As a mom, self-care is something that often gets put on the back burner. There are just so many things to tend to that carving out some time for ourselves just doesn’t happen and we find ourselves functioning in survival mode. At least, that is what I found happening to me until I decided to be more purposeful with my time.
What is Self-Care?
Self-Care does not always look like what we often think it does. Like taking a bath, relaxing at a spa, or getting your nails done (although that is self-care too).
Sometimes, it’s the very things we do not feel like doing. It means taking care of our health, which can be broken down into the following categories:
- Spiritual
- Emotional
- Physical
- Mental
More often than not, self-care requires discipline and intentionality like implementing more veggies, for example, or reading your Bible. Being consistent in this type of “self-care” is what can really change your holistic health.
There are a million different ways that you can practice self-care. And it can look different for everyone. Personally, I love cleaning. It is a way I de-stress and feel accomplished. I know that may NOT be the case for others.
Here are 15 self-care ideas for us moms who find it difficult to make time for ourselves. Some of these you can even do with your children, or while doing household chores.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means that I make a small commission, as an Amazon Associate, off of qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). This does not affect what items I recommend, and I am only listing items that I truly believe are the best.
1. Take a Shower with a Shower Steamer
If you’re a bath kind of girl, then take a bath with a nice-smelling bath bomb instead. But if you are like me and prefer taking showers, then take a shower with a relaxing shower steamer. I love these, which I get from Amazon.
The “Energize” steamers are great for morning showers, and the “Amore” pack is perfect for late-night showers when I want to relax. It has definitely changed my shower game!
2. Connect with other mamas
We as humans need to feel connected with others. But as a mom, I know how hard it can be sometimes to find time to socialize.
Find a mom group whether it’s at your church, at the gym, on Facebook, or on other social media platforms where you can meet up or connect online. It can be really encouraging to connect with moms who are in a similar season of life.
3. Go Outside
It doesn’t have to be for a long time. Even just 5 minutes of fresh air can help you feel energized and refreshed.
You can do this with your kids too by taking them on a walk or just having them play outside. This improves stress, sleep, boosts immunity, etc. There are so many benefits to being outdoors!
4. Listen to a Podcast
Find a podcast on a topic you are interested in. It can leave you feeling inspired and motivated.
I personally enjoy listening to parenting podcasts. I love finding ways I can parent better or make my life easier as a mom. They leave me feeling encouraged and the changes I’m inspired to make really do improve my emotional well-being.
5. “Schedule” Your Breaks
Make arrangements with your husband, mom, sister, friend, or a hired babysitter to watch the children every so often so that you can have some me-time that is scheduled into your calendar.
Something we have done is every week my husband takes over for a couple of hours and I leave to have some time to myself. I plan the days in advance and put them down in my calendar. This ensures that the breaks actually happen, and when I am feeling overwhelmed I know I have some free time to look forward to.
6. Drink a Calming Tea in the Evening
This is a great way to de-stress and sleep better! Drink a cup of herbal tea such as mint, lavender, chamomile, or ashwagandha. Other than helping you de-stress and sleep better, drinking tea regularly can bring you other great health benefits as well!
7. Do a 10-Minute Exercise
For some of us, exercising can seem like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be! You can do this at home by finding a YouTube video or an app and literally spend just 10 minutes a day working out.
8. Take a Social Media Break
Turn off your social media notifications for a day, or go further by temporarily deleting the apps. This is helpful if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
9. Meal Plan
While this may not sound like a relaxing self-care idea, meal planning is a way to make sure that you are intentional about the food you eat.
Meal planning can reduce your stress for the week too, and ensures that you are eating healthy homemade meals.
10. Gratitude Journal
There are many studies that show a negative correlation between gratitude and depression. Keeping a gratitude journal is a powerful way to take care of your mental and emotional health.
Each morning, write down three things you are thankful for. This doesn’t take much time at all, but it will help you begin your day with a positive attitude. And over time, you will begin to develop a positive mindset. Not only will you be a more joyful person, but you will attract others as well!
11. Prep Fresh Veggies for a Healthy Snack Option
Wash and cut fresh veggies to store in your fridge. You are much more likely to snack on a fresh vegetable when it is prepped and ready to eat. You can also buy a ready-made tray at your grocery store, but I like saving money and just making my own.
12. Brain Dump
Make a list of everything on your mind. You can do this at night before going to bed if you have a hard time falling asleep, or whenever you are feeling overwhelmed.
You can go a step further if you want and plug things from that list into your calendar. This will help you get things done and will reduce your anxiety.
13. Plan a Get-Together
Make a plan to get together with a friend. If you have small children and it is difficult to go out, invite them to your house instead.
14. Hire Help
Take things off your plate if you are feeling like you are drowning. If your messy house is making you feel stressed, hire a maid to come and clean once a week. If you need more time to get other things done or do something for yourself, hire a nanny for several hours a week.
No one can do it all, and there is no shame in getting help when you need it.
15. Create a Morning Routine
Create some more time for yourself by waking up earlier. Be intentional in that time and implement things that will help start your day on a positive and healthy note. You can exercise, get dressed, do a load of laundry, read a book, take your vitamins, etc.
I talk about creating a morning routine a lot. That is because it has been a total game changer to my life as a mom. I’m more positive, and more productive. And I’m able to do things for myself that I wouldn’t have time for otherwise.
