Efficiency Hacks: How I’m Structuring Work After Maternity Leave

Coming back from maternity leave has required me to rethink my entire approach to work. Before having a child, I had complete flexibility—I could work seven days a week if I wanted to (and often did).

Now, in 2025, my work schedule is WAY more structured. I’m only working 4 days a week so I can be home with my child 3 days a week. This shift has forced me to get serious about efficiency and find smart ways to maximize productivity within my limited work hours. Here are the top efficiency hacks that are helping me make it all work:

1) ChatGPT

I’ll be the first to tell you, ChatGPT is not a replacement for the work you do, but boy can it speed up your process. So how am I using it?

I use ChatGPT to get my ideas out in rough form, then refine them with AI assistance to improve flow and structure. After that, I edit everything to ensure accuracy and make sure it still sounds like me. This has significantly cut down the time I spend drafting content while keeping my voice authentic.

Before using ChatGPT, I found myself spending hours brainstorming and refining content. This new process has transformed the way I create content for my blog, social media, and email communications, allowing me to focus on engaging with my audience rather than getting stuck in endless revisions.

2) Fathom for Meeting Notes

Instead of spending 20-30 minutes writing up meeting notes, I use Fathom’s AI summary function, which condenses everything into five minutes or less. This is not only a win for me but also for my clients—they receive a concise summary and a full recording of each coaching session.

Previously, I would manually type out meeting notes, trying to capture every key point while also staying present and engaged with my clients. This was exhausting and time-consuming. Now, I can fully focus on my coaching sessions, knowing that the AI will handle the summarization process. It has been a huge stress reliever and an unexpected upgrade to my workflow.

3) Flown for Body Double Accountability

I’ve realized that I work best when I have accountability, but I also need flexibility. That’s where Flown comes in. I use their drop-in coworking option, which allows me to log on when it works for me while still getting that body double effect. Just knowing that other people are working alongside me (even virtually) helps me stay focused and get projects done without feeling isolated.

This tool has been a great way to create structure without adding pressure to stick to rigid time blocks. Some days, I need the extra push to start a task, and logging into a session helps me get into work mode faster. It’s a simple but effective way to maintain momentum.

4) Dodecagon Timer for Time Awareness

I’ve realized I struggle with time blindness, especially during coaching sessions. To ensure I respect my clients' time, I’ve started using a Dodecagon Timer. This simple tool keeps me mindful of session pacing, preventing meetings from running over.

Before incorporating this timer, I would occasionally lose track of time during coaching calls, leading to sessions that ran over and impacted my overall schedule. Now, with a visual and tactile reminder, I am much more conscious of pacing. It also helps me set clear boundaries with clients, ensuring that we stay on track while still providing them with valuable insights.

I’ve also started using this timer in other areas of my work, such as blocking out specific times for email management or creative brainstorming. It’s been surprising how much a simple tool like this has helped me stay on task and avoid distractions.

5) Walking Treadmill for Admin Tasks

With a young child, I know I need to stay active, but finding the time is tough. My solution? A walking treadmill! I use it while tackling admin tasks, hoping to stay more focused while also sneaking in a few extra steps each day.

I had always struggled with incorporating movement into my workday. I would sit for hours, deep in thought or focused on my laptop, only to realize later that I hadn’t moved much all day. Now, having a walking treadmill under my desk allows me to stay active while responding to emails, reviewing documents, or planning out content.

Not only do I feel better physically, but I also notice a boost in my mental clarity. Walking while working has helped me stay more engaged and alert, preventing the sluggishness that sometimes creeps in during long periods of desk work. It’s a small shift that has made a big difference.

Do you have recommendations? Please share!

Finding the right tools and habits has made all the difference in making my work time efficient and my home time meaningful. What’s been a game-changing productivity tool or habit for you? I’d love to hear about it!

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