The Power of Batch Working

Does it ever feel like your brain never shuts off? One minute you’re answering emails, the next you’re mentally planning dinner, remembering to schedule that doctor’s appointment, and squeezing in a workout (if you’re lucky). It’s exhausting.

I used to live in this constant mental juggling act. My to-do list felt never-ending, and no matter how much I got done, there was always more. I had heard about batching before but brushed it off—who has time to reorganize their whole workflow? Turns out, I didn’t need to. When I finally tried it (mostly out of desperation), it changed everything.

If you’re tired of feeling stretched thin, batching can help you work smarter, not harder—so you can finally make space for the things you want, not just what’s on everyone else’s to-do list.

What Is Batching?

Batching is a simple but powerful time management technique where you group similar tasks together and complete them in dedicated time blocks. Instead of constantly switching between different types of work, you focus on one category at a time, making everything feel easier and faster.

Think about how much time you waste shifting gears—checking emails while planning dinner, remembering to schedule an appointment mid-meeting, or trying to fit in a workout between chores. Batching eliminates that constant mental switching so you can work more efficiently, reduce stress, and actually have energy left at the end of the day.

I didn’t give batching much thought when I first heard about it in a coaching program. But years later, when I started using it for writing these blog posts, I realized what a game-changer it was. Now, I use it in almost every area of my life—from emails to meal prep to managing my household.

Here’s how batching can help you, too.

Why Batching Works (And How to Apply It to Your Life)

It Helps You Get Into a Flow State

Every time you switch between different types of work, your brain has to re-adjust—and that takes time and energy. When you batch tasks, you stay in the same mental zone longer, making it easier to get into a flow state where things just click.

How to apply this:

• Set aside two or three time blocks per day for emails instead of checking them all day. I use 9 AM, 12 PM, and 4 PM, which stops me from constantly reacting.
• Plan a dedicated block for creative work (writing, designing, brainstorming) at your most productive time of day.
• Meal prep or plan lunches in one sitting to save yourself from the “What’s for dinner?” scramble every night.

It Reduces Decision Fatigue

By noon, do you ever feel like your brain is fried? That’s decision fatigue. Every time you switch tasks, your brain has to figure out how to approach the next thing. Batching helps you develop a rhythm, reducing mental exhaustion and freeing up energy for more important things—like advocating for yourself at work or being present with your family.

How to apply this:

• Plan your weekly meals in one sitting instead of deciding every day.
• Pick one evening a month to schedule all doctor’s appointments, kid activities, and household tasks so they’re off your mind.

It Makes Time Management Easier

Instead of letting your schedule run you, batching helps you create clear boundaries for different types of work. It keeps your calendar from feeling chaotic and allows you to set aside time for what actually matters.

How to apply this:

• Designate a “meeting day” for work to keep the rest of your week open for focused projects.
• Batch personal tasks like bill payments, online orders, and scheduling errands into one time block per week.
• Set notification-free time blocks for deep work so you can actually make progress on big projects.

It Increases Efficiency (AKA Saves You Time)

When you do similar tasks back to back, you start to notice patterns, work faster, and find little shortcuts that make everything smoother. Over time, these small wins add up to big time savings.

How to apply this:

• Automate repetitive tasks (set up recurring grocery orders, auto-pay bills).
• Use templates for common work emails or reports.
• Create standard workflows for your morning/evening routine to simplify your day.

How to Start Batching (Without Overwhelming Yourself)

If batching feels like one more thing to figure out, don’t worry—you don’t have to do it all at once. Here’s a simple way to start:

Step 1: Identify Repetitive Tasks

Look at your weekly routine. What do you do over and over again that could be grouped together? Here are some ideas:

✔️ Email management (batch-check emails instead of reacting all day)

✔️ Meal planning & prep (plan and prep meals in one session)

✔️ Household management (paying bills, scheduling appointments, ordering groceries)

✔️ Errands & chores (batch them on one day instead of spreading them out)

Step 2: Time Block Your Tasks

Once you know what to batch, put it in your schedule like a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. For example:

🗓 Tuesday & Thursday afternoons → Work meetings and calls

🗓 Saturday mornings → Meal planning & grocery shopping

🗓 Sunday mornings → Household tasks & bill payments

Step 3: Minimize Interruptions

Batching only works if you protect your time blocks:

⏳ Turn off notifications so distractions don’t pull you away.

🚪 Set boundaries by letting family or coworkers know when you’re unavailable.

⏰ Use a timer (like the Pomodoro technique) to stay focused.

Step 4: Adjust as You Go

Give it a week or two, then check in:

➡️ Are your time blocks too long or too short?

➡️ Do certain tasks need to be batched in smaller chunks?

➡️ What’s making your life easier vs. what feels forced?

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s to create a system that works for you.

Final Thoughts

As a busy working woman, your time is precious. Batching is a simple way to reclaim control over your schedule, reduce stress, and make space for what truly matters—whether that’s self-care, time with your family, or simply breathing room in your day.

You don’t have to overhaul your whole schedule overnight. Just pick one thing to batch this week and see how it feels. Your future self will thank you.

Want to Stop Feeling Scattered? Grab My Free 3-Day Time Management Reset!

➡️ If your to-do list feels out of control, I’ve got you. My 3-Day Time Management Reset Guide will help you:

✔️ Identify where your time is really going

✔️ Batch tasks in a way that makes sense for your life

✔️ Create simple, realistic time blocks to free up mental space

This is the exact system I used to go from overwhelmed to finally in control of my time. Grab your free guide here!

P.S. You’ll be amazed at how much time you can reclaim just by grouping similar tasks together. Try it and let me know how it works for you!

With love,

Erin