55. Running on Empty, Mama? Here's How to Refill Your Cup and Find Calm in the Chaos
Motherhood isn't for the faint of heart—it's a whirlwind of responsibilities, love, and the occasional meltdown (sometimes your own).
But what if there was a way to find calm in the chaos? In our latest episode of Chill Like a Mother, we’re joined by Jenny from Mama Needs a Refill, who spills all the tea (or coffee!) on how busy moms can reclaim their calm with simple, mindful practices. Trust me, you’ll want to refill your cup after this one!
Let’s be real for a moment—how many times have you hit the ground running, only to feel like you’re drowning by 9 AM?
Whether it’s kids needing breakfast, work emails piling up, or that nagging sense of ‘not enough,’ it can feel like you’re spinning plates without a break. Enter Jenny, the brilliant mind behind Mama Needs a Refill, who’s made it her mission to help moms like you find light (and a little sanity) in the madness. In this episode, Jenny shares practical ways to inject moments of peace into your day—even if that peace is found in your closet hiding from your kids.
In our latest episode, we chat with Jenny from Mama Needs a Refill about how moms can avoid burnout through small, mindful practices like morning rituals, co-regulating with kids, and giving ourselves permission to pause. This episode is packed with realistic advice for the modern mom who’s juggling a lot, wants to keep her sense of self intact and find calm in the chaos.
Jenny reminds us that self-care doesn’t have to be grandiose—sometimes, it’s as simple as knitting one stitch or affirming your worth in the mirror.
Jenny kicks off with one of her most game-changing practices: a morning ritual that takes 30 seconds but sets the tone for the day. Now, I know what you’re thinking—'I don’t have time for a ritual!'—but this isn’t about lighting candles and chanting mantras (unless that’s your thing). It’s about grounding yourself with small acts of self-love. Jenny starts by sitting up in bed, placing a hand on her heart, and simply expressing gratitude. She calls it a "micro-moment of mindfulness." Just this one act helps her feel connected before the day’s chaos begins.
And hey, for the moms out there running on empty, this is a gentle reminder: your needs matter too.
We also talk about how to make your pauses count. In a world of constant scrolling (guilty!), we lose so much time to mindless distraction. Jenny suggests replacing that screen time with something a little more nourishing, like journaling or taking a mindful pause to breathe. If you're feeling scattered (hello, ADHD mamas!), these moments of pause can really anchor you. It’s about refilling your own cup so you have the energy to be present for your kiddos.
One of my favorite takeaways was when Jenny talked about co-regulating with your kids. It’s those little moments—offering them their favorite snack or a cuddle when they’re overwhelmed—that help build emotional resilience in them, but also in you. Sometimes, it's not about fixing their big emotions but being present enough to ride the wave with them.
How-To #1: Create a Micro-Morning Ritual
You don’t need a fancy, time-consuming routine to feel grounded in the morning. Jenny suggests:
Sit up in bed (you don’t even have to leave your cozy blankets).
Place a hand on your heart.
Take a deep breath and express gratitude—for your bed, for making it through yesterday, or for the coffee you’re about to drink.
That’s it! Starting your day with just one moment of intention can create a ripple effect of calm.
How-To #2: Mindful Pausing for the Scattered Brain
Busy moms often feel like they don’t have time to pause. But Jenny explains how to slip these moments into your day:
Set a reminder on your phone for a mindful check-in. Ask yourself, “What am I avoiding right now? What am I afraid of?” These questions, pulled from Jenny’s book, help you see the bigger picture.
Swap five minutes of scrolling for five minutes of deep breathing or journaling. If you’re feeling bold, take a page from Jenny’s book and try standing in front of the mirror to affirm your worth—it’s weirdly powerful.
Work With Your Chaos
Jenny’s message is clear: We all have chaos. We’re all distracted. Instead of fighting it, learn to work with it. As she says, "Being easily distracted is part of who I am. Instead of slapping a label on it, I’ve found ways to embrace it." This advice is pure gold for those of us with a thousand tabs open in our brain at once.
If you’re a mom who feels like she’s constantly on the verge of burnout, this episode with Jenny is your go-to guide for finding peace in the everyday mess. It’s not about adding more to your to-do list but instead simplifying how you care for yourself. From micro-moments of mindfulness to the powerful act of being present with your kids, this episode is a masterclass in learning how to refill your cup without needing a weekend spa retreat (although, wouldn’t that be nice?).
So grab a cozy blanket, brew a cup of tea (or coffee), and tune in to find calm in the chaos. Trust me, by the end, you’ll feel a little more like yourself again.
About the Chill Like a Mother Guests:
Jenny Gwinn McGlothern, life coach, creator of the sack-lunch-mini-retreat and author of Mama Needs a Refill: Finding Light in the Midst of Madness, helps her clients discover their own authentic fuel to support their soul care while caring for others.
"As you honor the different ways to refill, leave comparison at the back door."
What readers are saying about Jenny’s book Mama Needs a Refill: Finding Light in the Midst of Madness:
"I’m busy so I loved the short chapter format. The ideas and stories shared were thoughtful, vulnerable, and honest. I felt like the author was my friend and we were having a cup of coffee and chatting." -- Julie P., first grader teacher and mother of 3
"We are each on a lifelong journey of learning how to honor ourselves and to be good, loving humans. To do this, we need to know how to recharge our own batteries. No one can do it for us. This book gives us permission and a path to fill our own cups. It’s a gift we all need." - Emily D., client, retreat attendee and avid book reader
Mama, you might find these interesting:
Download this free guide: 101 Ways to Be Chill Like a Mother
Follow Kayla on her Instagram account @kayla.huszar
Click here, I'd love it if you could do a solid and leave a review under the Ratings and Reviews section. A 5-star rating would be amazing, and if you're feeling wordy, let me know what you love about the show! Your support means everything to me, thank you so much!
Disclaimer: This site contains some affiliate links. I get a little moola in exchange for creating this content and you get cool book and product recommendations at no extra cost to you!
This information is for educational purposes only. Kayla cannot provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique situation or circumstances. Therefore, nothing on this page or website should replace therapeutic recommendations or personalized advice. If you require such services, please consult with a medical or therapeutic provider to determine what's best for you. Kayla cannot be held responsible for your use of this website or its contents. Please never disregard or delay seeking medical or therapeutic treatment because of something you read or accessed through this website.
© 2024 Kayla Huszar - All Rights Reserved.
