You’re sick of always trying to get “back on track”. But you’re so busy taking care of everyone else - you keep forgetting to take of yourself.

I nearly face-planted as I came in the door, tripped over the laundry the kids were supposed to put away and realized I forgot to grab the groceries after work. 

Staring in the cupboards, I Googled what I could make for supper with stuffing, cream corn, and a can of chickpeas. 

I felt so overwhelmed. You can only make so many decisions in one day.

And I hit my limit.

It’s easy to feel swamped with everything you’re juggling at work and all the things you’ve got to do when you get home.

Below are 5 simple ways to get back on track when it’s 6:00 pm, your “home shift” has begun and your husband finds you sniffling in the kitchen, draining a can of chickpeas.

1. Check on Your Plants

You’re in the sunporch (but you can’t remember why). Until you spot the drooping leaves and rock-hard soil. 

Shit!

You’ve been so busy the last two weeks, that you forgot you even OWNED plants. And now petals are falling like the scene from Beauty and the Beast. 🥀

Your plants need water and so do you. 

A friendly reminder: The cells in your body (including your brain) can’t do their jobs when you don’t drink water. 

• Forgetful?

• Unable to focus? 

• Feeling overly emotional and too busy to remember to water your plants? 

Drink up. 

If your plants are dying, you’ve probably been neglecting your own water consumption, too.

2. Recognize when you’re eating like a university student their first month away from home

Now listen, this is not where you beat yourself up for “eating all the things”. 

Awareness is what matters. 

You feel overwhelmed and have no energy, so take a second and think about what you put in your body today. 

If you’re thinking, “Today’s not a good example. I ate like shit.” 🤦‍♀️

Give yourself grace.  

You’re probably feeling bogged down because:

• You’ve been overscheduled at work and with the kids

• You’ve had no time to do food prep and so you’ve been living on caffeine and drive-thru 

We’ve all been there. Try not to let yourself spiral into thinking:

“I’ve already eaten a,b,c today so I might as well finish off x,y,z.” You’ll end up with a sugar crash and feeling out of control. 

Instead, think SMALL.

That’s it. Choose JUST ONE.

3. Stop trading sleep for productivity and alone time

You stay up late to binge a new series because after the kids’ bedtime is the only time in your day that’s all yours. 

But it’s also uninterrupted time when you can actually get shit done. 

But staying up late + Getting up early = Exhausted mom on repeat

If you’ve been stuck in this loop for a while, try to: 

• Have some “down time” earlier in your day

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier to establish a new sleep routine

• Ask for help or delegate tasks so you don’t feel driven to work when sleep is what you need

Only YOU know what will work best for your circumstances. But, don’t underestimate the power of quality rest. 

Poor sleep is linked to stress, anxiety, and depression. Learn how your sleep may be affecting your mental wellness.

A special note if you have littles:

First of all: Are you okay? Like really okay?

You’re in a different “season of life” right now. And if your kids aren’t sleeping (and so YOU aren’t sleeping) know that it won’t always be like this. 

For now: 

• Be kind to yourself

• Show yourself the compassion you’d show a friend 

• Take help when it’s offered

• Rest when you can

Laundry can wait. Cleaning floors can wait. All of it can wait. 

You’re doing a fantastic job. 

4. Move in a way that makes you feel like Beyonce

Physical movement and exercise improve your mood and overall health. You know this.  

The problem is you don’t have the energy to exercise but you know exercise gives you energy. It’s a catch-22. 

Try to fight any urge to hate on yourself for not doing things you know would help your energy level.

Instead, envision how you can move in a way that feels amazing. 

Here are some ideas to move your body so you feel like a Queen 👑

• Take a stroll along the water with your family

• Jump on the trampoline with the kids

• Do a kickboxing video

• Go for a bike ride with a friend

• Take the dog for a walk

• Kayak

• Enjoy some stretching exercises

• Go for a swim

• Chase after the kids at the park

• Hike through the woods with your family

• Dance like Beyonce ✨
  
  If the idea of “joyful movement” is completely new to you, you’re not alone. Check out Rachael Hartley’s tips for learning to like exercise. 

5. Enjoy Some Cotton Candy Every Day

I dare you to eat cotton candy and not smile.

Delicious, frivolous, and no carnival visit worth its weight in roller coaster rides is complete without it.

When was the last time you did something just for fun? 

If you can’t remember - that’s a sign you need some cotton candy for sure. It doesn’t have to be complicated or require tons of planning.

Choose something:

• Inexpensive

• Simple

• That allows you to escape from reality (and your kids) once in a while.

When you’re “Iron Cheffing” your way to supper, feeling like you’re drowning in decisions:

Ask yourself what you need most and listen to your answers.

Pick the easiest thing first and start there.

1. Check on your plants

2. Plan ONE healthy food choice

3. Stop trading sleep for productivity and alone time

4. Move in a way that makes you feel like Beyonce

5. Enjoy cotton candy every day