Motherhood isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s wonderful in endless ways and something many of us wouldn’t trade for the world. That doesn’t mean it’s always sunshine and butterflies. As mothers, we often put everyone else’s needs first, even when we’re running on empty.
The truth is, moms still need self-care, even if it looks a little different these days. Luckily, moms are creative, adaptable, and great at multitasking. From small moments to downright funny ones, here are some unconventional ways moms manage to sneak in a little “me time.”
The Glass is Half-Full: How Moms Get Creative (and Funny) with Their Self-Care
When traditional self-care isn’t realistic, moms find creative and often humorous ways to take care of themselves.
1. Hiding your favorite chocolate
You hide it in your sock drawer, nightstand, tampon box, or even behind the box of applesauce in the back of the pantry—anywhere it won’t be touched. Moms do enough sharing as it is, but some things shouldn’t have to be compromised.
2. Using the pasta steam as a facial
Spaghetti, mac and cheese, rotini… steam. Happy little bellies, happy mama skin. You might not visit the spa these days, but you know the kitchen is always calling.
Related: Quick Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms
3. Sitting in your parked car eating snacks, online shopping, and catching up with a friend over FaceTime
If you’re lucky enough to sneak away solo for an errand, appointment, or whatever else, you learn to take advantage of it. If you’re a mom, you know this alone time is precious, even though we know it’s ridiculous for moms to consider this self-care. (And if you can’t sneak away alone, you drive around in circles until your child falls asleep . . . and then wakes up five minutes later once you try to park.)
4. Doing at-home workouts while babywearing
Lunges, squats, push-ups, if you’re feeling daring, you name it. Sometimes easier said than done, but hey, A+ for effort, right?!
5. Hitting your daily 10,000 steps pacing the house with your newborn during the witching hour
You might be walking in circles, but you know you’ll get your steps in and hit at least 10k.
6. Catching up on podcasts and TV shows during middle-of-the-night feeds
Okay, this one might be more for entertainment since your baby or toddler has already woken you up for another feed or to go potty. But since you’re already awake, enjoy your show of choice. It can be a great chance to detach from the stressors of your everyday routine!
7. Hiding out in your bedroom “responding to emails” while your partner entertains your child across the house
Because making up an excuse is easier than asking for and explaining why you need a break. Sometimes, mama needs a minute to breathe.
Related: The Importance of Me Time as a Mother
8. Letting your child climb on your back instead of visiting the chiropractor
It might be more painful, and you won’t have a good adjustment, but at least your muscles are tender(?). Think of it as the deep tissue massage you never wanted.
9. Rushing through your nightly skincare routine while singing “wash wash wash your face, wash your face right now” in a cheery tone to your toddler
Because maybe you can distract your tiny person for a minute as you wash off yesterday’s makeup and your dignity.
10. Thawing stashed breast milk to soften dry hands when you haven’t made it in for a manicure in what feels like a lifetime
It isn’t called liquid gold for nothing!
11. Reading through pages of online motherhood forums during naps in place of regular therapy sessions
To vent about how you have a million sweet (and *flattering*) photos of your partner and child, yet very few of you and your baby. Or to be reassured that you’re still a good mom if your 1.5-year-old still takes a bottle. Or maybe finding solidarity in the everyday ups and downs of managing children, households, work, and life in general. Virtual mom networks are a wonderful thing.
12. Making sensory bins or finger painting on the kitchen floor with your kid
As a mom, your creative outlet options are unlimited!
Related: Sensory Self-Care: Using the Five Senses to Keep Kids Calm
13. Letting your little one hang out in their pack ‘n play with your phone, a snack cup, and the whole roll of toilet paper they’re currently obsessed with while you take a hot shower
You can give in, even if you swore you’d be a zero-screen-time family. As a mom, you pick your battles and do what you must to take care of yourself! No judgment or mom shame allowed!
14. Swapping date night for drive-thru donuts for your family breakfast
Or chocolate chip pancakes for the whole family in the comfort of your home on Saturday morning. Those intentional moments with your partner might be limited for this stage of life, but they’re more important than ever before.
15. Pretending to be sleeping in front of your child when they’re refusing to nap until both of you are happily dreaming
This might involve camping out on the nursery floor and hand-holding through the crib rails, but at least your body is still for a moment.
Bonus: You might even squeeze in an impromptu stretch session for those achy muscles!
16. Putting your child to bed a bit earlier than usual
6:00 pm, and the sun is still shining? No problem! Pull the blinds, set up the sound machine, and give it a go. This is definitely self-care for moms. You’re golden as long as they haven’t reached the age of telling time.
17. Using baby swim class to squeeze in some light cardio and aquatic therapy
If you haven’t tried it, wading back and forth while keeping 20-some pounds afloat to the tune of “This is the way we kick our feet, kick our feet, kick our feet” makes for more than just bonding and water safety!
18. Hosting pre-bedtime living room dance parties to get the endorphins flowing
Trust me, while burning calories, you’re also creating some of the best memories for the whole family!
19. Asking your child’s pediatrician for medical advice for yourself when you haven’t been able to schedule your own doctor’s appointment in months
As it is, you share every cold and sickness your tiny human comes down with, anyway. It only makes sense!
20. Trying out different baby playgroups, parks, and museums weekly to make mom friends and socialize
Your social life is likely (at least somewhat) different now from what it was before having a baby. Instead of the girls’ bathroom at the bar, you make new friends at baby music class. It still matters and should be nourished in a way that works for mom life!
Why These Moments Still Count
Life with kids requires flexibility and creativity, especially when it comes to taking care of ourselves. Moms often prioritize everyone else first, but that doesn’t mean our own needs disappear. Even when self-care looks a little unconventional or silly, it still matters. Moms find ways to make it work, just like we always do.
