Rent a baby, and boost your productivity

No, I didn't rent a baby. LOL. However, I was babysitting my 1-year-old grandson Rocky, (the name says everything) for almost a month and it was over the top for me. I was trying to figure out how to run my digital marketing agency with this little baby who is very active.

While figuring out how I was going to get things done, I came up with this fake commercial to amuse myself. Here goes.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list and are struggling to find time for everything on it, I have a solution for you! Rent a baby.

Rent a Baby is a company that will provide you with the services of a baby for as long as you need them. I can offer all styles of babies, hungry, tired, playful, cranky, and happy. The baby will be dressed in whatever outfit you choose and will be ready at your convenience.

My service is not only fast and convenient—it also boosts productivity! Recent studies have shown that working in the presence of a baby increases productivity by up to 25% because they require so much attention and will always distract you from your work. So it will help you be more strategic with your time.

Said no one ever!!!!

Does that sound enticing?

So, I was thrust into my position as a full-time babysitter and I had to figure this out. And here are some things I discovered. But before I dive in, I just want to say kudos to all the Mom CEO's out there who work all out in their companies, and have little ones to watch. I now know what it's like.

So in my attempt to get work done while I watched my grandson from 9-5 here's how I was strategic in my productivity.

1.   I looked at my planner and blocked out the times I had to actually work. They were 6 to 8 am, 10 am to 1 pm baby nap time, (varied and sometimes it was 11 am to 2 pm or not at all). and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. And then I was exhausted
2. The night before bed I made a list of what needs to get done and I prioritized it by importance.
3.   The blocked time I set aside I was pretty consistent in not deviating from it so I could focus on whatever task was next on my list—and only that task! I resisted the urge to check email or social media during this time—I didn't want to get distracted from getting everything done.
4.   Took breaks! This was key. I considered break time when I went for long walks with my grandson. You may think that if you never stop working, then you'll be more productive in the end, but studies have shown that taking short breaks throughout the day actually increases productivity by allowing people's brains to rest and recharge so they can come back fresh later on in the workday. I also took breaks during the day like holding and playing with the baby. And also I sat and drank my coffee while he played in his playpen.

My big AHA moment was I got more done while I was watching Lil Rocky than when I'm home at work with nobody to take care of. LOL

This experience has also taught me that having a sense of humor goes miles when you are trying to get something accomplished and you are watching a baby. I always found myself laughing over some silly things and somehow it took my mind off the stress of not knowing what each day would bring and allowing myself to accomplish what I needed to get done.

Please comment below if you can add to this shortlist.