Jeannie Mai on Being a Single Mom amid Difficult Divorce: 'I'm Going to Do Whatever It Takes' (Exclusive)

The Dulcolax spokesperson and 'America's Test Kitchen' host shares how she's staying positive and regular these days

Jeannie Mai is finding peace against the odds.

"I'm doing good. I was able to get good sleep last night, which is always a big deal," the America's Test Kitchen host, 45, tells PEOPLE during a Zoom interview on Wednesday, April 17. "My days now are ranked on whether or not I had six hours or eight hours. Last night I got seven so I feel very good about that. I'm blessed."

The star and Dulcolax spokeswoman is in the midst of a contentious divorce and custody battle with estranged husband Jeezy, 46, but she's also focused on taking care of her mental, physical and internal health, along with that of her 2-year-old daughter Monaco.

"I think the fact that I surround myself with so many things that I love to do. whether it's working out, finding new play dates and things that Monaco likes to do like ballet or scootering...I've been researching how I can get more music into her life. And also cooking. Cooking has really been my big thing. There is no room for feeling lost in your life when you fill it with things that you love for you."

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Related: Jeannie Mai Laughs with Daughter Monaco in Adorable Photos amid Custody Battle with Ex Jeezy

In a new court filing obtained by PEOPLE, this week, Mai alleges several incidents of domestic abuse and child neglect during her relationship with the rapper (born Jay Wayne Jenkins). She claims Jeezy has “explosive outbursts, excessive drinking and domestic violence.”

In response to the allegations, Jeezy shared a statement on Instagramon Thursday, April 25, denying the allegations. “The allegations are not only false, but also deeply disturbing, especially coming from someone I loved. This malicious attempt to tarnish my character and disrupt my family is ridiculous,” he shared.  “It's disheartening to witness the manipulation and deceit at play and at this time my main concern is being an active father to our daughter as I continue to fight for court mandated joint custody. Rest assured, the truth will prevail through the proper legal channels.”

As for Mai, she's currently in Boston taping America's Test Kitchen while parenting Monaco solo. It's a balancing act, she says.

"I've been juggling how do I make sure I get really good quality time with Monaco and also get our rest. So I've actually changed my bedtime and her bedtime just enough so that I go to sleep at the same time as her. And then we wake up early, we get that nice morning time together."

When it comes to parenting, Mai says it takes a village. "The best part is how willing I am to learn and listen from other moms of what works for them. I'm constantly on group chats with my friends."

Related: Jeannie Mai Jenkins Says Daughter Monaco Is Her 'North Star' amid Divorce: 'I'm Thankful to Have Her'

Asked how life has been as a working single mom, "I've just been managing it," she says. "I take every single issue, whether it's my career or it's my parenting skills or my personal time, I take it as I need and I give it my full attention when I'm in it."

The same goes for her gut health. "I know the moment I start traveling a lot, the moment I start eating the wrong foods, getting the wrong type of sleep, that's the first thing that gets affected," she says. Thus when she's packing essentials, the list goes, "[Monaco's] diapers, her formula, all that stuff, then the Dulcolax right in there. Being regular shouldn't be a weird conversation."

The former co-host of The Real doesn't shy away from most topics, but with all that's happening in her personal life, she says she's zeroing in on what makes her happy.

"I'm so thankful that I get to focus on the things that matter more than anything else in the world," she says of pushing past difficult days amid divorce. "That's Monaco and Jeannie. Those are the only two things that matter to me right now. So whatever it takes to make sure we are healthy, happy and safe, I'm going to do whatever it takes."

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