Wondering how to get more done during the day? Here’s a nontraditional tip that has made a huge difference in my productivity as a working mom: I doubled my workout routine.

For most of my life—about 25 years—I averaged 15 to 20 miles of running per week. (Yes, that number makes me sound older than I am; I started running when I was 13!)

About six months ago, I decided to increase my mileage each week. When I started, I went from 15 miles to about 25 miles a week and my trainer, Chat GPT, said “woah woah woah! You are doing too much!” Chat GPT advised to me increase my mileage about 10% per week. So I stuck with that and have avoided getting injured.

Today, I consistently run 40 miles a week. A 7-mile run, which used to feel like a serious accomplishment, is now just another Tuesday. I used to feel wiped out after 10 miles; now I can knock out a 10-mile run and power through the rest of my day.

So how has doubling my workout routine helped me get more done?

• My confidence has skyrocketed. I feel better. My clothes fit me better. I love the way I feel throughout the day. Even when I am tired, I know I am tired as a result of working hard. This attitude makes me confident and positive throughout the day.
• I have more energy. When you start your day with a 10 mile run, you feel like you can do anything. And you CAN do anything. You have already conquered a very challenging task and you have already proven to yourself that you have discipline and you can do hard things. You will sail through the rest of your to-do list.
• It has helped me to build better habits without even trying. I used to have a glass of wine at night. Not anymore. If I have wine at night, my stomach will hurt in the morning (and though I will still complete my run, it is much less pleasant!). I used to have 3-4 cups of coffee as soon as I woke up. Now I limit it to two because too much coffee before a run is…not ideal. I don’t stay up late because I know my alarm is set for 3:55 AM!  So doubling my workout has led me to naturally build good habits.
• I sleep better. My days are full—running, working, chasing kids—and I go to bed feeling proud, not drained. I know I have made the most of my day. 

If you start your day feeling good, you will have confidence throughout the day. You will have renewed energy and motivation to tackle your to-do list. You will have better health habits. You will sleep better. You will be ruthless about your health, your work, and your to-do list. You will truly become a self-leader.

Here is the perfectly obvious, yet not-at-all-obvious truth.

The way to get more done is to do more.  

How to Get More Done as a Working Mom

Want to try it? Here are some tips.

Aim for the morning. Owning your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. It also ensures your workout doesn’t get pushed aside by the chaos of work, kids, or unexpected emergencies. (Read more about the best morning routine for working moms here.)

Lengthen a current routine rather than adding a second workout. If I decided to run twice a day (for example 3-4 miles twice a day rather than 6-8 miles once a day) I would never stick with it. It is hard to find another time to exercise. And then I would have to repeat my pre-workout routine (stretching) and my post-workout routine (showering) yet again which just increases the time commitment.  

Stick to what you love. I already love running so that is what I chose to expand. You could just as easily double your yoga, your strength training, or anything else.

Adopt a no-excuses mindset. Don’t hit snooze. Don’t wait for motivation. Set an example for yourself. Every day is Day One. Start it with purpose and with a phenomenal workout. You will feel great and carry this energy with you the rest of the day.