14 Simple Self-Care Tips & Ideas for Busy Moms
As busy moms, it can be hard to find time to take care of ourselves. But self-care for busy moms is a crucial part of staying healthy and happy, and it doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the spa.
Here are 14 simple things you can do for yourself that will help you relax and recharge.
Taking even just a few minutes each day to practice self-care can help improve your mood and wellbeing and avoid falling into the “I hate being a mom” downward spiral.
Why is self care so important for busy moms?
With countless of tasks to manage every day, busy moms have one of the most challenging jobs. Taking care of yourself as a busy mom is crucial to the success in your personal, family, work and outside commitments.
Did you know that by making self-care a priority it is a sign of being a successful mom? We all want to feel successful or more fulfilled in our role as a mom, so this is one step you can make towards being a successful mom today.
Self care includes things like taking time to read a book, going for a walk or scheduled spa appointments – anything that makes you feel relaxed and energized so that you can tackle any task ahead of you!
How to make time for self-care as a mom
After four kids, a set of twins, I realized I can’t rely solely on “after kids are in bed” to finally get a few minutes to myself.
After I had my second baby, I learned about Independently Play and immediately started to teach my young 18 month old toddler the lifelong skill of Independent Play.
Best thing I ever did as a busy and tired mom of four kids.
All four of my kids have been doing Independent Play since they were one years old, giving me HOURS of kid-free time every day. I found this to be the best way to schedule time for me, as a full time SAHM every day.
Learn more: How to Encourage Independent Play for your toddler
Self-Care Ideas for Busy Moms to do Daily
While it’s always a great idea to set aside specific time focused on self-care, we should also be incorporating self care throughout our day.
1. Establish a morning routine – that is kid FREE
Establishing a morning routine can be especially helpful for busy moms who often take care of the whole family.
A regular ritual helps to set up your day for success, and it goes beyond just setting alarms and putting breakfast on the table.
A morning routine should include self-care, such as making time for exercise, reading a book, words of affirmation, and eating a healthy breakfast.
It’s important to structure your daily schedule in such a way that you have plenty of time for yourself, so that you can focus on yourself instead of being run ragged by everyone else’s needs.
Having an effective morning routine will give you the energy and strength necessary to start your day off with a brighter outlook!
Want to know what other routines you should be doing as a busy mom? There are 13 important daily routines busy moms should be doing to help be more productive and reduce stress.
2. Take A Shower Daily
Whether you’re a busy mom with little ones running around or a career-focused mom with a million things to do, taking a shower every day is an essential part of your self-care for busy moms routine.
As a mom with a packed full agenda each day, I find it best to take a shower first thing in the morning, as part of my morning routine.
So many times I have told myself I will squeeze in that shower later on, and then it never happens and it affects my mood and productivity for the rest of the day.
Set aside at least 15 minutes each day just for yourself under the hot water and finish it off by rubbing on your favourite moisturiser to remind you how special and valued you are.
3. Take care of your skin & body
A beauty routine doesn’t have to be a time-consuming commitment; it just needs to be something that works for your lifestyle, and makes you feel good!
Each morning get up and spend a few minutes on YOU. When you feel you look great, you feel better about yourself and your day. Even if you don’t think you will see another adult for the rest of the day, it matters.
Just remember one thing today, feeling good MATTERS! Take a moment to make yourself a priority by creating a little beauty routine!
4. Get Some Exercise
Physical activity is a great way to stay in shape and take care of yourself, and one of the best forms of self care for busy moms.
But what if I told you that you don’t have to sacrifice your own needs for others’?
Not only does exercise keep you healthy physically, but it can be a much-needed emotional boost as well. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential self care, and here’s the best part; it doesn’t have to take up much of your time!
Try move a little bit every day. There are countless ways to incorporate exercise into your routine without taking too much time out of the day.
Easy exercise ideas:
- Going for a walk or jog once a day outside
- Join an online exercise class
- Stretching while you watch TV in the evenings
Little movement can help reset your mood and de-stress. Imagine how great it would feel to add something positive into your routine that not only benefits you but those around you too! Get moving and reap the rewards.
Here is a doable daily exercise routine for busy moms that you are sure to love!
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5. Make Time For Yourself – You are a priority
Being a busy mom can be hard, but it’s important to make time for yourself. Self care is essential to keeping your stress level low and your energy level high.
Start by making a “Self-Care” list of activities that you enjoy such as reading or exercising.
Carving out just 15-30 minutes a day for something that is just for you can make a world of difference in your life!
Treat it like an appointment and add it to your calendar. Don’t sacrifice on yourself, make yourself a priority.
Though it may feel indulgent at first, if we don’t make time for ourselves, it has the potential to create more stress in the long run.
Start small – pick one activity and commit to doing it regularly. Making time for yourself is not only beneficial but also an essential part of being a mom.
6. Get Enough Sleep
When people say “get sleep” all of the busy mamas are rolling their eyes, am I right? You’re thinking, “mom’s don’t get sleep”!
But we all WANT sleep. Sleep deprivation is a serious issue with many moms causing brain fog, more impatience, irritability.
Making sure you get enough sleep should be a priority! It is essential for your mental health.
If your kids aren’t sleeping, mom isn’t sleeping
How well do your kids sleep? Is your baby at 8 months still waking up every 3 hours?
Moms need sleep more than any other season in our lives, which is why I’m passionate in encouraging mom’s to sleep train their kids from a young age.
I was so thankful that prior to having kids I was able to watch my sister sleep train my nephews. It gave me a front row seat to how it can successfully be done.
I learned there are so many benefits to sleep training, but the biggest one being, she regularly got EIGHT hours of sleep each night and she felt rested as a new mom with a 4 month old. I was sold at that very moment!
So when I had my first son, prior to him even being born I read a couple of books on sleep training so I knew the approach I was going to take.
Still today, one of the best decisions I made for my own personal self care and mental health, was sleep training all four of my children and giving myself the sleep I deserved and needed as a busy mom.
Let’s start getting you the 8 hours of sleep you need every night, It is so important.
7. Eat Well and Recharge
Taking the time to prioritize your own health and wellbeing amidst your busy life is essential.
Self-care has become a hot topic as of late, and as a busy mom, you deserve to join in!
Nutritious food that gives you energy and make you feel good should be a must for everyone—including yourself!
By developing an eating plan and a balanced diet, that energizes rather than weighs you down, you can stay motivated and refueled through each day without feeling sluggish or tired.
Take time to focus on yourself and eat well: your body will thank you for it!
Do you take vitamins regularly?
Part of eating well, is also making sure your body has the nutrients it needs daily to function and a strong immune system.
After having my kids I started to feel sluggish, laking in energy. I had my “numbers” checked and learned that I was low in certain areas.
Taking vitamins regularly has helped tremendously, I can feel a difference from weeks I’m consistent to weeks when I’m not.
I have found that having a morning routine that works FOR ME, and sets my day up for success helps so much as a busy and stressed mom. My Smoother Morning Guide is helps both mom and child. As it is loaded with tip and hacks, plus a daily checklist to create a smooth morning for your kids too!
8. Find Ways to Unwind & Relax
Taking time to unwind and relax doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Start by making small changes that improve your mental and physical well-being.
- Turn off social media
- Mani / pedi
- Practice yoga stretches
- Listen to your favorite music
- Listen to a podcast
- Listen to an audio book
- Journal
- Read an inspiring book during nap times
- Go for a walk by yourself (for alone time) or with a friend to refresh your mind and enjoy nature.
- Treat yourself to something small like a face mask or a facial
- Massages
- Get your hair done
- Light candles
- Take deep breaths
- Dance party
- Bubble baths
- pursue a new hobby
Take it from me; when you ignore self-care, you may find that you become overwhelmed and it can lead to hate being a mom. So don’t be afraid to find ways that work best for you to relax, reboot and recharge!
9. Seek Support from Family & Friends
Having a village and a support systems / support groups helps so much! Stay-at-home moms can feel guilty to arrange childcare (especially if it’s a paid sitter), just to get some away time, but it is needed to be a better parent. Don’t succumb to mom guilt.
Prior to having the twins, I was definitely that mom that felt she could and “should” do it ALL. The twins came and I realized I physically and mentally couldn’t and SHOULD’T, do it ALL.
Seeking support from a family member and friends made all of the difference for me and kept me from having a break down in that first year, with 4 children all 3 years and under.
Call your best friend and vent. Having trusted confidants can be absolutely invaluable. Say, “YES” to receiving and asking for support.
10. Practice Mindfulness & Gratitude
One small step you can take to prioritize self care is to practice mindfulness and gratitude.
Mindfulness means simply being present – tuning into your thoughts and physical sensations right now, in this moment.
Gratitude involves reflecting on what you are thankful for, from big wins down to tiny daily joys.
Small moments can really add up.
Write down positive affirmations or things you are thankful for, to have available quickly for when things don’t feel that way. Even just taking five minutes a day to reflect on thankfulness & gratitude can go a long way!
11. Learn to Say No When Necessary
As a busy mom, it’s important to practice self care by learning to set boundaries and say no when necessary.
Saying no can be difficult, especially when you don’t want to disappoint others or when you don’t feel like you’re doing enough.
But it’s a critical part of maintaining your own health, both physically and mentally. It allows you to balance responsibilities and have time for yourself which in turn allows you to be more present for your family.
Saying ‘no’ is about setting boundaries and is an act of self-care, so don’t feel guilty when it’s the right decision for you!
12. Get out of the house!
Even if it’s just a quick walk to your local park. Getting away from home can do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.
Go for a drive with the windows down and your favorite music on, (one of my favorite past times) do a target run, or meet up with friends over coffee, even with kids in tow.
Whatever it is, get out there and enjoy some fresh air!
13. Take Timeouts
It might not sounds like a lot, but setting aside 5 minutes here and there throughout your day can really make a difference in how much energy you have left at the end of it all.
Giving yourself a “time out” as a mom is a sign of a healthy and intuitive mom. Have you ever had that feeling rising up in you, you know you are about to blow and get angry at the kids.
Walk away. Go to your room. Shut the door, and grant yourself a “time-out”. It’s a mental break, it’s self care, and it’s the best decision in that moment.
14. Identify Your Stressors
Take the time to identify your stressors.
In our hectic day-to-day lives, it can be difficult to single out which factors are negatively impacting our mental health and causing stress.
Start by considering which situations create a sense of anxiety or overwhelm for you. Additionally, think about the people in your life that push your buttons or cause arguments.
Is your home stressing you out? Princeton came out with a study that a cluttered home creates stress, especially for moms who reside in the home most of the day.
I mention this, because I think we often over look our home life and the stress it could be having on us as moms. According to Princeton, it’s significant. If you are resenting with this, check out Declutter, Organize and Simplify my home, to start loving your home again.
Once you’ve identified these areas and individuals, strive to come up with strategies to decrease the effects they have on your wellbeing. Even small changes can make a big difference in preventing stress from taking over your life.
What self care for busy moms can I do to Pamper Myself?
As a busy mom, it can be hard to find the time to make yourself feel special. Investing in moments that can help uplift your spirit and inspire you is essential for feeling fulfilled.
Look for things that bring you joy and offer simple ways for you to relax and rejuvenate, like:
- Take 10 minutes out of your day to read an inspiring book
- Sit in your backyard with a hot cup of tea or glass of wine and unplug
- Spa day, even if it’s an “at home face mask”
- Get your hair or nails done, or do a mani/pedi at home (this is the BEST home gel kit with UV light!)
- Buy yourself flowers
- Treat yourself to a gift every now and then
During those times, make sure to shut off any distractions such as technology, allowing yourself much-deserved mental clarity.
All of these self care habits give busy moms an opportunity to refill their cups on a regular basis – and really that’s what it means to pamper yourself!
What Self Care Ideas for busy moms relieves stress?
If you are looking to relieve stress from a long day of children, try some of these ideas:
Get Outside
There is nothing quite like nature when it comes to relieving stress. Go for a walk, run, or bike ride either alone or with friends or family members. The fresh air and natural beauty will help clear your head and relax your body.
Sunday is a great day to reset for the week and spend time as a family before the weekly grind starts.
Take a Bath
Taking a hot bath is an easy way to relax after a long day of parenting. Throw in some essential oils, Epsom salts, or bubbles for extra relaxation benefits!
Read a good book
Curl up with your favorite book or magazine and escape into another world for awhile! Reading can be calming, entertaining, and educational all at the same time!
Listen to Music or an encouraging podcast
Listening to music is therapeutic in so many ways! Whether you prefer heavy metal or classical music, turn on your favorite tunes and let them lift your spirits!
Listening to an encouraging podcast can relieve stress. Sometimes the perfect words at the right time can change our spirit and mood.
Journaling
Writing down your thoughts can be incredibly theraputic. You don’t even have to write about what’s bothering you—you could journal about anything from something funny that happened today to plans for the future!
Exercise
Exercise is good for both physical and mental health—it releases endorphins which help reduce stress levels while also getting you active! Even if you don’t want to go full exercise mode, try doing some yoga poses at home or going for a walk around the block! Here’s a easy and doable daily exercise routine!
Drink Tea
Drinking tea can be calming due its naturally occurring antioxidants and nutrients (plus it tastes great!). Try drinking chamomile tea before bedtime as it has been known to help with sleep issues associated with stress!
Indulge in Your Favorite Treats
Everyone needs balance in their lives. Allow yourself small indulgences which will make you feel rewarded while helping keep those cravings away! I’m a firm believer in everything in moderation!
Get Creative
Doing creative activities such as painting, scrapbooking, writing stories, playing an instrument, all help reduce stress and being enjoyment to your day!
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Spending quality time with your spouse, in a date night, with friends, or with family. Positive relationships do wonders when trying to relieve stress levels. Sharing special moments will help bring joy back into your life again!
Everyone experiences stress from time-to-time but as moms we need ways of dealing with our daily struggles without completely burning out, so I hope these ideas sparked an interests and give you the push you need to make yourself a priority.
What is Depleted Mother Syndrome and how does it impact self care for busy moms?
Depleted Mother Syndrome is when moms sacrifice their own self-care in pursuit of caring for their family and in return experience physical and mental exhaustion.
It is a dangerous cycle that can quickly lead to burnout and extended periods of feeling overwhelmed; however, with the right kind of balance it doesn’t have to be that way!
Self care for busy moms recap
Taking regular breaks to recharge, bring in childcare when possible, and finding simple and creative ways to incorporate self-care into your day, are all great ways that busy mothers can ensure they maintain their own wellbeing while taking care of those they love.
Self care for busy moms should always be at the top of your priority list.
Remember that self care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary!
Taking time for yourself as a mom will only make you better equipped to take care of others too! So don’t forget to take some time out every now and then just for YOU! You deserve it!
Don’t forget to join the GMH’s Tribe where you will get weekly encouragement, mom tips and secrets to eliminate mom stress right in your inbox. This is our Mom Movement Era, let’s change the narrative of motherhood.
Looking for more ways to eliminate stress as a busy mom? Check out these…
Want other amazing mom routines to help you stay on top of mom life?
Check out 13 Important Routines for Moms
I would love to hear from you, leave a comment, and share your favorite self care idea below.
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