Beyond Exhaustion: A Real Approach to Energy Management for Moms

Every mom has experienced waking up tired after “enough” sleep, gone through the conundrum of a mind constantly on and the burnout that reaches beyond you to touch all the crevices of your life. The truth is, You’re not just tired. You’re beyond exhausted.

Not in the “I need a nap” kind of way. But in the “I just answered twelve emails, planned dinner, reminded two kids about their math homework, negotiated screen time rules, mediated a sibling argument, packed snacks for tomorrow, and remembered the dog has a vet appointment I forgot to put on the calendar” kind of way.

And somehow, that’s all before lunch.

If you’re a mom of school-aged kids—or teens—while also managing work, home, and the 10,000 invisible tasks that fill your day, it’s not just burnout you’re feeling. It’s an energy crisis. And no, a bubble bath won’t fix it.

Let’s talk about what’s actually draining you—and how to reclaim your energy in real, lasting ways.

What Energy Really Means (and Why You’re Always Running Low)

When most people hear the word energy, they think of sleep or food or coffee. But as a mom, you know it goes way deeper.

Energy isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, creative, and even spiritual. It’s the fuel that lets you hold space for everyone else—which is exactly why you’re often running on empty.

When your teen rolls their eyes, when your second grader won’t put on their shoes, when your boss sends a last-minute email, when the group text about field trip snacks dings again—your emotional, mental, and cognitive energy all take a hit.

So if you feel like you’re constantly tired even after 7 hours of sleep? You are. And it makes perfect sense.

Common (and Constant) Energy Drainers for Moms of School-Aged Kids & Teens

Let’s name what’s really stealing your energy, because awareness is the first step to reclaiming it:

1. The Mental Load of “Remembering Everything”

You’re the family calendar, scheduler, meal planner, permission slip wrangler, and homework checker. That default parent role? It’s exhausting. Especially when you’re also expected to be emotionally available, organized, and upbeat.

2. Emotionally Managing Teen Turbulence

Raising teens means navigating big moods, boundary-pushing, and deep emotional labor. You’re constantly regulating your own reactions while holding space for theirs. That’s not just hard. That’s emotionally draining.

3. Decision Fatigue

What’s for dinner? Do we have clean uniforms? Can I go to the party? Will you sign me up for soccer? You’re making hundreds of small decisions every day—some of which feel like life-or-death to your kids. No wonder your brain feels fried.

4. Work-Life Blur

Whether you’re working from home, commuting, freelancing, or running your own business—there’s no real “off” switch. You’re toggling between roles constantly, often without a transition, and it fragments your focus.

5. Performing “Okay-ness”

Smiling through the PTA meeting. Pretending you’re not worried about money. Being the strong one at home. Performing wellness and composure when you’re anything but. That mask? It’s heavy.

Real Ways to Reclaim Your Energy (Without Burning Down Your Life)

Let’s be clear: This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less of what drains you and more of what restores you—without waiting for a magical week off.

1. Audit Your Energy Like a Budget

Write down what truly exhausts you. Is it the endless after-school shuffle? The emotional toll of your teen’s anxiety? That group chat that pings 57 times a day?

Then ask: Can this be delegated, dropped, or delayed? You don’t have to hold it all.

2. Say “No” Like a Boundary Queen

You are allowed to say no without guilt. No to the second bake sale. No to the Sunday playdate. No to people-pleasing. Every “no” is a yes to preserving your peace.

3. Don’t Spend Rest Just to Be Productive Again

If you take 20 minutes to yourself, don’t immediately turn that restored energy into folding laundry. Rest is for you—not for the next task on your list.

4. Nervous System Care Is Real Care

Sometimes you don’t need a break—you need to downshift your nervous system. Try:

Slow, intentional breathing Gentle walks without your phone Music that makes you exhale Creative outlets (more on that below)

Even 5 minutes can recalibrate your whole mood.

5. Give Yourself a Creative Refill

Write. Dance. Paint. Bake. Journal. Sing. Create something just for you. Creative expression is not frivolous—it’s fuel. It helps you reconnect to who you are outside of who you care for.

Even if it’s just one song, one brushstroke, one sentence in your journal—it counts.

This Isn’t About Doing It Perfectly—It’s About Not Abandoning Yourself

There’s no gold star for pushing through depletion. And no shame in being tired. But here’s what you need to hear:

You’re not failing because you’re tired.

You’re tired because you’ve been showing up for everyone.

And now, it’s your turn.

Ready to Reclaim More Than Your Energy?

In my book Mom Take Center Stage, I talk about what it really looks like to stop surviving and start reclaiming your time, your voice, and your dreams. If you’ve spent years putting yourself last, this book is your reminder: you matter, too.

It’s raw, real, and written for the mom in the middle of it all—the one who’s still standing, even when her energy is paper-thin.

Grab your copy here: Pre-order the Kindle edition on Amazon — print version coming soon!

Universal Buy link: https://books2read.com/u/baMdryhttps://books2read.com/u/baMdry