Because chaos is guaranteed. Burnout doesn’t have to be.
You wake up to a foot in your ribcage, three unanswered school messages, and someone shouting “I can’t find my left shoe!” before 7am.
Motherhood is a full-time job… with no off switch, no HR department, and very little coffee that stays hot.
But what if you could add just a few small habits to your day that actually make things easier?
Not perfect. Not Insta-perfect. Just genuinely less overwhelming.
Here are seven tried-and-tested daily habits that help you feel calmer, more in control, and less like you’re living in a cartoon where everything’s on fire.
1. Start the Day with 90 Seconds of Silence (Before the Chaos Begins)
No journaling. No meditation apps. Just a moment.
Before the whirlwind hits, take 90 seconds to pause. Breathe. Sit. Stand. Stare at a wall. Doesn’t matter — just don’t scroll.
Why it works:
Your nervous system sets the tone for the day. Start calm and you’re far less likely to spiral when the toothpaste ends up in someone’s hair.
Tip: Hide in the loo if you have to. No judgement here.
2. Prep Tomorrow’s Clothes the Night Before (Yes, Yours Too)
We do it for the kids, right? But doing it for yourself — your outfit, your socks, your bra that isn’t digging into your soul — is a game-changer.
Why it works:
Morning decision fatigue is real. Prepping clothes removes one mental load you don’t need before coffee.
Bonus tip: Keep a “mum uniform” on standby — leggings, top, hoodie, done.
3. Create a 10-Minute Tidy (That Feels Like a Win)
Not a full clean. Not a decluttering binge. Just ten minutes with a timer and zero expectations.
Get the kids involved. Chuck things in baskets. Fold nothing. Just reset the space and the energy.
Why it works:
It gives you a sense of order without draining your soul. And it teaches kids that mess isn’t a disaster — it’s just temporary.
Optional tool: That cordless handheld hoover from this post [insert internal link].
4. Designate One “Don’t Care” Meal a Day
Maybe it’s breakfast. Maybe lunch. But at least once a day, take the pressure off.
Cereal for dinner? Crackers and hummus? A toast party? Glorious.
Why it works:
You free up mental bandwidth and ditch the “must cook fresh meals constantly” guilt. Spoiler: your kids won’t remember the menu. They’ll remember the mood.
5. Use a Digital Timer for Everything
15 minutes to tidy. 5 minutes to answer emails. 2 minutes to actually sit still and breathe. The timer trick is wildly effective.
Why it works:
It creates structure without shouting. It works on kids. It works on partners. It works on you.
Try this: Use Alexa, your phone, or grab a cute one from Amazon [affiliate link opportunity].
6. Take Something Off the List Every Morning (Yes, Off)
Look at your to-do list and deliberately delete one thing.
That phone call? Can wait. That perfect playdate setup? Not essential. That pressure to reply instantly? Goodbye.
Why it works:
It’s psychological self-defence. Saying “no” to one thing creates space to actually do the rest without resentment.
7. End the Day with a Win List (Not a To-Do List)
Before bed, jot down 3 things you did do. No matter how small.
✅ Survived school run
✅ Unloaded dishwasher
✅ Did not cry when someone poured juice on the sofa
Why it works:
It rewires your brain to see success, not failure. And it ends your day on your own terms.
You Don’t Need More Willpower. You Need Better Habits.
Motherhood doesn’t get easier. But it can get lighter.
These daily habits aren’t magical. But when you use them, they slowly create more breathing space. More self-kindness. More joy.
Pick one. Try it this week. Come back and try another next.
You deserve ease, even in the madness.
Tell Me: What habit keeps you sane right now?
Drop it in the comments or share this post with a mum who needs it.