Feeling tired or snacky? This might be why

Try these smart hydration hacks - plus a DIY mocktail and kid-friendly electrolyte pops!

Jenn Gannon

6/24/20252 min read

💧 Feeling Tired, Snacky, or Moody? It Might Be Dehydration

Hydration tips, mocktail recipes, and DIY electrolyte pops for busy moms and their kiddos.

Why Hydration Matters More Than You Think

If you're dragging by 3 p.m., craving sugar, or feeling a little moodier than usual, chances are you're not just tired — you might be under-hydrated.

As a busy mom, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water when your day is packed with snacks, errands, and keeping tiny humans alive. But here’s what proper hydration can actually do for you:

✅ 4 Big Benefits of Staying Hydrated:

  • More energy and fewer mid-day crashes

  • Smoother digestion and less bloating

  • Balanced mood and better focus

  • Fewer sugar cravings (yes, really!)

How to Actually Drink More Water (Without Forcing It)

You don’t need to chug a gallon. Here are simple, real-life ways to sneak more water in without overthinking it:

💡 Smart Hydration Habits:

  • Habit stack it: Drink a full glass of water before coffee or each meal

  • Make it visible: Carry a 32 oz water bottle and aim to refill it 2–3 times

  • Set a reminder: Use a fun app like Plant Nanny or WaterMinder

  • Infuse your water: Add lemon, cucumber, berries, or mint

  • Add electrolytes: Hydration isn’t just about water — your body needs minerals to absorb it

Try This: DIY Electrolyte Mocktail for Moms

This simple mix gives your body what it actually needs to absorb and use water — and it feels like a treat, not a chore.

🍹 Coconut Citrus Spritz Mocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup coconut water – rich in potassium and magnesium

  • 1/2 cup sparkling water – adds fun and fizz

  • A splash of orange or pineapple juice – vitamin C + flavor

  • Fresh lime or mint – supports digestion

  • Pinch of sea salt – adds sodium to balance hydration

How to make it:
Mix all ingredients over ice and sip it poolside, park-side, or post-school-run.

Kiddo Bonus: Homemade Electrolyte Popsicles

Help your littles rehydrate after sweaty summer play — without sugary store-bought drinks.

🍧 DIY Electrolyte Pops

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup coconut water

  • 1/2 cup orange juice

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Pinch of sea salt

  • Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions:
Whisk everything together, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze. Perfect for backyard cool-downs or post-park snacks.

Final Thought: Hydration Isn’t a Trend, It’s a Tool

Don’t wait until you're parched to drink — make hydration part of how you feel better every day. Small tweaks, like a mocktail or a popsicle, can be the thing that keeps your mood and energy from crashing by dinner.

👇 Want More Wellness Tips Like This?

Sign up for Strong Mama Monday, my free weekly email full of real-life wellness ideas for busy moms who want energy and confidence back — without giving up the foods they love.

👉 Join here

And while you're here, check out my brand-new site at strongmamanation.org for more recipes, resources, and feel-good wellness for real life.