As a mom, finding time for yourself can be a real challenge. But don’t worry, there are plenty of self care ideas for moms to help you take care of yourself and be the best version of yourself for your family.
Picture this: you’re trying to sneak in a few minutes of alone time to indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure – a trashy reality show – when suddenly, your little one appears out of nowhere and demands your attention. Sound familiar? As a mom, finding time for yourself can be a real challenge. But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity.
As moms, we tend to put everyone else’s needs before our own. We run around all day, taking care of everyone and everything, and by the end of the day, we’re exhausted. That’s where self-care comes in. It’s about taking the time to care for yourself, so you can be the best version of yourself for your family.
So, what exactly is self-care? Well, it can mean different things to different people.
For some, it’s taking a long, hot bath. For others, it’s going for a run or practicing yoga. It could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or indulging in your favorite treat. The key is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.
But here’s the thing – self-care isn’t just about taking a break from the daily grind. It’s also about setting boundaries and prioritizing your needs. It’s about saying no to things that drain your energy and yes to things that bring you joy. It’s about giving yourself permission to put yourself first.
And, it’s not just important for your own well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’re also setting an example for your children. You’re showing them that it’s okay to prioritize their own needs and that self-care is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.
So, whether it’s taking a long bubble bath, going for a walk in nature, or indulging in your favorite hobby, make sure you’re making time for yourself. You deserve it, mama!
Pregnant with my first precious baby, I didn’t listen to my doctor when I went into labor two full months before my baby was due.
She told me to put myself on modified bed rest.
I didn’t listen, I didn’t put myself first, and because of that, my soon-to-be premature daughter and I paid the price with an early arrival and long-term hospital stay.
The Biggest Problem When You’re a Busy Mom is Not Putting Yourself First
Self-care is not optional. If you’re sick, you go to the doctor, right? This is a form of self-care that is as important as paying attention to and taking action to ensure your mental well-being comes first, too.
Some common myths about self-care
- Everything else is more important.
- Self-care takes too much time.
- I don’t have the resources.
- Putting myself first is selfish.
The truths about self-care and why it’s extra essential for you to make it a priority as a mom
If you always put yourself last, falsely believing everything else is more important, your quality of life will suffer.
You can incorporate plenty of self-care options into your daily routine that takes time away from your other responsibilities. The key is balance. And when you feel refreshed, not only will you feel happier, those you love will feel better, too!
There are many ways to practice self-care that are free.
Now, let’s get on to the list!
13+ Self-Care Ideas for Moms
Go for a walk
The benefits of moving your body are endless, and going for a walk is one of the easiest ways to exercise.
Lay on an acupuncture mat
Confession: I am terrified of acupuncture. With extreme back pain and disc degeneration, I know it’s something I should try because of the numerous positive effects I’ve learned.
Unfortunately, I’m not that brave, and no one likes to be “should” on – haha! So as an alternative, I purchased what I refer to as my faux acupuncture mat.
This thing has not only been therapy for my back pain, it’s proven to be a stress-reducer I don’t want to live without.
Unplug
Let’s be honest! We’re pretty much glued to our computers and phones nowadays. Sure, having all the information we could ever want right at our fingertips is hella convenient. But, let’s be real, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
Especially for all the moms out there. When we’re constantly bombarded with notifications and distractions like social media, it’s hard to stay focused. And when we’re not productive, it can lead to some serious anxiety.
That’s where unplugging comes in as a form of self-care. Trust me, taking a break from technology will help you feel so much better, and it’ll even positively impact the people you care about the most.
So, start small by committing to just an hour without technology. Set a timer and use that time to do something intentional that’ll benefit your mental health. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed and recharged you feel after taking a little tech break.
Breathe deep
This is an easy one you can do at any time, anywhere. Please take a moment, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and slowly let it out.
Three times, three big, feel-good breaths.
Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Be silly with your child
Have fun. Do something silly. Hang upside down on the couch. Laugh.
These are the kind of memories you both want to carry with you for life.
As moms, we’re constantly trying to balance our responsibilities and make sure that our kids are happy and healthy. But, it’s important to remember that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our little ones. And, sometimes, the best way to do that is to be silly with your child.
Spending time being silly with your child can be an incredibly fun and joyful form of self-care. Whether it’s having a dance party in the living room, making silly faces, or just goofing around, being silly with your child can help you let loose, relax, and forget about your worries for a little while.
Not only is being silly with your child a form of self-care, it can also help relieve mom guilt. It’s easy to feel guilty when you’re taking time for yourself, but when you’re spending time being silly with your child, you’re not only taking care of yourself, you’re also building a deeper connection with your child.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try taking a break and being silly with your child. Not only will you feel more relaxed and energized, but you’ll also be creating memories that you and your child will cherish for years to come. And, you’ll be setting an excellent example for your child, showing them that it’s important to take care of themselves and have fun along the way.
Laugh
Let’s talk about laughter, baby! It’s seriously one of the best forms of self-care out there. I mean, is there anything better than having a good laugh? And, when you’re laughing with the little person you love most, it’s pure magic.
The benefits of laughter are endless. Not only can it make it easier to forgive and forget, but it can even stop a tantrum in its tracks! So, the next time your kiddo is on the verge of a meltdown, try tickling them, telling a silly joke, or just making a silly face. You’ll be amazed at how quickly a good laugh can diffuse the situation.
But, it’s not just for kids. As adults, we can benefit from laughter, too. It can boost our mood, reduce stress, and even provide some physical health benefits. So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try watching a funny movie, reading a humorous book, or even just spending time with friends who always make you laugh.
At the end of the day, laughter truly is the best medicine. It’s a simple yet powerful form of self-care that we can all benefit from. So, go ahead and let out a good laugh, even if it’s just at yourself. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
I LOVE the list of 105 ways to make your child laugh I found over at thisnthatparenting.com! Check them out and bookmark or pin her post for anytime you need some instant ideas.
Dance party
Another fun, free self-care idea for you, mama, is to have a dance party. Tell Alexa to play your favorite song, start your awesome playlist or tune in to find a short dance party on YouTube.
Start or write in a journal
Journaling! It’s one of the most popular forms of self-care, and for a good reason. Journaling can be incredibly therapeutic and is a great way to take care of yourself.
Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or just need a space to process your thoughts and emotions, journaling can be a powerful tool. It allows you to reflect on your experiences, work through your feelings, and better understand yourself.
Plus, there are so many different ways to journal. You can write out your thoughts in a traditional journal, doodle and draw in a sketchbook, or even use a digital journaling app. Whatever method you choose, the act of putting your thoughts down on paper (or screen) can be incredibly cathartic.
And, the best part? You don’t need any special equipment or training to start journaling. All you need is a pen and paper (or a device to type on) and a willingness to be open and honest with yourself.
So, if you’re looking for a simple and effective form of self-care, give journaling a try. It may just surprise you with how much it can help you feel more centered and in control of your emotions.
Call a friend you’ve meant to connect with
I believe the best kind of friends are the ones you care so much about and have the ability to go days, weeks, months, or even years without seeing, and when you reconnect, it’s like no time at all has passed.
This self-care idea is sure to put a smile on both of your faces and hearts.
Take an online course
Being a life-long learner is not only modeling good habits for your children, it’s taking care of yourself as well.
Read a book
Reading makes you smarter and helps you sleep better, two of many advantages.
MY FAVORITE WHEN IT COMES TO SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR MOMS, ESPECIALLY- Do a random act of kindness
Good books are good books, and while Fill a Bucket is written for kids, I suggest every grow-up read it, too. If you don’t own a copy- hear it here, and if there’s no other single best recommendation I can make to you today as I share this long list of self-care ideas for moms, it’s to do or say something nice for someone else.
This is another action item that will not only make YOU feel good, it positively impacts the mental health and well-being of others.
Read next: a magic solution to getting your child to listen every single time.
Compliment a stranger
Similar to my recommendation above, compliment a stranger.
Before you leave your house, consciously make a commitment that you’re going to find something to compliment a stranger on while you’re out.
Simple. Easy. Impactful.
The Ultimate Self Care Ideas for Moms: The Last Thing You Need to Know
As a mom, you have a lot on your plate. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life and forget to take care of yourself. But with these ultimate self care ideas for moms, you now have a starting point to make self-care a regular part of your routine.
Remember, self-care isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s about taking the time to care for yourself, so you can be the best version of yourself for your family. So, whether it’s taking a bubble bath, going for a walk, or indulging in your favorite hobby, make sure you’re making time for yourself.
By incorporating these self-care ideas into your routine, you can start to reduce stress, improve your mental and physical health, and set an example for your children.
What are you waiting for? Give yourself permission to put yourself first and start taking care of yourself today!
I would love to hear your top one or two favorite ways you incorporate self-care in your life. Post your comment below.
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