How I’m Protecting My Energy as a Mom This Year

Alessandra | Posted on January 19, 2026 |

In this blog, I’m sharing how I’m protecting my energy this year so I can show up as the mom I want to be. Keep reading if you need some inspiration!

Protecting your energy when you’re a mom is so important! For a long time, I treated my energy like it was unlimited. I gave it to my kids, my home, my husband, even this blog. And then I wondered why I felt so exhausted, irritable, and burnt out all the time. Well, I realized it was because I wasn’t protecting my energy the way I should so this year, I’m doing things differently. Because mom burnout recovery doesn’t start with doing more, it starts with protecting what little energy you already have! Keep reading to learn how you can protect your energy this year so you can show up as the mama you want.

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How I’m Protecting My Energy As A Mom This Year

Let this year be the year you work smarter, not harder! That starts by protecting your energy and your peace, mama. As a mom of 3 who has dealt with mom burnout, here are my best tips for how I’m protecting my energy as a mom this year. And of course these are in totally realistic, sustainable ways because that’s the only way to get things done when you’re a mom of littles! Keep reading and let me know in the comments below what tips are your favorite. Let’s start this year off on the right foot!

1. I’m Paying Attention to What Drains Me (Not Just What I “Should” Do)

Start paying attention to what completely drains you of energy and let it be ok to let it go. Mommy burnout didn’t just come from nowhere. It comes from overcommitting, constant mental load, never feeling “off duty,” and more. This year, I’m noticing what consistently drains me and then questioning whether it actually needs my energy. Awareness is the first step in protecting your energy.

2. I’m Saying No Earlier (Before I’m Already Exhausted)

It’s easy to just say yes to everything under the sun, especially if you’re a mom who’s also a people pleaser. And I get it, I used to wait until I was totally overwhelmed to pull back. Now, I’m learning to say no before resentment builds. It’s ok to say no and it’s ok to say no without giving an explanation. Remember that protecting your energy doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you realistic! You can’t be everywhere all the time, so do what makes you happy and say no to what drains you. Then let that be ok!

3. I’m Letting Go of the Need to Be Available All the Time

As moms we want to help everyone all the time but being a mom doesn’t mean being endlessly accessible. This is what I call unrealistic and it goes with practicing saying no to some things. This year, I’m allowing slower replies (you don’t need to text everyone back immediately), I’m allowing quiet moments and mental breaks without guilt. Constant availability is exhausting and unnecessary, which leads to burnout. Protect your peace by being there for the ones who are there for you.

4. I’m Choosing Simpler Days Over Perfect Ones

Simplicity is certainly key. Perfect days require a lot of energy and simple days protect it. If you have a busy weekend, let the next weekend be calmer. Having fewer plans and lower your expectations doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you a real one. Our kids love to have lazy weekends sometimes too! It’s good for everyone. A simpler day often leads to more presence and of course, less burnout! That’s a win-win in my book.

5. I’m Treating My Energy Like a Resource, Not a Test

Your energy is worth protecting. I don’t have to prove anything by pushing through exhaustion. And I’m not sure that’s even fair to my family (or myself.) Rest, support, and boundaries aren’t rewards, they’re truly requirements to living your best life. Protecting your energy as a mom is part of healing burnout, not something you do after you recover. You always deserve rest and support and doing something for you!

Final Thoughts

If you feel tired all the time, it’s not because you’re weak, it’s probably because you’ve been giving more than you’re replenishing. Protecting your energy is about protecting yourself and your feelings. This year doesn’t have to be about becoming a better mom, you’re already a really great one! Let this year be about becoming a more supported mom. One who can show up for her family better, who feels at ease, who is present and intentional. That’s the real goal if you ask me! So take these tips and start this year by focusing on you so you can show up for your family.

If You’re Ready for More Support

If you’re in a season of mom burnout and protecting your energy feels really hard, you don’t have to figure it out on your own! That’s why I created this blog AND why I created my Motherhood Burnout Guide for moms who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and tired of pushing through just to get by. It’s filled with simple routines, mindset shifts, and realistic support to help you feel less drained and more grounded all without adding pressure! It’s here whenever you’re ready, just click the image below to learn more. Think of it as a gentle support system, not another thing on your to‑do list.

Protecting Your Energy Quotes:

Sometimes you don’t need more advice, you need some validation. You need to feel seen and less alone. Save these quotes for protecting your energy for the days you need a gentle reminder:

You’re allowed to protect your energy even if no one else understands why.

Rest is not a reward. It’s a requirement.

You don’t need to do everything to be a good mom.

Protecting your energy is how you stay present — not how you fall behind.

You are not lazy for needing rest. You are human.

Protecting your energy isn’t quitting. It’s choosing to show up in a way that lasts.

Save to Pinterest! Use the image below to save how I’m protecting my energy so you can come back to it later!

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