Being a full-time working or stay-at-home mom is like running a marathon with no finish line in sight. You juggle deadlines, dinner, homework, laundry, and (hopefully) some sleep. Somewhere in the midst of that chaos, you also need to find the energy to be a good mom, employee, friend, and partner.
It’s a lot, and I’ve had my fair share of exhausted days where even just thinking about my to-do list drained me. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few strategies that have helped me find energy—sometimes when it felt like I had none. Here’s what’s worked for me and what might just help you too.
1. Prioritize “Me Time” – Even If It’s Just 10 Minutes
I used to think “me time” was a luxury I couldn’t afford. Then, I realized how quickly burnout sets in if I’m constantly giving to everyone else without filling my own cup. For me, this is sometimes as simple as locking myself in the bathroom for 10 minutes to read a book, or sitting in the car before heading inside to listen to my favorite podcast.
The key is consistency. Making even a little time every day to recharge mentally has become my secret weapon. You don’t need an hour—sometimes 10-15 minutes of peace is enough to shift your mindset and help you feel more in control.
2. Early Mornings (Or Late Evenings) for Quiet Time
As crazy as it sounds, getting up just 30 minutes earlier than my kids can change the entire flow of my day. I’m not naturally a morning person, but those quiet moments before the chaos starts? Golden. I use that time to either get a quick workout in, meditate, journal, or just sip my coffee without interruption.
If mornings aren’t your thing, try reclaiming your evenings. Once the kids are asleep, use that time to focus on something you enjoy or take a few deep breaths to transition out of work mode and into “mom mode” smoothly.
3. Move Your Body
I know what you’re thinking—how can you find time to work out when you’re already maxed out? Trust me, I was skeptical too. But I realized that exercise doesn’t have to mean an hour-long session at the gym. I started small—just 10 minutes here and there. Sometimes it’s a walk around the block while listening to my favorite playlist, a quick yoga session after the kids go to bed, or a dance-off with my kids in the living room.
Even a little bit of movement boosts my energy, and those endorphins really help with managing stress.
4. Get Really Good at Saying “No”
This was a tough one for me to learn, but it has been a game changer. As a working mom, you’re already balancing so much. The constant requests for playdates, volunteering at school, or picking up extra projects at work can quickly become overwhelming. I realized I was saying “yes” to too many things out of guilt or obligation, which was draining my energy.
Learning to say “no” (politely!) when my plate is full has freed up time for the things that truly matter to me and has allowed me to be more present where it counts.
5. Eat to Fuel, Not Just Survive
Let’s be real: some days, I barely have time to sit down for a meal, let alone prepare something healthy. I was grabbing whatever I could find—often sugary snacks or caffeine to get me through the day. It worked temporarily, but I’d crash hard afterward.
When I started paying attention to what I was eating, I noticed a difference. More whole foods, healthy snacks (nuts, fruits, veggies), and balanced meals gave me sustained energy throughout the day. I’m not perfect at this, but even small changes in my diet have made a big difference in how I feel.
6. Lean on Your Village
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we don’t have to do it all by ourselves. For so long, I thought asking for help meant I wasn’t managing well enough. But asking for help is one of the most empowering things you can do. Whether it’s your partner, friends, family, or a trusted babysitter—don’t be afraid to lean on them.
There have been times when I just needed a few hours to catch up on sleep or take a break from the chaos. Asking for help allowed me to recharge so I could come back stronger.
7. Practice Gratitude (Especially on the Tough Days)
When I’m running on empty, it’s easy to focus on all the things that are going wrong. But I’ve learned that focusing on what’s going right can help shift my perspective. I keep a gratitude journal by my bed and write down 3 things I’m grateful for every night before going to sleep.
Some days it’s something big, like my career or my family’s health. Other days, it’s small things, like the fact that I made it through the day without losing my cool. This practice doesn’t make the hard days disappear, but it does help me go to bed feeling a little lighter and more energized to face the next day.
Being a full-time working or stay-at-home mom is tough. Some days, it feels like I’m running on fumes, but over time, these small habits have helped me find the energy I need to keep going.
It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about finding what works for you. So, give yourself grace, take one step at a time, and remember that it’s okay to prioritize your own well-being too. You’ve got this!