Are you a mom who feels constantly tired? You’re not alone in this motherhood journey. Many moms think of energy like a bank account that gets emptier as the day goes on. But there’s a better way to think about mom energy. The exciting news? Energy isn’t something we just need to save—it’s something we can actually grow and renew daily!
Change Your Mindset, Boost Your Energy!
The way you think about your energy as a mom directly affects how much energy you feel you have. Research on energy psychology shows that when we believe our energy can grow instead of just run out, we actually feel more energized throughout the day.
People who believe they can develop new abilities also recover faster from challenges. For busy moms, this mindset about energy can help reduce burnout and increase daily energy levels.
Mom Energy Hack: Train Your Brain
Your brain contains something scientists call the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Think of it as your brain’s attention filter that decides what you notice around you. Research by Slagter and colleagues demonstrates that you can actually train this system to notice different things.
This means when you intentionally focus on positive moments that give you energy as a mom, your brain will automatically start noticing more of them! It’s like training your brain to spot the energizing parts of motherhood instead of just the exhausting ones.
Philippians 4:8 expressed this exact principle centuries ago: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Mom Energy Boosters List: Science-Backed Techniques
Energy psychology researchers recommend creating a personalized list of activities that generate energy rather than drain it. Studies have found that certain activities actually create psychological energy instead of depleting it.
Here’s how to create your own “Mom Energy Boosters” list:
Physical Energy Boosters:
- What physical movements make you feel more energized? Dancing with your kids? A 10-minute morning walk?
- Which energy-boosting foods make you feel good after eating?
- What time of day do you naturally have peak energy levels? Plan important mom tasks during these energy windows.
Caring for our physical energy isn’t just good science—it’s good stewardship of the body we’ve been given.
Emotional Energy Boosters:
- Which people in your life leave you feeling energized after conversations?
- What creative activities (like drawing, singing, or crafting) bring you energy and joy?
- What sensory experiences boost your energy levels? (Certain scents, music, or textures?)
Mental Energy Boosters:
- What activities make you lose track of time because you enjoy them so much?
- Which small accomplishments give you an energy boost when completed?
- What meaningful activities connect you to something bigger than daily mom duties?
The most effective energy management strategy is spreading these energy-boosting activities throughout your day, rather than saving them all for “me time” later.
The Science of Hope and Mom Energy
Hope isn’t just a nice feeling—it’s actually a source of energy for tired moms! Hope involves both generating pathways to reach goals and maintaining the motivation to use those pathways.
For moms, this means that allowing yourself to hope and think positively about the future isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a practical strategy to increase your daily energy levels. When you’re having a challenging day with the kids, reminding yourself that “this too shall pass” actually helps your brain direct energy toward solutions.
Mom Friendships Boost Energy Levels
You might think socializing would make you more tired as a busy mom, but energy research shows the opposite! Studies reveal that positive connections with other moms actually reduce the energy your body uses to handle stress.
Even a quick text to a supportive mom friend or a brief conversation at school pickup can significantly boost your energy levels even when experiencing chronic stress.
And, happily, Mommie Support Network has a way to help!
We host regular support groups called Moms Rising Circle. We provide free childcare for children ages 0-8 years old, a delicious brunch, and a craft. We also have expert speakers, personal development sessions, sharing and discussion, and socializing time.
When it comes to replenishing your energy through mom-friend time, we’ve got you covered!
Focus on Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Rather than guarding your mom energy like it might disappear, focus on activities that promote energy growth. When you stretch yourself a little—by learning something new or working toward a personal goal—your brain receives signals that you’re developing and moving forward.
Scientists studying parental burnout found that mothers who focused on growth experienced less exhaustion and recovered from stress more quickly. This might mean reading a few pages of a book, starting a small project, or setting a tiny goal just for yourself.
Conclusion: A Better Way to Think About Mom Energy
Fueling your motherhood journey isn’t about carefully saving tiny amounts of energy—it’s about creating daily habits that continually renew and grow your energy capacity.
Start by creating your personalized “Mom Energy Boosters” list, and try adding these activities throughout your day. Pay attention to what truly gives you energy rather than what you think should work. Remember that supportive mom friendships, hope, and focusing on growth are all proven ways to increase your daily energy levels.
You don’t have to fear running on empty anymore as a mom. As Psalm 23:3 promises, “He restores my soul.” With these science-backed approaches grounded in timeless wisdom, you can build a motherhood experience filled with more energy, joy, and fulfillment—even during the challenging seasons of raising children.