First, I promise not to mention the usual advice such as wake up at 6AM or meal prep on the weekends. Those tips might work for some, but they don’t work for me or most of the moms I know. Instead, I’ll focus on maintaining a high, steady energy level throughout the day. That’s because energy is the one thing that allows you to get the things done that are most important to you.
As a working mom, I know how crazy life can feel with a little one at home. If you’re still adjusting to motherhood like I am, it’s even tougher. Between work, feedings, and diaper changes, finding time for yourself seems impossible. But time won’t slow down. You can’t control it. What you have much more control over is your energy and mood. Maintaining them will help you show up as a better mom and partner.
These effective energy-boosters I’m about to share have helped me balance working full-time (in the demanding tech industry), caring for my baby (now toddler), and engaging in personal projects — and most importantly, find joy in all of it.
Plan the family schedule strategically
To get some solid time for yourself each day, you need to set a schedule that works for everyone. My husband and I put our daughter to sleep around 9 PM every day. This gives us two full hours to unwind before bed.
This time is golden. I usually journal or do something creative, and my husband plays his favorite video game. We both get to shower in peace, and I can actually enjoy my skincare routine!
Tip: To make sure everyone sticks to the plan, talk it over with your partner and write it down somewhere visible. We keep our schedule on the fridge.
Ask and you shall receive
Despite the heavy “do it all” culture (and moms especially feel that toxic pressure), you really shouldn’t do it all. I learned that the hard way. It’s what contributed to the stress and anxiety I felt in year one of postpartum.
Support comes in many forms, but it always starts with asking. For instance, ask if your partner can handle bath time, or see if your parents can babysit for a few hours on weekends (if they live nearby).
For mandatory errands like groceries, we Instacart our Costco orders. It’s a lifesaver and we skip the crowds!
Get moving
Exercise might be the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling wiped out, but it’s one of THE best ways to feel revived. I don’t have hours to spend at the gym anymore, so I usually keep it simple with workouts at home.
Apps like Peloton or YouTubers like Yoga with Adriene have really convenient at-home workouts. Sometimes, my little one even tries to work out with me in our small home gym. She’s gotten impressively good at handling a 5-pound plate!
Power naps will save you
If you desperately need an energy boost without caffeine, take a power nap. Keep it under 20 minutes so it doesn’t mess up your nighttime sleep. Longer naps can also leave you feeling groggy instead of refreshed.
Recently I’ve been taking 10-minute naps during my work shuttle ride home, and they’re game-changers. If you don’t have a 1-hour commute like me though, you could just rest up soon after you get home. After my naps, I always feel recharged and ready to spend time with my daughter and get in a workout.
Sleep on it
Related to napping, put sleep first. I’ve learned to let go of perfection when it comes to housework or personal projects, and focus on resting up. A well-rested mom is a happier, more productive mom!
Lately, I’ve also been reading Outlive, which explains how sleep has a huge impact on both short-term energy and long-term health. It’s been a great reminder to make sleep a top priority.
Batch tasks
Batching tasks is a wildly popular hack in the world of productivity. It definitely translates over to motherhood too. The idea is that instead of switching between unrelated tasks, you group similar ones together.
For example, I do all home chores on one day: Sunday. I also set aside Monday and Friday evenings for blog-related tasks. This minimizes “task-switching” fatigue and saves a lot of mental energy.
Just say “no”
This might be the hardest tip, but it’s also the most liberating. As moms, we’re often pulled in a million directions. Learning to say “no” to non-essentials (this can be activities or even people who don’t serve us) and ruthlessly prioritizing have helped me reclaim so much time and energy.
If it doesn’t align with your priorities or values, it’s okay to pass. Focus on what truly matters to you.
Pick up a creative project
It’s scientifically proven that engaging in creative work boosts both our energy and emotions. This is because it reduces stress and mental fatigue (source). When you paint or do something else artsy that you enjoy, you’ll feel that.
It doesn’t have to be a work of art at all. It can be as simple as doodling in a journal, planning the redesign of a room at home, or drawing some cute flashcards for your little one!
Food has a huge impact on energy
Munch mindfully! Foods high in simple carbs (e.g., sugar) can completely tank your energy within 20 minutes of eating, and is even shown to tank your mood (source). I’ve felt this again and again because I love carbs, and finally I decided that crash just isn’t worth it.
Foods that tend to keep us focused and energized are high in healthy fats and/or protein. Try a handful of almonds (I’ve been addicted to the Trio of Almonds from Trader Joe’s!) or some Greek yogurt.
Final Thoughts
The biggest takeaway? It’s not about squeezing out more time—it’s about creating more energy. Even if you had an extra two hours to yourself each night, without energy, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy it or use it productively.
Finding time for yourself as a working mom may feel so impossible that you’re tempted to give up. Don’t, because it’s so important. By working small but impactful changes into your weekly routine, you can create more room for self-care and the things you love. That will empower you to become your best self.
And most importantly—be kind to yourself and give yourself grace. You’ve got this!
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