Let’s talk about self-care for moms. We all know it’s important, yet it’s often the first thing to slip through the cracks. Between balancing family, work, and endless to-do lists, it can feel like there’s just no time left for ourselves. But here’s the truth: taking even a small amount of time to care for yourself creates a stronger, more present version of yourself. It helps you become not just a better mom and partner but a happier, more fulfilled person overall. Self-care shouldn’t be optional.
And the best part? Self-care doesn’t have to be a big production or a day-long event. Especially in busy seasons of life, even a short ten minutes a day can make a difference. It doesn’t always have to mean a glamorous spa day (although those are great, too!). Sometimes, a quiet cup of coffee or a ten-minute workout is enough to help you feel like yourself again. So, here are some simple, time-friendly ways to practice self-care as a mom, even when life gets hectic.
1. Start the Day Right with a Peaceful Morning Routine
Getting up a few minutes before the rest of the house and drinking that morning cup of coffee, tea, or water in peace and quiet can set the tone for a lower-stress day. Allowing yourself some “me time” before the craziness begins is an excellent form of self-care, and you can even take the time to get grounded and center yourself for the rest of the day.
2. Batching Tasks to Save Time
Think of the things you do every day, like making food and getting dressed. Doing the entire week’s task in one sitting will save time every other day for you to do something else.
For example, I wear an outfit to work every weekday, and I still have to find some leggings on the weekends. The old way, I would spend at least 5 stressful minutes every morning looking for something clean, fit, and coordinated. Batching means I spend about 10 minutes on Sunday choosing 5 work outfits and setting out a few comfy clothes.
Don’t even get me started on the advantages of batching food prep, which otherwise takes time in my mornings, days, and nights. That stress and monotony, plus the time spent taking things in and out of the fridge and pantry every single time, adds up quickly. Save it! Batch what you can, taking 5 minutes as a mom with the time you’ve saved.
3. Take Mini-Breaks Throughout the Day
When you start to feel frazzled, allow yourself time to take a five-minute break. Even a two-minute trip to the bathroom (alone) is a little self-care for moms. If your kids are old enough, set them up with toys in a safe area. Step away and breathe for a few. After a few cleansing breaths, you will feel much better and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
4. Mindful Chores
It may surprise you because it did me, but mindfully doing chores can relieve stress and inspire you. There are some chores we must do. Dishes can’t sit in the sink forever. Laundry can’t sit in the dryer indefinitely. You get the idea.
Pick the chores you don’t hate, and find what’s interesting about them. Take doing the dishes as an example. Appreciate the warmth of the water. Notice the rainbows in the bubbles. Listen to the clanging and swishing sounds. Smell the scent of the soap. You won’t spend any more time doing the thing you have to do, but you may get a whole lot more out of it.
5. Meal Prep on the Weekends to Nourish Yourself
It’s easy to forget self-care for moms, especially when we have more than one child that needs to be fed. It may seem like there’s no chance we’ll have time to prep food for ourselves each day. But if you can dedicate a little time on the weekends to preparing some easy-to-reheat meals during the busy week when you are home with the kids, this will really help you later! Nourishing your body is such a wonderful act of self-care for moms. And you’ll be much less irritable with a full belly.
6. Enjoyable Add-Ons to Routine Activities
If you prefer peace and quiet on your commute or while doing chores, relish in it. If you’re like most of us, though, you zone out a lot throughout the day. You get things done but don’t know how you did them. Take these times to listen to a new album, a podcast, or an audiobook. You’ll still be getting things done and may enjoy the time more.
7. Quick Physical Activities
Gone are the days when regularly working out meant committing to lengthy hour-long workouts. You can now find dozens of workout apps and videos on your phone or tablet. Squeeze them in between naps, and include your kids in your workout, or work out when your kids are content playing with their toys. Some workouts will only take you ten minutes. And you will feel much better getting even a little movement into your day.
8. Hydrate and Prioritize Rest
Staying hydrated and getting adequate rest is essential for physical and mental well-being. Keep a water bottle nearby to remind yourself to drink throughout the day, and aim for quality sleep by winding down before bed with calming activities like reading or meditating.
9. Lean on Your Support System
Remember, you’re not in this alone. Whenever possible, ask family members or friends for support, even if it’s just for a short break. Having someone you trust watch the kids while you take a breather can make all the difference.
Self-Care for Moms: The Bottom Line
Self-care for moms should never be optional. But being a mom and taking care of everyone else before ourselves can cause us to forget about daily self-care easily. If you are a busy mom and feel like you don’t have the time to take care of yourself a little daily, try implementing these different self-care approaches each day. They only take a few minutes. Plus, you will be able to show up as a better version of yourself for those little humans who count on you daily.
