Let’s face it: balancing the demands of motherhood has never been a cakewalk. Add a pandemic, and things get downright exhausting.

But whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, you are not alone in your exhaustion – whatever the situation. 

One gathered responses from over 3,000 millennial moms between March 9 and April 23, 2020.  A whopping 97 percent of mothers between the ages of 24 and 39 say they feel burned out at least some of the time, with the pandemic only making things worse.

Now, we can’t solve the world’s problems in this article. But we can offer you overwhelmed moms tips to boost energy when your tank is running low.

Best of all? Some of these natural energy hacks don’t cost a penny!

1. Eat for Energy

It may be tempting to grab whatever food is on hand (leftover donut, we see you), during your time-strapped day. However, some of these on-the-go noshes are doing you no favors. Sure, highly refined sugary snacks will give you a quick bump in energy, but it is often followed by a deep dip.

Instead, aim for  — whose sugars are absorbed slowly. You’ll likely avoid the dreaded crash in energy that happens after eating quickly absorbed sugars or refined starches. Instead, load up on whole grains, high-fiber vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils, such as olive oil. And while you’re at it, remember to schedule regular meals and snacks.

2. Water your Brain

Just like healthy eating, busy moms often neglect hydration. This is a mistake because your multi-tasking mom brain can be influenced by your hydration status.

Studies[i] show mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1–3%) can impair energy levels and  impair mood.

Running after your kids can feel like a marathon sometimes. So, hydrate yourself accordingly! If your body one of the first signs is a feeling of fatigue. Keep a water bottle nearby at all times. Not a plain water fan? Add some citrus slices or change it up with carbonated mineral water or decaffeinated tea.

3. Ditch Supermom Expectations

Sure, we know you can do it all. But do you really need to? You may put a lot of pressure on yourself to cook healthy and delicious meals, maintain a spotless home, and be the “perfect” parent. Ease up on yourself, would ya?

When you adopt realistic expectations, you’ll eliminate a whole lot of unnecessary energy-sucking stress. Your house doesn’t need to rival Martha Stewart’s. Really! And buying cookies rather than baking them does NOT make you a bad mom.

Also, when it comes to social commitments and your kids' extracurricular activities, practice saying yes to less. Determine how much your schedule can handle, and don't zap your energy by unnecessary overbooking.

4. Get Outside and Move

helps boost a chemical in your brain called serotonin, and that can give you more energy and help keep you calm, positive, and focused. Just be sure to apply sunscreen to avoid skin damage.

Now, add some movement to the scenario, and you're cooking with gas! It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise (even a short walk or a game of tag) can really boost energy levels. That’s because physical activity helps your body produce more , which are your brain's feel-good chemicals. In turn, this gives you more energy throughout the day and may even help you focus better.

For the one-two punch to exhaustion, get outside and move!

5. Caffeinate Carefully

Of course, caffeine does help increase alertness and clear out the morning cobwebs. But over-use can backfire . One suggests that you drink caffeine strategically to get maximum benefits – say right before an important presentation. It can cause insomnia, especially in large amounts or after 2 p.m. and remember that cup of joe is no substitute for a good night’s sleep.

Also, although it may be tempting, try to shy away from chemical and sugar-laden energy drinks. Instead, opt for lower caffeine drinks, such as green tea, which offers about a half of the caffeine of coffee. What's more, many studies show that green tea provides other healthy energy benefits, including improving .

6. Natural Energy Supplements

Want the energizing green tea benefits but don't like the taste? No worries. Zenwise® has got you covered. Zenwise Green Tea Extract features 725 mg of Green Tea Extract (Camellia sinensis) to help you stay energized and focused during your busy day.

One capsule contains the same amount of healthy EGCG catechins as six cups of tea, but it has just 1/6 the caffeine of a cup of coffee. 

This AVA-Certified Vegan & non-GMO formula also features 60 mg of Vitamin C for additional antioxidant support.†

Honestly, busy, chaotic days are pretty much a given with motherhood. Why not try some of the above tips to help manage them better? 

Want to start a daily supplement routine designed just for your busy life? Our customer service team is full of energy and thrilled to assist! Reach them at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.

Elevate Your State of Being…Well™

[i] The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 142, Issue 2, February 2012, Pages 382–388

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.