This probably isn’t a huge surprise, but as a busy mom, it can be super hard to find time for self-care.
In fact, a recent survey conducted by Healthy Women and Working Mother magazine revealed that 78% of women say they put off their own self-care because they’re so busy taking care of others.
The fact is that with kids to take care of, meals to prepare, jobs to fulfill, and homes to keep in order, we often don’t have a whole day to devote to a hot stone massage, pedicures, manicures, and wash, cut, and style!
That’s why we’ve worked hard to create a list of great self-care ideas for moms like you!
{{Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission if you click through or purchase at no cost to you. For more information, click here.}}
We Need Simple Self Care Ideas
As always, our goal here at Jen Bradley|MOMs is to help you simplify your life, not feel like you have one more thing to do (even if it is self-care!).
Every one of these self-care ideas for moms is something you can do in 30 minutes or less.
Because we know how precious every minute of your day can be, we’ve divided our list of simple self-care ideas for moms into four sections, based on how long each activity will probably take.
Of course, if you have more time to spend, go for it!!
Keep reading to check out:
- Self-care ideas for moms that take 30 minutes or less
- Ideas for self-care that take 20 minutes or less
- Self-care ideas you can do in 10 minutes or less
- Self-care ideas that require NO extra time (yep, it’s possible!)
Simple Self-Care Ideas for Moms – 30 minutes or less
- Call an old friend
- Wake up 30 minutes before your kids
- Try a new exercise regimen
Related article: How to Actually Wake Up Before Your Kids
- Start a new morning routine
- Enjoy a warm bath or shower
- Go for a walk
- Spend 30 minutes doing your hobby
- Do some yoga
- Go to the library
- Visit the Farmer’s Market
- Have a “no alarm” morning
- Declutter a drawer in your home
Simple Self-Care Ideas that take 20 minutes or less
- Journal
- Watch something funny on YouTube
- Read a favorite book for 20 minutes
- Color in a coloring book
- Give yourself a mini-massage
- Sit outside and observe nature
- Meditate
- Start a bedtime routine
- Put on makeup
- Give yourself a manicure or pedicure
- Take a 10-20 minute nap
- Stretch
- Do a small act of service for a friend
- Take care of your shoes
- Clean out your car
- Watch a sunrise
- See the sunset
- Sign up for grocery delivery or a meal service
- Style your hair
Self-Care Ideas for Moms – Less than 10 minutes
- Write a thank-you note
- Try a new herbal tea
- Schedule your next dental or doctor appointment
- Try a new beauty product
- Get your car washed
- Repeat 5 positive affirmations
- Write down 5 things you are thankful for
- Pet a dog
- Put on a real outfit
- Declutter your handbag or diaper bag
- Have a brain dump
- Observe the stars at night
- Drink your coffee while it’s warm
- Have a personal dance party
- Buy a new pillow
- Cuddle with your kids or partner
- Get rid of old pajamas
- Clean your makeup brushes
- Buy yourself flowers for your bedroom or kitchen counter
- Sit outside and watch the clouds float by
- Buy a new notebook and pens
Self-Care Ideas that take NO Extra Time
- Drink 80 oz. of water throughout the day
- Try a new face mask
- Listen to an uplifting podcast or audiobook
- Take the day off of social media
- Practice deep breathing
- Set an earlier bedtime
- Turn your phone to silent for a morning or afternoon
- Try using a sleep mask
- Use blue-light blocking glasses in the evening
- Start taking a multi-vitamin (check with your doctor first!)
Why Self-Care is Hard for Moms
One of the trickiest things about self-care is that it doesn’t just happen by accident.
According to research, the average mom reports only getting about 17 minutes of unscheduled “me time” every day!
Instead, of waiting for self-care time to fall into our laps, we need to plan and prepare for it!
This is why we created an awesome free 30-Day Self-Care Challenge for Moms to help you start a pattern of regular self-care.
You’ll find an undated calendar and tons of information about most of the self-care activities we’ve already shared above. Doing this challenge may be just the thing you need to help you start making time for self-care!
Related article: The Ultimate 30-Day Self-Care Challenge for Moms
Why self-care is so important
Emma Bennett, LCSW, who specializes in working with new moms, told Good Housekeeping that:
“Self-care is a necessity, not an indulgence. We need to nurture ourselves just like we nurture our children. If we don’t take care of ourselves, feelings of depletion, resentment, and isolation could potentially arise.
If self-care is something you’ve felt guilty doing in the past, remember: “self-care is a necessity, not an indulgence.”
The familiar saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup” is especially true in motherhood.
And the opposite is also true: When you have a full cup, you have something to pour.
Taking time for yourself and your needs really does mean that you will be a better mom for your kids!
Less effective methods of self-care
Finally, it’s important to recognize that there are a lot of things that we do that we think are “self-care,” but in reality, that may not be the case.
Here’s a quick list of things that we might erroneously label as self-care:
- scrolling through social media
- shopping with no purpose
- staying in our pajamas all-day
- drinking excessively
- gossiping with friends
- browsing through magazines
While these activities might seem fun or relaxing in the moment, they often result in feelings of decreased self-esteem over time.
Final thoughts about these self-care ideas for moms
We hope these lists of quick self-care ideas for moms will be super helpful to you!
Finding time for self-care isn’t always easy, but we know that it IS important and can have long-lasting positive benefits for you and your whole family!
And before you go, don’t forget to grab the free 30-Day Self Care Challenge for Moms from the Jen Bradley|MOMs Free Printable Library right here!
Related articles about self-care for moms:
20 Easy Ways to Avoid Mommy Burnout
The 30-Day Gratitude Challenge for Moms
How to Actually Say Good-bye to Mom Guilt
50 Beautiful and Inspirational Quotes about Mothers
13 Cringeworthy Mom Fails That Will Help You Feel Better About Mom Life
Pin the image below to easily return to this article in the future!
What other self-care ideas for moms would you add to this list?
