Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest, it’s also overwhelming. Between endless to-do lists, emotional labor, and constant demands on your time, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. If you’re a busy mom looking for clarity, compassion, and a bit more energy to get through your day, you’re not alone. This post is for you.

Why Energy Leaks Matter

You might have found ways to organize your schedule or clear your mind, but what happens when you finally get a free moment and realize you’re too exhausted to enjoy it? That’s where “energy leaks” come in. These are small, often unnoticed habits and thoughts that quietly drain your energy, leaving you worn out by day’s end.

Let’s explore the five most common energy leaks for moms and how you can start plugging them today.

1. Decision Fatigue: The Invisible Drain

Every day, moms face a flood of decisions, both big and small. From deciding what to make for dinner and which shoes your child should wear, to whether you remembered to sign that permission slip, the mental load can feel overwhelming. Even tiny choices, like what snack to pack or which route to take to school, add up and drain your energy. Over time, constant decision-making can leave you feeling mentally drained before the day even starts. You might notice yourself becoming irritable, forgetful, or “checked out” by the afternoon.

How to Fix It:

• Automate the Small Stuff: Pick a day (like Sunday) to plan your meals and outfits for the week. Write out a menu, prep ingredients, and lay out clothes for yourself and your kids. Involve your children in the process; it teaches them decision-making and saves you time.

• Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks together so you don’t constantly switch gears. For example, prep all school lunches at once, or set aside a block of time to answer emails and messages.

• Prepare Ahead: If you know what’s coming, you won’t waste energy scrambling at the last minute. Try creating checklists for recurring routines — morning, after school, and bedtime — so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every day.

Reducing the number of decisions you have to make frees up mental space for what really matters: being present with your family and caring for yourself.

2. Guilt Over Rest: Letting Yourself Recharge

Do you ever feel guilty about sitting down, even for just a few minutes? Many moms do. We’re conditioned to think that rest is a luxury rather than a necessity. You might catch yourself thinking, “I should be doing something productive,” or feel anxious when you’re not actively checking things off your list.

This guilt can be so deeply rooted that even during rare moments of solitude, you can’t truly enjoy them. Instead of relaxing, you worry about what you “should” be doing, which only wears you out more.

How to Fix It:

• Schedule Your Rest: Treat your downtime like any other important appointment. Block off “mom time” in your calendar and make it non-negotiable. This could be as simple as 20 minutes with a book, a walk outside, or a quiet cup of tea.

• Communicate with Your Family: Let your kids and partner know when you need a break. Use visual cues (like a sticker on the door) to signal “do not disturb.” Explain to your children that everyone needs rest to feel their best, including mom!

• Ask for Help: It’s okay if things aren’t done your way. What matters is that you get the rest you need to show up as your best self. Delegate age-appropriate chores to your kids, or ask your partner to take over for a bit.

Remember, rest is not a reward; you must earn it. It’s a basic need. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to care for those you love.

3. The Autopilot “Yes”: Reclaiming Your Boundaries

Are you the go-to volunteer, the one who always says yes—even when you’re stretched thin? Many moms fall into the habit of automatically agreeing to every request, whether it’s organizing the class party, baking for the fundraiser, or helping a friend move. Over time, this “autopilot yes” can leave you feeling resentful, depleted, and disconnected from your own needs.

It’s easy to feel like you have to do it all, but constantly putting others first means you’re saying “no” to yourself and your own priorities.

How to Fix It:

• Pause Before You Commit: When someone asks for your help, take a moment to check your priorities. Is this aligned with your goals? Will saying yes add value to your life, or will it drain you further?

• Practice Saying No (Kindly): Try responses like, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you,” or “I’d love to help, but I’m at capacity right now.” The more you do this, the easier it gets.

• Protect Your Energy: Remember, every “yes” to someone else is a “no” to yourself. Save your energy for what truly matters: your family, your health, and your own growth.

Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you honor your limits, you model healthy self-respect for your children and create space for what’s most important.

4. Negative Self-Talk: Becoming Your Own Best Friend

We all have that inner critic. “You’re not good enough.” “You failed again.” Would you say those things to your best friend? Of course not. Yet, it’s so easy to be harsh with ourselves, especially when we’re tired or overwhelmed.

Negative self-talk can become a constant background noise, eroding your confidence and making it harder to recover from setbacks. It can also trap you in a cycle of perfectionism and self-doubt, making it difficult to celebrate your wins or even see your progress.

How to Fix It:

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking something harsh, pause and ask, “What would I say to someone I love?” Practice reframing your thoughts with kindness and understanding.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Allow yourself to be human and make mistakes.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward counts, no matter how small. Keep a journal of your daily victories, or share them with a supportive friend.

By treating yourself with the same compassion you offer others, you build resilience and create a more positive, nurturing environment for yourself and your family.

5. Digital Distractions: Taking Back Your Time

Phones and social media can be both a blessing and a curse. A quick check often turns into 45 minutes lost to scrolling, leaving you feeling disconnected and even more behind on your to-do list. Notifications, endless news feeds, and comparison traps can drain your energy and focus. It’s easy to justify screen time as a way to “relax,” but too much digital distraction can actually increase stress and make it harder to be present with your loved ones.

How to Fix It:

• Set Boundaries with Technology: Designate phone-free times—like the first hour after waking up, during meals, or before bed. Consider using apps that limit your screen time or block distracting sites.

• Be Intentional: Use your phone as a tool, not a distraction. Turn off unnecessary notifications, and set specific times to check messages or social media.

• Create Sacred Spaces: Protect your energy by making certain times and places in your home “distraction-free zones.” Encourage your family to join you in unplugging and reconnecting.

By paying attention to your digital habits, you can reclaim valuable time and energy for what matters most.

Progress, Not Perfection

We all have energy leaks, and we all have days when things don’t go as planned. The key is to notice where your energy is going and make small, sustainable changes. Please start with the most significant leak. Maybe it’s your phone, or perhaps it’s saying yes too often —focus on that. Once you’ve made progress, move on to the next.

Remember: You deserve clarity, compassion, and support. By plugging your energy leaks, you’re not just surviving; you’re creating space to thrive for yourself and your family.

What’s your most significant energy leak? How are you planning to fix it? Please share your thoughts below, and let’s support each other on this journey.

If you’d like more tools for clarity, don’t forget to check out my Priority Clarification Guide.

Ready for even more support?

Watch this YouTube video now and join our community of moms reclaiming their energy and clarity!