Let’s call it like it is—life doesn’t always go according to plan. And sometimes, even the most dialed-in routines get blown sideways by a sick calf, a surprise road trip, or just pure exhaustion. If you’re a ranch wife juggling homeschooling, side hustles, ballgames, and barn chores, you know exactly what I mean when I say the wheels fell off.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to get rolling again.
In this post, we’re digging deep into batch work hacks for busy Western women—tips I use personally and share inside my free download and on my podcast. And even though the episode with my dear friend and fellow powerhouse Sara Larson isn’t live just yet, I’ve woven in the grit and grace we unpacked in that convo about restarting after chaos.
So if you’re feeling behind, burnt out, or buried in laundry—pull up a chair. Let’s dust ourselves off and ride again.
🤠 What is Batch Working, Really?
Batch working is a simple concept: group similar tasks together so your brain can focus better, your time stretches further, and your energy doesn’t scatter in 42 directions.
Think of it like branding calves—there’s a rhythm when everyone’s got their job and you’re not chasing tails every five minutes. That same flow can happen in your kitchen, your business, your content creation, and even with your dang laundry.
🔥 When the Wheels Fall Off (and They Will)
Life isn’t Pinterest-pretty out here. It’s muddy boots, broken gate latches, kids with the stomach flu, and a heifer calving at 3am.
When we recorded the upcoming podcast with Sara Larson, we laughed about how we always think we’re going to stay ahead after a trip or a busy season… and then BAM. Life humbles us. She shared how the overwhelm creeps in when the structure we meant to keep slips through the cracks. It’s not about failure—it’s about adjusting and returning to what works.
Here’s what I tell myself (and now you): Grace is the gate. Grit gets you back through it.
🧹 Tip 1: Start With a “Back on the Wagon” List
Before you try to catch up on everything—take a breath. Grab a notebook and write out 3 categories:
- Must-dos: Meals, bills, schoolwork, etc.
- Move-alongs: Content batching, email replies, project updates.
- Can-waits: Deep cleaning, non-urgent errands, etc.
Seeing it all helps you prioritize without panic. As Sara says, “Sometimes Martha Stewart would just reset the table.”
⏰ Tip 2: Assign Theme Days (Even If They’re Loose)
I run most of my week around soft themes, and it helps me batch without burnout:
- Monday: Home reset + strength training
- Tuesday: Walking + homeschool focus
- Wednesday: Ride day + core work + recording content
- Thursday: Light stretch + homeschool + errands
- Friday: Client work + batching Reels/blog/podcast
- Weekend: Catch-up or pure rest (no guilt either way)
You can see the flexibility here. You don’t need a color-coded planner—just a framework.
🧵 Tip 3: Link Habits to Anchors
Want to make a new habit stick? Pair it with something you already do.
Examples:
- Listen to a podcast while folding laundry
- Plan your social posts while kids are at practice
- Brainstorm your blog while walking or riding
I call this “horse girl multitasking.” Your body’s busy, but your brain’s building legacy.
🧺 Tip 4: Batch Like Tasks by Energy
Don’t record a podcast and then try to deep clean your pantry. You’ll burn out fast. Match energy to energy:
- High energy: Writing, recording, coaching
- Medium energy: Editing, posting, admin work
- Low energy: Email, Canva tweaks, photo uploads
And for the love of sanity, use timers. I set 45-minute “round-up” sessions and then take a break. Even Martha would need a snack.
🧑🌾 Tip 5: Create a Weekly Barn Chore Loop
This has been a game-changer for me.
- Monday: Tack room tidy + sweep
- Tuesday: Hay check + feed bins
- Wednesday: Stall clean + manure haul
- Thursday: Tool inventory + sweep aisle
- Friday: Water troughs + arena drag
- Weekend: Ride or walk + enjoy it guilt-free
Knowing I only have to do one thing a day keeps it manageable—and I don’t dread the barn anymore.
📲 Tip 6: Use Tools That Do the Heavy Lifting
Don’t rely on willpower when systems will do.
My faves:
- Trello or Notion: For batching blog, email, podcast
- Tailwind: To schedule Pinterest
- Canva: To create plug-and-play content with my brand
- ConvertKit: For email workflows & freebies
Batch work isn’t about hustle. It’s about structure that frees your life up.
🍷 When You’re Really Behind—Reset with Ritual
On the podcast with Sara, we talked about how sometimes, we just need a ceremonial reset.
Light the candles. Pour the wine. Turn on the music. Clean one room. Pray. Cry if you need to.
And then?
Get back on the wagon.
🎁 Want Help Getting Started?
Grab the free download:
Batch Work Hacks for Busy Ranch Wives
This PDF includes:
- Sample weekly rhythms
- 20+ batching ideas by category
- A printable “Back on the Wagon” checklist
- My 3-part morning prep formula
👉 Download it here (or wherever you’ll link it)
💌 P.S. You’re Not Behind—You’re Human
Whether you’re in the middle of a hard season, post-travel chaos, or just trying to figure it out again—you’re not alone. We’re not meant to run on fumes. We’re meant to rise and reset.
You don’t need to do it all. Just pick up the reins.
You’ve got this, friend.