Specifics – Depending on what I want to do I will usually I will grab one or two of these:
  • my planner / bullet journal
  • my Bible and study notebook (even 15 minutes is better than nothing!)
  • something to browse: a magazine, cookbook, organizing book, crafting guide
  • a devotional – I often have one that I keep in the van for those moments alone
  • meal planning notes, grocery lists, and a notebook
  • markers and a complex coloring book
  • a camping chair – so I can sit in the shade at a park
  • travel guides – for planning out future RV trips
  • my Nature Journal – drawing trees and sketching nature brings me joy!

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The goal for my time is to feel calm, collected, and more like myself. I choose to slow down and do something that I enjoy.

Once I have decided what to do and where to go, I follow a few rules:

#1 – Decide ahead of time.

Make 2-3 options for yourself. Then pick the one that makes sense for that day. Don’t overthink it. Action is more important than perfection. Do what helps you feel like yourself. You matter too.

#2 – Guard that time.

• You have made a plan. Stick to it. At least 2-3 times and then make changes.
• Don’t let the non-urgent and demanding tasks of a busy mom life keep you from time to yourself. 
• For me this means I have to put my phone in “Focus Mode” and I do not check texts or email.
• That little bit adds up. It will make a difference in your week. It will matter in a few months.

#3 – Don’t let one bad experience ruin it.

This can be a routine that brings you joy.

Maybe it is raining and you can’t take your usual walk. Then sit in the car and listen to a podcast. Just this week. Next week will be different and you will be able to get your routine back on track. Plan for the majority, not the exception.

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Routine and planning help me to be productive in a public space. I can enjoy my time when I know what to do, decide where to go, and bring what I need. I pick up the kids from the activity with a renewed calm. I can return home feeling ready for the rest of the day.

When I take that time for self-care, reflection, or reading my book it fills my cup. I can pour out for others because I did not waste my time alone.

Make a plan for you. Those short pieces will add up over time. 40 minutes a week is over 2 hours in a month… 2 months = 320 minutes (over 5 hours). I want to be intentional about my time. (I am guessing if you are reading this that you do too.) I hope this helps you in the random spaces in your schedule.

📖🌞Wishing you the best! – April

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Most of the photos were taken by me the others are from Unsplash