The 4 Things I Do Every Day as a Working Mom of Four to Keep My Sanity

By Dr. Alyssa McPeak, DC, CFMP

Motherhood is beautiful, messy, exhausting, and wildly demanding — all at the same time.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom managing the constant needs of little humans and maintaining a home, or a working mom balancing career, family, and the mental load of literally everything… the pressure is real.

And so is the guilt.

The guilt that creeps in when you feel like you’re not giving enough to your kids.

The guilt of not contributing financially.

The guilt when work demands more of you.

The guilt when the house is a mess, even when you have been home all day.

The guilt when you choose yourself for five minutes.

Here’s what I’ve learned as a working mom of four: we were never meant to do this alone, and we do not need to do everything.

Over the years, I’ve created a few non-negotiable habits that help me keep my sanity, protect my peace, and show up as a better mom, wife, doctor, and human.

These aren’t fancy routines. They’re practical systems that actually work in real mom-life.

1. I Have My Groceries Delivered

This one was a game changer.

I do not grocery shop in-store anymore unless I absolutely have to.

At first, I felt guilty about paying for delivery. It felt “lazy” or unnecessary. But once I looked at the actual numbers — both time and money — it became one of the smartest decisions I’ve made.

Here’s why:

When I grocery shop in person, I spend:

• More time

• More money on impulse purchases

• More mental energy dragging kids through the store or trying to squeeze it into an already packed day or lunch hour

When I order groceries online, I:

• Stick to my list

• Save money

• Save hours every week

• Protect my bandwidth for things that mean more

As moms, we often convince ourselves we need to do everything to prove something.

You don’t.

If there’s a system that buys back your time and energy, use it.

Your peace is worth it.

2. I Wake Up Before My Kids

This is my sacred time.

Before the requests start.

Before the chaos begins.

Before someone needs breakfast, help finding socks, or suddenly remembers they have a school project due.

I wake up earlier than my kids so I can take care of me first.

That usually looks like:

• Coffee and tea in complete silence

• A workout without interruption

• Knocking out household tasks before tiny tornadoes undo them

• A few moments to simply think and be

There is something powerful about starting the day by meeting your own needs first.

It shifts you from reacting to the day… to leading it.

And honestly? Sometimes that quiet cup of coffee alone feels more therapeutic than anything else.

3. I Walk to Decompress

Walking is one of my most powerful tools for mental (and physical) health.

It’s simple. Free. Accessible. And incredibly effective.

Some days it’s a peaceful morning walk before the house wakes up.

Some days it’s after work to clear my mind.

Some days it’s after dinner with kids in tow, pushing a stroller while someone is whining and another is asking for snacks.

It doesn’t have to be perfect to count.

Walking gives me:

• Movement without pressure

• Space to process

• A calmer nervous system

• Mental clarity

As a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner, I talk often about nervous system regulation.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to support it.

When motherhood feels overstimulating (which is everyday), movement helps calm the noise.

4. I Teach My Kids Household Skills

This might be the biggest sanity saver of them all.

I do not do everything myself.

And I don’t believe moms should.

I teach my kids how to do the things I don’t have time or want to do.

They:

• Fold clothes

• Put laundry away

• Fold towels

• Load and unload the dishwasher

• Vacuum

• Clean

• Organize toys and activities

Do they do it perfectly?

Absolutely not.

Do my towels look the way I would fold them?

Not even close.

And I’ve made peace with that.

Because done is better than perfect.

By teaching our kids these skills, we aren’t just lightening our load — we’re raising capable humans.

We’re teaching responsibility, independence, and contribution.

And yes, sometimes that means accepting towels folded in ways that defy logic.

That’s a trade I’m willing to make.

Motherhood Was Never Meant to Be Done Alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like you’re failing because you can’t do it all — please hear this:

You do not need to do it all.

You need systems.

You need support.

You need to protect your energy.

At Roots Wholistic Health, we care deeply about supporting moms — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Because a regulated, supported mom changes everything for her family.

And sometimes keeping your sanity looks less like bubble baths and self-care trends… and more like grocery delivery, an early alarm, a walk around the block, and letting your kids fold the towels “wrong.”

That’s not failing.

That’s functioning.