5 Game-Changing Routines for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Need a Break

Have you ever had one of those days where everything feels like it’s spiraling out of control? The kids are running wild, laundry is piling up, and the house looks like a bomb went off.

If you’re nodding along, you’re definitely not alone. So many of us feel like our days are one big blur of chaos—racing from one task to the next with no real direction or sense of control.

But what if I told you that with just a few simple routines, you could start bringing some calm and order back into your life?

I get it—life with kids is never going to be totally predictable (hello, grocery store meltdowns and potty emergencies). But by building in some easy routines, you can get ahead of that chaos and create a smoother, less stressful day.

Here are five simple routines I’ve found incredibly helpful in managing the overwhelm and bringing more peace and control to my day.

Ready to dive in?

1. Start Your Day with a 10-Minute Morning Reset

Let’s be honest—waking up to a messy house feels like starting the day with a giant weight on your shoulders. It’s like you’re already playing catch-up, and the day has barely begun.

Here’s an easy fix: set aside 10 minutes every morning for a quick reset of your main living space. Whether it’s before the kids wake up or while they’re eating breakfast, use this time to declutter the areas you spend the most time in.

For me, this looks like clearing counters, folding blankets thrown across the couch, and putting away toys left out from the day before. No need for a deep clean—just a quick tidy-up.

This little reset can make a huge difference in how the rest of your day feels. Even if you don’t get to everything, starting your day with a cleaner space sets a positive, productive tone.

Why it works: Starting the day with a little bit of order can actually reduce your stress levels and make it easier to tackle the rest of the day’s demands. Plus, a tidy space can boost your mood and help you feel more in control of your environment.

2. Do One Load of Laundry a Day (Yes, Really!)

I don’t know about you, but laundry can feel like the never-ending story. The pile grows faster than you can keep up, and before you know it, the baskets are overflowing! So how do you stop laundry from spiraling out of control? Try this: one load a day—start to finish.

Here’s how to break it down:

Morning: Start a load before breakfast.

Afternoon: Toss it in the dryer after lunch.

Before Dinner: Fold and put it away.

I know it sounds like a lot, but breaking it up into small chunks makes it feel more manageable. Instead of spending an entire day drowning in laundry, you’re tackling it in bite-sized pieces.

And trust me, once you get into the habit, it feels like such a win to have clean clothes ready and waiting every day.

Pro tip: Just don’t let the clothes sit in the dryer overnight (we’ve all been there, right? 😅).

3. Create a Rotating Meal Plan

If there’s one thing that stresses moms out on a daily basis, it’s figuring out what’s for dinner. After a long day of chasing kids, managing tantrums, and trying to check things off the to-do list, the last thing you want to do is scramble for meal ideas. 

Enter: the rotating meal plan.

Pick a handful of meals your family loves, and rotate through them on a weekly or biweekly basis. This cuts down the decision-making stress big time because you already know what’s for dinner. 

Here’s how to create your own rotating meal plan:

1. Pick daily themes: Assign a theme to each day (like Taco Tuesday or Pasta Night). This gives you structure while keeping things flexible.

2. Brainstorm meal ideas: Jot down your family’s favorite meals that fit those themes. Feeling stuck? Try mixing and matching proteins, veggies, and carbs.

3. Stay flexible: Don’t be afraid to switch things up as needed. You can always swap out meals you no longer love and add in new favorites.

By planning ahead, you can avoid the last-minute panic of “What’s for dinner tonight?”

Why it works: A meal plan takes the mental load off, making daily decisions easier and reducing dinnertime stress. And less stress for you = a happier household.

4. Do a 15-Minute Family Tidy in the Evening

Alright, let’s talk about the evening chaos. Dinner’s done, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you’re just about ready to collapse.

But what if you could reset the house before bed with the help of your family?

Enter the 15-minute family tidy!

This is one of my favorite routines because it gets everyone involved. Set a timer for 15 minutes and get everyone involved in a quick clean-up of the main living areas. Put on some music and have the kids help clear dishes, wipe counters, and pick up toys. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when everyone pitches in!

Not only does this make your house feel more put together, but it also teaches your kids responsibility. And, let’s be honest, waking up to a clean(er) house the next morning feels like a small victory.

Why it works: It’s a team effort that makes tomorrow easier. Plus, it helps create a calmer environment before bed.

5. Sneak in Mini Pockets of Self-Care

I know how hard it is to carve out time for yourself when you’ve got little ones demanding your attention 24/7. But here’s the thing—you need that time for yourself, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. 

Incorporating little pockets of self-care throughout your day can make a huge difference in how you feel. And when you feel good, you can show up better for your kids.

Whether it’s taking a few deep breaths, doing a quick stretch, or sipping a hot cup of coffee before the kids wake up, those small moments matter. You don’t need a spa day to recharge (though wouldn’t that be nice?). Just a few minutes to pause and check in with yourself can help reduce stress and give you a much-needed mental boost.

Here are a few simple self-care ideas to sprinkle into your day:

• Take a mindful breath before jumping into your next task.

• Enjoy your morning coffee or tea without distractions (even if it’s only for 5 minutes).

• Do a quick stretch while the kids nap.

• Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air.

It might seem small, but these moments of self-care add up and will help you feel more centered and energized.

Need more self-care inspo? Grab my free guide, Self-Care Success, your go-to resource for creating self-care habits that actually work - even on the busiest days.

Start Today, Mama—You’ve Got This!

Wanna know the best part about these routines? 

You can start them today! Whether you’re ready to dive in and tackle all five, or you’d rather work them into your day one at a time, it’s all about progress. 

Remember, mama—you’re doing an amazing job. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect. Life with kids is messy and unpredictable, but these routines will give you a little more breathing room and a lot more peace.

So go ahead—give these routines a try. You’ve got this! 🙌