Surviving Mum Life: My Real-Life Hacks to Thrive Without Losing My Mind

Ah, motherhood ... it’s a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with laughter, chaos, and just a sprinkle of insanity. Like many new mums (and seasoned ones), I found myself questioning how to stay afloat while managing the endless responsibilities that come with the job. But guess what? I found that it’s not only possible to survive this wild ride; you can thrive! Here are my honest tips and tricks for navigating mum life, from handling mental tasks to sneaking in self-care.

P.S. If you’re already nodding along, I’ve created The Mum Life Survival Checklist  - which is a free download packed with real, no-fluff survival tips.

🎯 [Grab your free copy here!]

Just a heads up, I came up with these tips after a lot of trial and error. They worked for me, but they might not work for you. Still, it's worth a shot!

Managing the Mental Load (Without Losing It)

Let’s be honest: the mental load of parenting can feel like carrying a boulder on your back, but there are simple hacks to lighten that load.

Start by meal planning. Dedicating just 20 minutes each week (honestly it's just 20 mins, you can spare it!) can save you countless minutes deciding what to cook each day. For example, I create a rotating meal planner featuring my family's favorites (spaghetti bolognese, mac n cheese, etc etc), sometimes I even get the kids involved in figuring out what to have. This strategy also helps us eat more healthily, cutting down on impulsive takeout orders.

Next, use shared calendars. It's great for if you're co-parenting but also incredible just in general within the family. Having a digital calendar for appointments, school events, and playdates can keep everyone informed. This solution not only reduces confusion but also helps prevent those “who forgot what” conversations which can spiral into frustrations.

And hey, don’t stress about letting a few things slide. If there’s something going on that doesn’t work for you at the moment, feel free to say no without any guilt. If you reach the end of the day and don’t feel like cooking, it’s totally fine to serve up some toast for dinner or just order takeout.

Energy Boosters for Exhausted Mums

Mums need energy like a car needs fuel. As well as a cup of coffee, consider these small adjustments to recharge yourself.

Begin each morning with a mini routine. Try splashing water on your face and stretching for five minutes. Nothing beats a good stretch, and there's nothing more refreshing than cool water on your face.

Don't overlook hydration! When you first wake up, have a glass of water - drinking a glass of water before your coffee can increase alertness. I'm pretty sure we all know how easy it is to get dehydrated, and whilst coffee contains water, WATER CONTAINS WATER, so just do it.

Also, make sure to get some sun! Just five minutes outside can really lift your spirits and give you more energy. Head out your back door (or the front one!), close your eyes, and soak up the sun. If you're in NZ or Aus, don't forget the sunscreen ... seriously, two minutes can burn you there! Whether you decide to go for a walk or just chill in the sun for a bit, it'll make a big difference for you.

Lastly, turn up the music. I can't count how many times my mood has lifted just by playing some tunes and dancing freely in my living room. Even if I don't dance, simply having music playing instantly enhances my mood.

Ditching Mum Guilt (Seriously, It’s a Trap)

Mum guilt is like a sneaky thief that steals your happiness - it pops up out of nowhere, making you feel like you're not doing enough. Stop that right now though - it's time to flip that script.

Instead of seeing guilt as a sign of failure, think of it as proof that you really care about being a good parent. When you start feeling guilty, remind yourself that it just means you want the best for your kids.

Change your mindset and remember that you're doing your best. Every time guilt shows up, tell yourself, “I’m enough.” Appreciate all the amazing things you do as a mum ... it’s more important than you might think. Realising this can boost your confidence and make you feel better about parenting overall.

Five-Minute Self-Care You Can Actually Fit In

Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming to be effective. Here are some practical, quick resets for your busy day:

As I said above, take just five minutes to step outside. Fresh air can elevate your spirits and clear your mind. Even a quick breath of fresh air on your balcony or in your backyard will work wonders.

Schedule in a 5 minute dance party and crack that music up. It only takes a few minutes and can lift your mood.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the impact of connecting with a friend. Share a funny meme or send a quick message. The support and laughter can enhance your day significantly.

Need an easy reminder you’re smashing mum life?

📋 Download The Mum Life Survival Checklist and stick it somewhere you’ll see every day. [Get it here!]

Keeping Kids Alive Without Losing Your Sanity

Let's be real: parenting is a mix of joy, exhaustion and a lot of second-guessing. The trick is to find simple hacks to keep your sanity while making sure your kids are safe and happy.

Pre-packed snacks are a real lifesaver. Make sure to have a stash of choices (the healthy kind but also include treats too!) that your kids can easily grab on their own. It saves you time and lets them feel a bit more independent. At our place, we've got a "snack drawer" in the bottom of our pantry so they can reach it easily.

Hey, it's totally okay to let kids watch TV. There are some educational shows out there, and let's be real, many of us have kids who come home from school wiped out and needing to relax. So why not let them kick back and watch some TV? Plus, having the TV on while you're cooking dinner can really save the day when the kids are bouncing off the walls.

For dinner, go for easy-going meals. One-pot recipes or slow cooker dishes really save you prep time. Consider meals like chili or chicken stew. Just toss everything in the pot in the morning, and you’re all set to chill in the evening. I've got a bunch of my favorite recipes right here.

Building Your ‘In Case of Overwhelm’ Toolkit

Every mum needs a toolbox for those overwhelming moments - because they happen! Here’s what to put in your ‘mum meltdown’ toolkit.

Keep emergency snacks on hand. Stash some favorite chocolates or granola bars for tough days when you need a quick pick-me-up.

A journal can be a therapeutic release for pent-up feelings. Even just five minutes of writing can help you process your thoughts and reduce anxiety. I find writing things down first thing in the morning to be extremely helpful to process the day before / night time issues.

Finally, don’t forget to have an escape route prepared. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a quick phone call with a friend, heck go and hide in the toilet and take five minutes to scroll through Tik Tok! Know what actions can help you reset when you feel stressed.

Saying ‘No’ Like a Pro (Even to Yourself)

Learning to say no is one of the hardest but most freeing skills for a mum.

Give yourself permission to excuse extra activities that don’t serve you or your family right now. Not every task has to be tackled all at once.

Also, feel free to uncommit from plans that don’t excite you anymore. If an event feels more burdensome than joyful, do not hesitate to cancel.

Lastly, disregard that inner voice pushing you to overcommit. You don’t have to try to do everything ... focus on what truly nurtures you and your family.

Celebrating the Small Wins

Often, we overlook small victories amid the chaos of motherhood. Trust me, every little win matters!

Did you manage to get everyone fed today? That’s a considerable accomplishment!

Even if your kids end up wearing mismatched socks, you are still succeeding as a parent! Remember that each tiny step is part of the larger journey, and taking a moment to acknowledge those wins can help you maintain your sanity.

How to Fake Having Your Sh*t Together (When You Definitely Don’t)

Look, some days you're smashing it, other days you’re duct-taping your life together with caffeine and vibes; and honestly that's fine! The secret is, most of us are just faking it half the time anyway. Here’s how to master the art:

Rock those sunglasses indoors if you need to - it’s an instant celeb vibe. Plus, no one will know you haven't had a good night's sleep since 2010.

Treat your coffee cup like it’s part of your outfit. Whether it’s half-full, empty, or just decaf, it doesn’t really matter. It always gives off that “I’m busy, important, and thriving” vibe no matter what’s inside.

Use phrases like “It’s been a full-on week” and “we’re just focusing on the essentials right now” ... No one asks follow-up questions. It sounds organised and mysterious.

Choose one thing to totally nail. Maybe your kids' lunches look amazing on Instagram, but your laundry is stacked higher than your toddler. Or perhaps your house is a disaster, but you absolutely rocked it at work today. You get to decide what you're winning at.

Embracing the Journey & Surviving Mum Life

Motherhood may not be easy, but with some practical hacks and mindset shifts, you can learn to flourish in the beautiful chaos of ‘mum life.’ Remember to manage your mental load, let go of guilt, adopt energy boosters, and most importantly, celebrate everyday victories.

You’ve got this, mama! Let’s keep thriving together out there.

Ready to make it even easier on yourself?

I’ve put all my best survival tips into a free, printable checklist you can keep handy for those "what the hell is happening" days.

➡️ [Download The Mum Life Survival Checklist here!]