5 Easy Mom Hacks for a Happier Day (No Pinterest Needed)

Hey Courage Community,

Let’s be real: as moms our days can feel like a circus. We’re the ringmaster, the clown, and the lion tamer—all before 9 am! I’m not here to add another impossible to-do list to your plate. Instead I’m sharing 5 doable things that make my days more successful and a little less chaotic. These aren’t earth-shattering revelations, and you’ve probably heard some of them before. But it’s the small consistent habits that sneakily transform your day from “surviving” to “kinda crushing it.”

We’re the MVPs of multitasking, but if we don’t carve out a little love for ourselves, we’re running on fumes. These 5 things are designed to fit into your life and make your day work for you!

1. Drink Water First (Yes, Before the Coffee, Karen)

I know —your coffee maker is practically your BFF, winking at you from the counter as soon as your eyes crack open. But listen, your body wakes up dehydrated! It’s like a raisin that’s been left out too long 😟 Chugging a glass of water hydrates you, boosts energy, sharpens your brain (because mom brain is real), and gets things ahem, moving in the bathroom department. Think of it like a mini detox before the chaos begins! 😁

Tired Mom Hack: Keep a cute water bottle by your bed—fill it the night before so you don’t have to fall in the kitchen. No coffee until the water’s gone! Bonus points: add a slice of lemon if you’re feeling fancy 🍋

2. Get Some Sun on Your Face ☀️ (Even If It’s Just 30 Seconds)

Sunlight is nature’s espresso shot ☕️ It regulates your circadian rhythm, boosts your mood, and tells your body, “Hey, it’s go time!” You don’t need to meditate under a sunrise, just step outside for a minute (even in your mismatched pajamas). Breathe in some fresh air, let the sun hit your face, and feel like a human instead of a zombie chopping fruit in the kitchen.

Tired Mom Hack: While the kids are eating breakfast (or throwing it), step onto your porch or open a window to soak in some rays. Let that fruit hit the floor (or the windows) and take a few deep breaths! 😮‍💨

3. Move Your Body (No, Chasing Toddlers Doesn’t Count 🏃‍♀️ )

Working out sounds like a cruel joke when you’re running on 3 hours of sleep and a prayer. But 10 minutes of movement can shift your entire day. It releases endorphins, reduces stress, and gives you a smug “I did something for me” vibe. You don’t need a Peloton. A quick yoga flow, dance party with the kids, or a walk around the block COUNTS.

Tired Mom Hack: Pick something stupidly easy. I love a 10-minute YouTube workout—search “quick mom workout” and you’ll find ones that don’t require you to do burpees while crying 🥲 Or pop the kids in a stroller and power-walk to the park. You’ll feel like a badass, even if your outfit doesn’t match.

4. Listen to a Podcast Or Read a Book (You Deserve Brain Food)

Look, your brain needs stimulation beyond “Ms. Rachel” on repeat. Listen to a podcast episode—even for 15 minutes! Or read a few pages of a book during nap time. Pick something that makes you laugh or lights you up: like personal growth, a romance novel, or love island. 😏🏝️

Tired Mom Hack: Pop in one earbud while you’re folding laundry or doing the dishes. I love playing an episode on my Alexa while I’m cooking dinner—it’s like having a chill friend that doesn’t care if my daughter’s running around naked.

5. Get Ready for the Day (Even If It’s Just Concealer)

I get it. Some days, the idea of “getting ready” feels like a sick joke. But taking 10 minutes to shower, slap on some skincare, and wearing something other than yesterday’s leggings? Is a mood-lifter! You don’t need a full glam sesh either—concealer, tinted moisturizer, and a quick ponytail can truly boost your mood and confidence. When you look a little better, you feel a little better.

Tired Mom Hack: Create a “mom emergency kit 🚨” with the basics: concealer, BB cream, mascara, hair tie and perfume. Make it your own based on what you use! And keep it in your car console or somewhere your kids won’t find. This is your secret weapon to avoid looking homeless by noon. Bonus: put on some nice lipgloss—even if you’re just going to HEB! 🛒

You’ve Got This, Mama

You don’t have to do all five of these every single day. Some days, you’ll nail ONE and call it a win. Others, you’ll be a hydrated, sun-kissed, workout-crushing podcast queen who’s ready to kick some ass. Try to fit these habits into your life like squeezing in a 10-minute workout between tantrums—quick, doable, and totally worth the effort!

My challenge to you, pick one thing for tomorrow. No pressure, no perfection. Just a tiny act of self-care to remind you that you’re not just a mom—you’re a badass! You’re running this show, and you’re doing it with messy hair and a whole lotta heart ♥️

With love,
Cathy