5 Daily Habits for Moms Who Want To Feel Energized & Joyful

Hey, mama. Let’s talk about something real. You know how we always put everyone else’s needs first—kids, the house, all the things—but then we’re left running on fumes? Yeah, I’ve been there.

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to completely overhaul your life to feel more energized and joyful. It’s not about adding more to your plate. It’s about being intentional and making a few small shifts that fit into your current life.

These are the five habits I turn to daily. They’ve helped me feel more energized, less stressed, and more present in motherhood. I think they can do the same for you too.

1. Set Boundaries

Let me ask you this: how often do you say “yes” to something? Yet, you know you don’t have the time, or you’re going to regret it later. Boundaries are so hard, but they’re like guardrails—they keep you from falling off the edge.

Why It Matters

Healthy boundaries allow you to show up as your best self for your family. When you set boundaries, you’re protecting your mental health, your energy, and making room for what really matters. Without them? You’ll burn out faster than your toddler tears through a snack.

A Few Ideas to Try:

• Social Media: Ever catch yourself scrolling and then realize 30 minutes disappeared? Set a daily time limit for each app. Simple and so easy. I set mine years ago. Now, I don’t even come close to the original time limit I set for myself. Be present by putting your phone down during mealtime and bedtime routines.

• Family & Friends: It’s okay to say, “I love you, but I need a moment to breathe or recharge.” Communicating your needs doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you human.

• With Yourself: Mama, go to bed. Seriously. Sleep is not a luxury; it’s survival. Oh, and say no to the things that drain you.

2. Move Your Body

Motherhood keeps us busy, but it doesn’t always mean we’re moving in ways that support our health. I realize you might be thinking, “but I am already tired, how am I supposed to get a workout in too?” But let me let you in on a little secret: exercise isn’t just about fitness. It’s about longevity. It’s about your mental health. It’s about feeling strong and capable in your day-to-day life.

Why It Matters

There are many studies now that prove moving your body can help reduce stress. It can also boost energy and improve your mental clarity. Let’s face it, as moms we need all the strength and stamina we can get!

A Few Ideas to Try:

• Find small pockets of time: Ten minutes of Pilates in the morning? A quick dance party while making dinner? It all adds up. If you want to get a little more serious, find a gym that has childwatch during your laser-focused 45 minute workout!

• Include your kids: Go for a walk around the neighborhood or local park. Jump on the trampoline. Kick a soccer ball around. Play tag, hide-and-go-seek, or take turns racing each other.

• Focus on consistency: Forget perfection. Just show up for yourself, repeatedly!

3. Create Rhythms

I’ll be honest: I used to think I had to have a strict schedule to keep things running smoothly. But that just left me feeling more stressed. What I’ve learned? Rhythms are where it’s at. They’re flexible routines that work with your family, not against you.

Why It Matters

Rhythms reduce decision fatigue. When you have rhythms, life feels less chaotic. You don’t have to figure out every little thing on the fly—it’s like your brain can breathe. They also give your kids a sense of security by being familiar. I talked more about this in this post.

A Few Ideas to Try:

• Start small: Begin with morning and evening rhythms. For example, start the day with breakfast, a quick clean-up, and a little quiet time before the day gets going.

• Write it down: Having a visual reminder can help everyone stay on track (especially the kids).

• Make it yours: Create a system that works for your family. Adjust in different seasons of life.

4. Minimize Toxins

Okay, this one can feel overwhelming at first, but hear me out. You don’t have to throw out everything and start over. Little swaps over time can make a big difference—for you and your family.

Why It Matters

Minimizing toxins supports your overall health and your family’s well-being. It also can help you feel more in control of what’s coming into your home. And let’s be honest—don’t we all want to feel like we’re making good choices for our kiddos?

A Few Ideas to Try:

• Start in the kitchen: Maybe it’s making one meal from scratch instead of grabbing the processed version. We started making our own bread from scratch in 2024. Let me just tell you, it is so much tastier and better for our bodies than any kind you find in the store.

• Clean beauty: Pick one product to swap—maybe your day cream, foundation, deodorant, or shampoo—and go from there.

• Household cleaners: You don’t need fancy products. Vinegar and baking soda work wonders! Seriously!

5. Practice Gratitude & Find Joy in the Everyday

This one? It’s my favorite. Life as a mom is messy, but there’s so much beauty in it too. When you focus on the little things that bring you joy, it changes how you see everything.

Why It Matters

Focusing on the glimmers of joy in your day shifts your perspective. It literally rewires your brain to notice the good—even on the hard days. And let’s be real—motherhood is full of hard days. Gratitude can be the anchor that keeps you grounded.

A Few Ideas to Try:

• Gratitude journal: Each day, write down three little things that made you smile—like that moment your toddler actually shared a toy.

• Model joy: When you notice something good, say it out loud. “Wow, isn’t this sunset beautiful?” “That was very kind of you to help your brother with his shoes.” Your kids are watching and listening to you more than you realize.

• Use a tracker: Download my Joy in the Everyday Habit Tracker that makes this habit so simple. (You can grab it for free here.)

Final Thoughts

Here’s the thing, Mama…

These five habits? They’re not about adding more to your plate. They’re not about perfection. They’re about making small, intentional changes that help you show up as the best version of yourself—for you and your family. Focusing on what matters most.

Motherhood may be messy, but it’s also beautiful. I don’t want you to miss out on the joy of it all. With a little intentionality, you can create rhythms that nourish your health, strengthen your relationships, and help you be the mom you want to be!

Are you ready? Start with one. See how it feels. Then add another. Before you know it, you’ll feel more energized, less stressed, and ready to embrace the beautiful, messy joy that is motherhood.

Want to make it even easier?

Grab my free Joy in the Everyday Habit Tracker and start finding those little glimmers of joy today.

joyfully Mama,

Kenna