We all have days where our energy is low and motivation is nowhere to be found.
Maybe you didn’t sleep well, the kids are clingy, or you’re just mentally and physically done. But life at home keeps moving, and that’s where having a few routines and automations in place can make all the difference.
The goal isn’t to do it all. it’s to keep things ticking along gently, without needing to think too hard, make a bunch of decisions, or force yourself to do things that can wait.
Here are some simple systems you can lean on during low-energy days, or set up now so future you has it easier:
Meals
Instead of asking “What’s for dinner?” when your brain is foggy, follow a simple weekly rhythm. Something like pasta Mondays, taco Tuesdays, leftovers Wednesdays, pizzas on Fridays, etc makes planning and prep effortless, and kids love the predictability too.
Groceries
Keep your usual shop saved as a list with your preferred supermarket. On days when the thought of writing a list and walking the aisles feels impossible, all you have to do is open the app and reorder.
Laundry
Rather than letting it pile up or needing to “catch up,” follow a routine that suits your family. For me, that’s one load a day. For others, it’s designated wash days. Either way, it keeps things manageable even when you’re running low on energy.
Cleaning rotation
Skip the marathon clean. Stick to a simple rhythm of one small task per day (like wiping benches or a quick tidy), plus one weekly focus area. For example: Monday = kitchen, Tuesday = bathroom, and so on. That way, your home stays reasonably tidy without feeling like another job.
Auto bill payments
Set up direct debit for regular bills like utilities, subscriptions, or school fees. It’s one less thing to remember, especially when your brain feels fuzzy and overloaded.
The key is to remove the need for decision-making and reduce the mental load. When things run on autopilot, you’re free to rest without everything falling apart.
Low energy days aren’t a failure, they’re part of life. And the more you support yourself through them, the smoother everything else becomes.
x Marissa
P.S. For more gentle rhythms and time saving ideas, check out The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier. It's full of practical tips and tools to help you keep your house (and your life) calm and under control.
