Tuesday Tip: Create more calm WITHOUT adding to your to do list
Hi there Calm & Confident Parents,
Last week we talked about finding your energy boosters – those small things that fill your cup and help you show up as the parent you want to be. (If you missed it, I linked it at the end of this email).
But here's what I know about parenting: sometimes you're so deep in it, that adding one more thing (even a good thing) feels impossible. Your to-do list is already overflowing, your mental load feels heavy, and the idea of squeezing in even a 5-minute energy booster makes you want to hide under the covers.
If that's where you are today, this tip is for you.
Sometimes It's Easier to Subtract Than Add
Instead of thinking about what you need to add to your day, what if you looked at what you could remove? What's quietly draining your energy without you even realizing it?
Here are some sneaky energy zappers that might be stealing your precious parenting energy:
Mindless social media scrolling – Those "quick checks" that turn into 20-minute rabbit holes, leaving you feeling worse about yourself and your parenting
Complaining (even to yourself) – That running commentary in your head about everything that's wrong or hard, which keeps you stuck in negativity instead of problem-solving mode
News overload – Staying constantly plugged into the news cycle, which floods your nervous system with stress hormones you don't need while managing your family
Saying yes when you mean no – Overcommitting because you feel guilty, then resenting the extra pressure you've put on yourself
Perfectionist thinking – Spending mental energy on making everything "just right" instead of accepting "good enough"
Your Small Step This Week
Pick just one energy zapper and experiment with reducing or eliminating it for the next few days. Notice how it feels. You might be surprised by how much mental space and calm you create by simply removing what's not serving you.
Remember: You don't have to do more to be a better parent. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for your family is to protect your own energy.
What energy zapper will you experiment with removing this week? Comment and let me know – I love hearing from you.
I’m here in support of you, and you can do this,
Brittany
P.S. If you missed last week's tip about energy boosters, here it is. Both strategies work beautifully together – sometimes you add, sometimes you subtract, always with compassion for yourself. And if you need help figuring out what would work best for you, I’m working with parents to create their own roadmaps. If you’re interested set up a free 15 minute call here.
