According to Bethany

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Simple Daily Routines to Help Moms Feel Less Overwhelmed & More Like a Bad*ass

Feeling overwhelmed as a mom? Discover some simple daily routines that boost confidence, reduce stress, and help you feel like the badass you truly are.

Outline:

  1. Introduction

  2. The Struggle No One Talks About

  3. Why This Matters for Moms

  4. Breaking Free from the Guilt Cycle

  5. Practical Tips for Finding Balance

  6. Words of Encouragement

  7. Conclusion & Next Steps

(7 min. read)

Introduction

Ever feel like you’re running on fumes, juggling all the things, and somehow still feeling like you got nothing done? The dishes are stacked, your kid just asked for their fifth snack before noon, and your coffee’s been reheated three times—but you still haven’t taken a sip.

Um, hi. Yeah, that’s been me. And if we’re being honest, I bet it’s been you at least once last week too.

Mom life is beautiful, but let’s be real—it’s exhausting. It’s pure chaos. When you’re constantly putting everyone else first, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stuck, and disconnected from the badass mom you know you are.

But here’s the thing: getting your groove back doesn’t mean waking up at 5 a.m. or following some impossible schedule. It’s about finding a simple daily routine that works for YOU—one that helps you feel more in control, less stressed, and more like yourself again.

For me, starting small was the key to feeling more like a human again. I realized that tiny, 3–5 step rituals scattered throughout the day helped me keep my sanity intact. And when I found routines that actually fit into my life—not what some influencer was doing—I started seeing real changes.

That’s exactly what I want to share with you today: a few easy, no-BS routines that fit into real mom life—tantrums, snack demands, and all.

So if you're ready to go from overwhelmed to a little less overwhelmed—and eventually feeling like an overwhelmed badass—let's dive in.

Why Moms Need Simple Daily Routines

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t have the time (or energy) for a perfectly structured, color-coded, Pinterest-worthy daily routine. And, honestly, we both know that wouldn’t work with kiddos in the mix.

One of the biggest hurdles I faced at the beginning was a mental one. I knew I needed structure to get things done without losing my mind, but I had to learn to give myself grace when things went off course (which, let's be real, happens a lot). Instead of clinging to a rigid schedule, I started breaking my day into manageable chunks—focusing on the core tasks and events that needed attention.

What I needed was simple, repeatable routines—ones that didn’t add stress but helped me feel like I could actually handle the chaos.

Because here’s the thing—when your day feels like a non-stop survival mode, even a little structure can make a huge difference. It helps eliminate decision fatigue (seriously, do I really need to spend five minutes debating what to eat for lunch?), and it gives your brain a breather.

And let’s not forget the confidence boost. When you start the day with a small, mindful routine—whether it’s a morning reset, a midday pause, or a calming bedtime ritual—it reminds you that you’re running the day, not the other way around.

The best part? You don’t have to overhaul your life to make it work. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s consistency with small, realistic habits that make your day easier.

Morning Reset: Starting the Day Like a Badass

Conquer Your Morning in 30 Minutes or Less

Mornings as a mom can be chaotic, but that doesn’t mean you have to start the day feeling like a frazzled mess. You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m. or follow some elaborate routine to be productive. What you do need? A simple, doable morning reset that sets the tone for the day—without adding extra stress.

Here’s how I make it happen in 30 minutes or less:

Step 1: Hydrate & Move

Before diving into the chaos, do two quick things: drink a glass of water and get your body moving—even if it’s just a quick stretch while standing at the counter. After hours of sleep (or, let’s be real, broken sleep), your body needs hydration and movement to wake up. Bonus points if you step outside for a minute to soak in some fresh air.

I know it’s tempting to go straight for the coffee (trust me, I get it), but drinking water first is a game-changer. After hours of sleep, your body is dehydrated, and chugging caffeine first thing only makes it worse—leading to fatigue, brain fog, and extra stress on your system. A quick glass of water first thing helps hydrate your body, jumpstarts digestion, and gives you a more natural energy boost.

Step 2: 5-Minute Mindfulness or Journaling

Finding five minutes for yourself in the morning sounds impossible, right? But trust me, this is worth it. Whether it’s deep breaths, a quick gratitude list, or jotting down your intention for the day, those 5 minutes can shift your mindset in a big way.

Affirmations are also key here. Writing them on your bathroom mirror is simple but powerful. “I am capable,” “I am patient,” “I’ve got this” — seeing those reminders every day rewires your brain and builds your confidence.

Step 3: Prep a Simple, Fueling Breakfast (Bonus: Dance Party Time! 🎶)

I wouldn’t let my kids survive the morning on coffee and leftovers, so why should I? A simple breakfast—smoothie, eggs and toast, or whatever fuels me—gives me the energy to power through. And while you’re at it, crank up the music and have a mini dance party in the kitchen! Whether you’re making breakfast, feeding the kids, or getting them dressed, turning up your favorite tunes and shaking off the morning grumpies is a great way to lift everyone’s mood.

A good morning routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling more in control and less overwhelmed. And the best part? You can tweak it to fit your life, because no two mornings (or moms) are the same.

Midday Reset: Staying Grounded and Energized to Keep Overwhelm at Bay

By midday, the morning energy has faded, the to-do list feels never-ending, and patience? Yeah, that might be running on empty. This is the point where it’s way too easy to power through on autopilot—but trust me, taking a small pause can make all the difference between feeling centered and feeling like you’re about to lose it.

Here’s how I found a midday reset works for me—and I know it’ll help you too:

Step 1: Create a “Pause Moment”

Carving out 10 minutes just for yourself, even amidst the chaos, is powerful. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to be intentional. This could be:

  • Stealing a quiet moment with a book (even if it’s just a few pages).

  • Taking a few deep breaths or doing a quick body scan to release tension.

  • Stretching or walking around the house to shake off the sluggishness.

It’s not about being productive—it’s about resetting before the overwhelm takes over. I’ve noticed that this simple act helps me avoid getting stuck in burnout mode.

Step 2: Organize Your Thoughts

I’ve learned that when my brain feels cluttered, my stress levels skyrocket. So, I started taking a few minutes to brain-dump my thoughts—whether it’s scribbling out a mini to-do list or jotting down what’s weighing on me. Just getting it out of my head helps me clear some mental space and brings a sense of calm.

Step 3: Eat Something That Fuels You

Honestly, I know how easy it is to forget to eat when you’re busy. (Guilty!) But here’s the deal—food = energy. If I take a moment to grab something nourishing, I feel a boost of energy that makes the rest of the day feel more doable. Whether it’s a protein-packed snack, a quick wrap, or leftovers from dinner, make it easy but fueling. And if you can, sit down and enjoy it—guilt-free!

A midday reset isn’t about slowing down—it’s about making sure you have enough energy to keep going without running yourself into the ground. And when you take just a little time to reset, you’ll show up as a calmer, more present version of yourself for the rest of the day.

Evening Power Down: Ending the Day Like a Boss

By the end of the day, you’ve done a lot—even if it doesn’t always feel like it. The dishes, the tantrums, the work, the endless snack requests (seriously, how do they eat this much?)—it all adds up. That’s why I’ve found that an evening power-down routine isn’t just about getting ready for bed—it’s about closing the day with intention so you don’t wake up feeling like you’re already behind.

Here’s what helps me wrap up the day feeling accomplished, not drained:

Step 1: Declutter for 10 Minutes

I’m not talking about deep cleaning (because, lol, who has time for that?). Just spend 10 minutes tidying up the main areas (like tossing toys in a bin, wiping down the counters, or putting shoes in a pile by the door). It’s a small act that helps me wake up to a space that feels calmer, not chaotic.

Step 2: Reflect on What Went Well

I’ve realized it’s so easy to focus on everything that didn’t get done, but here’s the truth: it’s so much more helpful to flip that mindset. Before bed, I take a second to acknowledge 1-2 things that went well today—whether it’s a small win, a moment of patience, or just getting through a difficult situation. Gratitude shifts my mindset and reminds me that even on messy days, I’m still doing amazing things.

Step 3: Prioritize Quality Rest with a Calming Ritual

Your brain needs a signal that it’s time to wind down. For me, whether it’s sipping a cup of tea, doing my skincare routine, reading a few pages of a book, or simply sitting in silence for a few minutes—it helps me transition into relaxation mode. Even just a tiny bedtime ritual can help me sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the next day.

Your evening routine doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional. When I end my day with a little order, reflection, and self-care, I’m not only setting myself up for better sleep—I’m setting myself up to wake up feeling ready for whatever motherhood throws my way.

Now, go pour that tea, pick up that book (or let’s be real, scroll for five minutes guilt-free), and power down like the badass mom you are.

Tips for Maintaining Momentum and Keeping Your Mama Mojo Going

Here’s the thing—creating a daily routine that helps you feel less overwhelmed and more like yourself isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about showing up for yourself, even in small ways, and letting those little wins add up. Because real talk? Mom life is unpredictable, and some days will still feel like a hot mess (because kids). But these simple mindset shifts can help you keep your momentum going—without the pressure to have it all together 24/7.

1. Consistency Over Perfection

Forget the all-or-nothing mindset. The goal isn’t to follow your routine perfectly every single day—it’s to keep coming back to the habits that make you feel good. Some days, your morning reset might be peaceful and calm; other days, it’s chugging coffee while mediating sibling fights. Both count. Progress always beats perfection.

2. Be Flexible Without Guilt

Your routine should work for you, not the other way around. If the day goes sideways and everything feels off track, that’s okay. Adjust, shift, and move on—without beating yourself up. The key to sustainable habits is giving yourself grace and remembering that some structure is better than none.

3. Celebrate Small Wins—Every. Single. Day.

Made it through a meltdown without losing your cool? Win. Took five minutes to yourself without guilt? Win. Survived a chaotic day and still managed to laugh about it? Major win. Recognizing these little victories helps build confidence and reminds you that even on the hardest days, you’re still killing it.

4. Set Reminders or Alarms to Stick to Key Moments

Sometimes life gets so busy that it’s hard to remember to pause. Setting a few reminders or alarms throughout the day—whether it’s for your morning reset, a midday pause, or even just a moment to breathe—can help you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

5. Involve the Family in Your Routines

Routines don’t have to be a solo mission! Get the family involved where possible—whether it’s making breakfast together, having a quick “dance party” before bed, or even having your kiddos help with a quick tidy-up. The more the family is engaged, the more you can work as a team and feel less like you’re doing it all by yourself. Plus, having your kiddos see you consistently take care of yourself is powerful.

6. Let Go of the Pressure to “Do It All”

As moms, we can easily get caught up in the pressure to be everything to everyone, but the truth is—something’s gotta give. Let go of the need to do it all and prioritize what works for you. What makes your life easier, more peaceful, and more real is what matters most, and that’s what your routines should reflect.

Conclusion

Here’s the bottom line: Empowering routines don’t have to be complicated. It’s not about having everything perfect—it’s about making small adjustments that work for YOU and your life. Whether it’s a morning reset or a bedtime ritual, these routines are meant to help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Remember, mama—you’re already a badass.

This routine is just a way to help you tap into that confidence and strength more often. So go ahead, embrace those small wins, and show up as the incredible mom you are every single day. You’ve got this! 💪✨

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