A Simple Daily Routine to Help Moms Feel Less Overwhelmed & More Like a Bad*ass
A realistic, flexible daily schedule to reduce stress and bring balance to your days (includes time for kids, chores, and self-care).
Outline:
Introduction: Why Moms Feel Overwhelmed (and How a Routine Can Help)
Morning: Starting Your Day on the Right Foot (Even if You Didn’t Sleep Well)
Mid-Morning: Tackling the Chaos (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Afternoon: Energy Slumps, Snacks, and Taking a Break
Evening: Wrapping Up Your Day with Gratitude and Calm
Conclusion: Progress, Not Perfection
Introduction: Why Moms Feel Overwhelmed (and How a Routine Can Help)
Being a mom often feels like starring in your own personal sitcom—except there’s no laugh track, just a chorus of “Mom! Mom! Mom!” The juggle between caring for your kids, managing the household, your career, school, and trying to remember who you are can feel like an Olympic sport.
But here’s the thing: while you can’t add more hours to the day or magically stop the toddler tantrums, you can structure your day in a way that feels a little less chaotic. A daily routine isn’t about achieving some mythical level of perfection; it’s about creating a rhythm to make your life smoother. Think of it as your cheat sheet for navigating the day without losing your sh*t—or your coffee. If you have a general outline for your day, or even the big transition times, you can lean into them when the chaos hits a crescendo instead of trying to control or plan every moment as it’s coming at you. It’s not a 100% fool-proof system, but it sure helps.
Read More: Setting Goals as a Burnt-Out Mom: How to Find Motivation and Make Progress When You're Exhausted, A Practical Self-Care Guide for Moms: Simple Ways to Reclaim Your Energy and Joy, The Year of Aquarius: How 2025 Can Transform Your Mom Life (Even If You Don’t Know Your Rising Sign)
Morning: Starting Your Day on the Right Foot (Even if You Didn’t Sleep Well)
Wake Up Before the Kids (Or Fake It Till You Make It):
I know, I know. Every parenting blog tells you to wake up before your kids like it’s the golden rule of momhood. And while it sounds great in theory, what happens when your 3-year-old decides to make 5 a.m. their permanent wake-up time?
If an early start isn’t in the cards, give yourself a quick reset when you can. Splash water on your face, slap on some moisturizer, and throw on leggings that look slightly less like pajamas. You’re not aiming for Pinterest perfection here—you’re just trying to make it to breakfast without a meltdown (yours or theirs).
Hydrate, Caffeinate, and Stretch:
Before you dive into the chaos, grab a big glass of water. Chug it. Yes, coffee is life, but hydration is what keeps you upright during toddler wrangling and sibling spats. Then, give yourself two minutes to stretch—bonus points if you can sneak in a couple of deep breaths before someone demands cereal in a bowl that isn’t blue.
Create a 5-Minute Morning Mantra:
Instead of diving straight into the day’s to-do list, take a moment to set an intention. Think of it as your mom mantra. Maybe it’s “I am patient and kind” or “I will not lose my cool over spilled milk today.” It’s cheesy, but it works. Write it down, say it out loud, or just think it while you sip your coffee.
Mid-Morning: Tackling the Chaos (Without Losing Your Sanity)
Prioritize Tasks with the 3-Task Rule:
Let’s face it: your to-do list will never be empty. So instead of trying to conquer everything at once, focus on three key tasks each day. Laundry? Maybe tomorrow. Paying the preschool fees? That’s today-you’s priority. Keeping it simple means you actually finish things—and that’s a win.
Plus, when your partner asks what you did all day, you can proudly list off your three accomplishments without mentioning the hour you spent rescuing a Lego from the toilet.
Delegate Like a Boss (Yes, Even to Toddlers):
Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to do it all. Even toddlers can help out! Sure, their “help” might involve putting all the spoons in the wrong drawer, but hey, it’s one less thing on your plate. Older kids can take on age-appropriate chores, and your partner? They live in the house too. Let them contribute!
Remember, delegating isn’t lazy—it’s smart. And if it means you get five minutes to sit down with your coffee while someone else vacuums, that’s a win-win.
Plan Meals Without Overthinking:
Meal planning doesn’t have to be some elaborate, Pinterest-worthy spreadsheet. Pick a handful of go-to meals (tacos, spaghetti, chicken nuggets—you know the drill) and rotate them. On the days when you’re running on fumes, embrace the beauty of leftovers or, let’s be honest, frozen pizza. Your kids won’t remember whether dinner was organic—they’ll remember you didn’t lose it over spilled juice.
Afternoon: Energy Slumps, Snacks, and Taking a Break
Embrace the Power of the Midday Reset:
By lunchtime, you’re probably feeling like you’ve been hit by a train. Pause. Sit down. Eat a snack that isn’t your toddler’s leftover Goldfish. This is your permission slip to take 10 minutes to reset—scroll Instagram, sip tea, or stare into the abyss (whatever works).
The mess can wait, and the kids? Well, they’ll survive if you aren’t at their beck and call for a few minutes. Trust me, taking a breather makes the second half of the day feel less like climbing Mount Everest.
Build in a Non-Negotiable Self-Care Moment:
Self-care doesn’t mean spa days and bubble baths (though if you can make that happen, go for it). It’s about carving out tiny pockets of joy in your day. Maybe it’s sneaking outside for fresh air, rolling your neck a few times, or spending five minutes journaling. Whatever it is, make it non-negotiable. If you don’t take care of yourself, who will?
Easy Activities to Entertain the Kids:
When you need a break but the kids need entertainment, keep it simple. Pull out crayons, Play-Doh, or let them build a fort out of couch cushions. And if all else fails? There’s no shame in letting “Bluey” babysit for 20 minutes. You’re doing your best, mama.
Evening: Wrapping Up Your Day with Gratitude and Calm
Create a Low-Stress Dinner Routine:
Dinner doesn’t need to be an elaborate affair. Use shortcuts, embrace frozen veggies, and let the kids “help” if it buys you a moment of peace. And if you’re feeling guilty about screen time? Put on some music and turn dinner prep into a mini dance party.
Tidy Up the Easy Way:
Cleaning up at the end of the day doesn’t have to be a full-on Marie Kondo session. Set a timer for 10 minutes and tackle the high-traffic areas. Or better yet, turn it into a game—whoever picks up the most toys wins a (fictional) trophy.
And if you go to bed with dishes in the sink? Congratulations, you’re human.
A Bedtime Routine That Works for Moms and Kids:
Bedtime doesn’t have to be a battle. Start winding things down with dim lights, a calming book, and a little quiet time. Once the kids are asleep, resist the urge to dive into chores and take a moment for yourself. Maybe it’s a cup of tea or a guilty-pleasure show. You’ve earned it.
Conclusion: Progress, Not Perfection
Mama, let’s be real: some days will go according to plan, and others will feel like a dumpster fire. But having a routine—even a flexible one—gives you a foundation to navigate the chaos with a little more grace (and maybe a little less caffeine).
Remember, this isn’t about being the “perfect” mom. It’s about being the best version of yourself—snacks, mess, and all. So go ahead and tackle tomorrow with your simple, mom-friendly routine. You’ve got this.
Hey babe, Thanks for being here!
This blog is not just a passion project—it’s also a way to support my family. Every pageview, share, and comment means the world to me. Thanks for being here and helping me keep this dream alive!
— Bethany
