Hey mama. If self-care feels like another assignment you haven't finished, let's make it a little less complicated.
You don't need a spa weekend or a perfectly quiet house to do something for yourself. Sometimes it's moving your body. Sometimes it's a podcast in the bath. Sometimes it's the snack you bought before car line and would really like to eat without sharing.
Here are nine realistic self-care ideas for busy moms. Pick what fits your energy, budget and season of motherhood. This is a menu, not a checklist.
1. Move in a way you enjoy
My Peloton has been one of my go-to ways to make time for myself. Yours might be a walk, a few stretches or dancing around the kitchen. Choose something you actually like and a length of time that works today.
2. Make an ordinary routine feel like yours
A bath with Dr. Teal's and a favorite podcast has been another go-to for me. If a bath isn't your thing, try music during your shower or a few quiet minutes while you get ready. You don't have to buy anything new.
3. Notice one good thing
A gratitude note can be as small as “My coffee was still hot.” Write it down or just notice it. You can appreciate something good and still admit that the day has been hard. Both can be true.
4. Connect with someone who gets it
A coffee date is lovely when it works. A quick FaceTime with your mama bestie counts, too. Send the voice note, check in with a friend or let someone know you could use a little company.
5. Enjoy a small treat
I've grabbed something sweet while pumping gas before heading to car line. Something just for me that I don't have to share with the kids. A library book, a favorite song or the good snack can be a small bright spot in an ordinary day.
6. Take a break from scrolling
Put the phone out of reach for one small pocket of time. Maybe while you're eating lunch or winding down. See what you want to do with that space before another feed decides for you.
7. Give yourself a quiet minute
Sit outside, jot down what's on your mind or pause before moving to the next task. You don't need a perfect meditation practice. A moment without adding more noise can be enough for today.
8. Put something you enjoy on the calendar
Reading, painting, walking, watching your show—whatever feels like you. Start with a small window you can realistically keep. If finding that window is the hard part, read how to find time for yourself as a mom for ideas about boundaries and sharing responsibilities.
9. Make room for rest when you can
Okay, this one can be hard AF. Bedtime doesn't always belong entirely to us. On a night when it's possible, let an optional task wait and give yourself a chance to rest. Rest doesn't have to be earned by finishing the whole house.
What do you need today?
Ask yourself that before choosing an idea. Company? Quiet? Something fun? A break from making decisions?
You can choose one small thing and leave the rest. And if the bigger problem is an overflowing workload, you deserve practical support with that workload, too.
xo,
Sarah
Keep reading
- Making time for yourself through boundaries and shared responsibilities
- Let's Mother the Mothers
- More motherhood + mental health conversations
About Sarah
Sarah Komers is the founder of Mom Culture® and a mom of three, sharing honest conversations about motherhood, midlife and raising good humans.
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