In the life of every mum, there comes a time when you feel you’ve reached empty in your energy tank and you’re stretched so thin that you might as well transform into an octopus and start multitasking everything, every day.

Whether you only have one toddler on your hands, which, you’ll agree, often feels like ten of them, or you have three kids, being a mum is a full-time commitment that requires every atom of your being to be focused and prepared. As a human being, however, that mission often seems impossible.

Fortunately, even in these sluggish winter days, there are simple strategies every mum can introduce into her routine to restore and revive her energy one day at a time. Flexible enough to be incorporated into every mum’s agenda, these are mostly small mindset changes that can help you feel better and have more zeal to handle your daily tasks.

Here are a few you can count on any day of the week, and the more you practice these self-care, energy enhancing tips, you’ll find yourself feeling better by the minute!

Smart meal-prepping for busy mums

Sometimes, you’ll preserve hours of your time and thus endless supplies of your energy during the busy week when you add a little more effort over the weekend, even on a single day. Make Saturday or Sunday your meal-prep day, and not only will your whole family be able to enjoy home-cooked meals, but you, too, will not struggle with fatigue and lack of energy with proper nutrients ready for you each day.

The key is in shopping for fresh groceries, preparing bags and boxes for storing everything in the fridge and preparing your freezer bags for leftovers. Pre-packing healthy snacks such as nuts, seeds, fruit, and veggies will also help you tremendously to give yourself a quick energy boost without resorting to processed sugar.

Be one with a water

Hydration is a segment of your nutrition that so many women fail to focus on due to their overwhelming schedules. Still, drinking enough water every day should become somewhat of a natural behavioral pattern. In case you feel that adding yet another thing on your agenda can only cause you stress, there are simple ways to hydrate without counting those glasses every day. Why? Because water is vital for your energy levels, nutrient absorption, and everyday functioning.

For starters, you can get an insulated water bottle to carry with you to work, when you’re taking your kids to school, and when you’re doing household chores. The insulation layers will keep your water fresh and cool, and you’ll only need to refill once or twice per day depending on the bottle you choose. You can always add some fresh cucumbers or lemon to boost your immune system and enjoy the new flavor.

Take on a holistic approach to your diet

Understanding how your body works means that you shouldn’t merely eliminate the consequence, but rather discover the underlying issues in order to truly protect your health and wellbeing.

This premise, and the idea of treating the entire person as opposed to an isolated symptom, are at the core of what functional medicine is all about. For instance, understanding how your body generates energy will help you notice any gaps in your habits and how you can adapt to have more energy every day.

Every single cell in your body contains energy generators called mitochondria, and feeding them with all the right nutrients is the beginning of restoring your energy and zeal. Diversity is the key to your diet, so you should aim for lean protein sources paired with plenty of fresh vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and of course, avoid processed foods packed with sugar. If you find it difficult to balance your diet with food alone, supplements can be of great help to strengthen that nutritional balance and reinforce your energy every single day.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Mums, you need to know you’re not alone. Even solo mums can and should feel free to ask for help from their extended families as well as friends. No amount of good food or caffeine can replace ample sleep and regular rest every person needs to function normally. Support is one of the main ways every mum can begin to devote some time to self-care, even in the form of sleep or taking a moment to read her favorite book.

It’s important for mums to feel complete, to recognize their own needs, and to notice when there’s a risk for burnout to completely wreak havoc on your energy. Prevention in the form of rest and self-care starts by asking for support and some of that famous ‘me’ time.

Make some time for exercise

It doesn’t have to be a full-blown, two-hour gym session to count as a workout. As a mum, you know you need to focus on your own health in order to have the energy and vibrancy to take care of your kids, so sneaking in a few exercise sessions throughout your week can be a wonderful opportunity for you to amplify your energy.

For example, you can research the most functional jogging stroller, so that you can bring your youngster to the park while you run and blow off some steam. Take that insulated water bottle with you, and a handful of your pre-packed snacks for after training, and you’ll enjoy your outdoor time, with your child, while taking care of your fitness and health.

It’s easy to get lost in the sea of chores and family-oriented tasks, but as a mum, you need to remember to take good care of yourself as well. Some self-care paired with loving your kids so much helps you revitalise yourself and keep your energy levels as high as possible. In turn, those self-care efforts will help you have more zeal to bond with your little ones and enjoy every moment you spend with them!

What are your top tips to boost your energy in everyday life? Tell us in the comments below.