As a mom of 8 children, homeschooling, with teens down to a very busy toddler, I sometimes have many moments of feeling overwhelmed in my day. Sometimes I can easily take a deep breath and carry on with my tasks, but other times I need to take a 5 minute reset for overwhelmed moms.

I used to just essentially waste my time taking a break, scrolling social media or the web in general. But it never really refreshed me and I usually felt just as unsettled, maybe even worse afterward. Then I realized I needed to actually use that time to pray, read scripture and renew my mind on God’s truths.

Truly pausing for even just 5 minutes will make such a difference. If you have more than 5 minutes to really soak in prayer, God’s word and a soothing activity that’s even better. This is not intended to be a replacement for a solid “quiet time”. Read How I Find Time to Have Quiet Time For God in a Loud House for ideas if you are struggling or need fresh ideas.

Here’s a quick formula, a practical 5 minute reset for overwhelmed moms that I use regularly.

A Practical 5 Minute Reset for Overwhelmed Moms:

1. Prayer💛

First, go to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to help you with whatever your circumstances bring that are overwhelming you–be it the noise, the constant demands, the long to-do list or marital problems. God knows your heart, even before you ask. He intercedes for us even when we are too overwhelmed to articulate things well or have a good attitude. Don’t be afraid to lay your heart before the Lord and draw near to His good grace.

2. Scripture💛

Turning to God’s word brings so much peace, calm, reassurance and wisdom. If you are looking for a quick word of encouragement it can be helpful to be actively meditating or memorizing bible verses. Also having a list printed out like this Encouraging Verses for the Weary Mom can be so beneficial when you are short on time or even too emotional to think of what you need and where to find it. The good news is the Lord is always with us and knows what we need.

3. Spend a Minute Doing Something that Refreshes You💛

Splash some warm water on your face, read a short devotional or a page from your novel. Knit a row in your project, color in your coloring book or stare out the window. You could walk into your garden, look at a seed catalog, or press on some nails. Write a few thoughts in your journal. Just spend a minute or more (if you have them) really doing something you love that adds to your well being. Resist the temptation to scroll social media; it’s addicting and tends to drain you more, add to your overwhelm, and lead to comparison.

4. Meditate on Truths💛

Spend some time thinking on things that are true about your situation. Feelings that lead to overwhelm tend to be started by negative or even untruthful thoughts. Another idea is to think about the attributes to God and how He is always the same and how those attributes bring you calm, peace and stability. You may feel overwhelmed but God is always in control and loves you.

You might feel like “Things are always a mess.” It is likely true things are more untidy than you would prefer, but are they ALWAYS a mess? Well, they probably do get cleaned up, but the children undo the space again. It’s ok, that’s normal. You can remind yourself that a house full of happy children being creative all day will make a mess!

5. Prepare Your Heart💛

With your remaining minute or few moments this is the time to shift to prepare your heart to re-enter whatever caused you overwhelm in the first place. You’ve taken a break and refocused your heart. Remind yourself that your work is important and God sees every bit of your effort. Your children are truly a blessing and you are also being refined and made more like Jesus. Setting your mind on the eternal perspective in your given situation really helps to respond with more patience and grace.

5 Minute Reset Rewards

Taking just five minutes to reset might seem small, and like it won’t do anything, but actually, it can make a huge difference in how you handle the chaotic and hard moments of motherhood. By praying, reading scripture, doing a calming activity, meditating on truth and preparing your heart, you give yourself a mini spiritual and emotional recharge that really change the direction of the rest of the day.

Remember, you don’t need hours of quiet or the perfect conditions—just these five intentional minutes. If you have more time that is even better. Try using this method anytime you feel overwhelmed, and notice how much calmer, more focused, and peaceful you feel.

Give yourself grace, Mama, lean on God’s truth and step back into your day with a heart ready to meet the demands of motherhood with peace and confidence.

I hope you found something here that encouraged you today. 💛

If you are interested in a step-by-step FREE printable guide that includes done-for-you prayers, list of scripture for weary moms, a list of calming task ideas, truths to meditate on and words to help you prepare your heart, check out my Overwhelmed Mom Reset Guide. I know how much it helps me and I hope that it will help encourage another mama.

💛Mandy