As a mom of three, mornings in my house are often a blur of chaos. The rush to get everyone ready for school, pack lunches, find lost shoes, and ensure nobody forgets their homework—it’s like running a mini-circus every single day.
And then there’s me, trying to juggle work, household chores, and (let’s be real) a moment to breathe. If it sounds overwhelming, that’s because it can be. But in the middle of all this madness, I found a rule that helped me take control, get organized, and feel less frazzled: the 8-8-8 rule.
The 8-8-8 Rule: What Is It?
The 8-8-8 rule is simple but powerful. It breaks your day into three equal parts:
- 8 hours for work (or productive activities)
- 8 hours for rest (sleep)
- 8 hours for everything else (family, personal time, meals, and self-care)
It might sound too straightforward to be life-changing, but trust me, it works. By organizing my day into these chunks, I found a rhythm that not only helped me be more productive but also allowed me to focus on what truly matters.
How the 8-8-8 Rule Works for a Busy Mom
In the past, I would start my day scattered, trying to squeeze in tasks wherever I could. But once I implemented the 8-8-8 rule, I realized that having structure didn’t feel suffocating. In fact, it gave me the freedom to enjoy my time, guilt-free.
- 8 Hours for Work Whether it’s my job, housework, or taking care of appointments, I treat these 8 hours as my “work” hours. I get my most important tasks done first thing in the morning, and if I’m lucky, I sneak in some quieter moments of focus while the kids are at school. This section is about being intentional—getting things done that require your mental focus.
- 8 Hours for Rest Yes, sleep is non-negotiable. When you’re constantly running on empty, it’s tempting to skimp on sleep to get more done. But without rest, productivity plummets. In the early days of motherhood, I made the mistake of burning the candle at both ends. But now, I prioritize sleep (even if it means an extra hour of quiet in the evening before bed). Restorative sleep is an investment in your energy for tomorrow’s chaos.
- 8 Hours for Everything Else This 8-hour chunk is where life happens. It’s your family time, your “me” time, your hobbies, your chores, meals, and anything else that keeps life balanced. I used to feel like I was always working or always with the kids, but this balance allows me to take care of myself too. I can read a book, take a walk, or simply sit down for a cup of coffee while the kids play. And when my family needs me, I’m there, fully present.
Why It Works
The magic of the 8-8-8 rule is that it prevents burnout. By clearly defining boundaries between work, rest, and everything else, it helps you feel more in control of your time. I no longer feel like I’m constantly running behind, or worse, like I’m neglecting myself. There’s room for everything that’s important, and once the time block is over, I can fully transition to the next thing without feeling guilty or rushed.
The Key to Flexibility
Life with kids is unpredictable, and some days don’t go according to plan. The beauty of the 8-8-8 rule is its flexibility. Maybe your 8 hours of work are spread out in smaller bursts, or your family time stretches longer on weekends. The rule isn’t rigid—it’s a guideline. If I get an extra hour of sleep on a weekend, I don’t feel guilty because I know I’ve prioritized balance the rest of the week.
Using a Planner with the 8-8-8 Rule
To make the 8-8-8 rule work, a planner is your best friend. I found that mapping out my day with this rule in mind helps me visualize how my time is being spent. I use my planner to block off specific times for work, rest, and everything else.
For example, I’ll note the hours I’m dedicating to tasks like work meetings, family activities, or self-care. This allows me to see my day at a glance, and also helps me stay on track.
On days when things get a little off-course (which happens!), my planner gives me a quick reset, helping me reallocate my time and keep my priorities in check.
The key is consistency—once you commit to this structure, it becomes easier to follow. Plus, the act of writing things down helps clear my mind, making it easier to focus on each chunk of time without feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion: A Simple Change for a More Organized Day
As a mom, it’s easy to feel like you’re juggling a million things at once. But the 8-8-8 rule has allowed me to focus on what really matters—work, rest, and quality time with my family. When I’m intentional about how I organize my day, everything seems to fall into place, and the chaos becomes more manageable.
So if you’re feeling like there’s never enough time in the day, give the 8-8-8 rule a try. You might just find that balancing your responsibilities isn’t as impossible as it seems.
