Being a busy mother can sometimes feel like an endless juggling act, with little time left for yourself. I am a mom of two, so I get it! You might be thinking, 'I barely have enough time to take care of my family, how can I possibly find time for self-care?'

But the truth is, self-care is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity for your well-being. In fact, taking care of yourself is essential for being able to take care of others effectively.

That’s why I wanted to share with you some practical and manageable self-care tips that can fit into your schedule, no matter how busy you are.

Self-Care Tips for Busy Mothers

Here are my 5 favorite ways to for self-care as a mom:

Prioritize Sleep

For me, sleep is one of the most crucial self-care routines to prioritize. When you’re well-rested you are more ready to tackle the demands of motherhood.

As a busy mom, it can be all too easy to neglect your own sleep needs while taking care of everyone else, especially as a new mom with middle of the night feeds. However, getting sufficient sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating, making it harder to be fully present for your family.

I am the first to admit that prioritizing sleep is hard to do, but a few things that have worked for me over the years as being a mom include establishing a consistent sleep routine for both me and the kids. I will forego dinner out if it means my kids go to bed on time, as to me, my sleep is more important.

My husband and I also take turns in getting up with the kids in the morning, so we both get a chance to lay in. We did the same with late night feeds. It works incredibly well, as there really no need for us both to be up at 5am in the morning with my early riser.

Additionally, I’ve created a comfortable sleep environment by investing in a good mattress and pillows for me and the kids. I keep the rooms cool, dark, and quiet (blackout curtains are a must!).

Set Boundaries and Learn to Say No

As a busy mother, it can be easy to constantly put others' needs ahead of your own. However, it's crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important. You can’t pour from an empty cup!

So, practice setting boundaries as this allows you to establish limits on your time and energy, ensuring that you have enough left for yourself.

Tell yourself it is ok to say no or decline requests and obligations that may overwhelm you or interfere with your well-being.

If people get upset, that is a ‘them’ problem, not yours. 

Make Time for Exercise

Another way to prioritize your well-being as a busy mother is by making time for exercise. It may seem challenging to fit exercise into your already packed schedule but carving out even just a few minutes each day can make a big difference. Find activities that you enjoy and that are easily accessible, such as taking a brisk walk around the neighborhood or following an online workout video. Not only will exercise help you stay physically fit, but it can also boost your mood and relieve stress. 

I like to involve the whole family in my exercise routine by going for bike rides together or playing an active game in the backyard. 

Remember, taking care of yourself through exercise will benefit both you and your family in the long run.

Practice Mindful Breathing

A simple step you can take as part of your mom self-care routine is to take set moments throughout the day to focus on your breath and practice mindful breathing.

Mindful breathing involves paying attention to your breath, without judgment or analysis. Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, feeling the air fill your lungs, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.

As you breathe, notice the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body. Allow yourself to let go of any tension or stress with each exhale.

I like to do this when I first wake up to get me set for the day.

Connect With Other Mothers for Support

I cannot tell you enough how much I treasure my mom friends! These are the people in my life that just get it. Over the years we have laughed together, cried together, and been there for each other. They are my much-needed support system when being a mom gets hard. 

If you don’t have any mom friends yet, then I highly recommend seeing if there are any mom groups in your area. Although it was awkward at first to put myself out there, I have met some life-long friends through my local mom’s group. It was worth those first few awkward meetings. 

Whether it's joining a local mom's group, attending parenting classes, or participating in online communities, connecting with other mothers allows you to form meaningful connections and build a support network. This network can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a safe space to share your thoughts and concerns.

Other Ways to Find Self Care as a Mom

I recognize we are all unique and ways I like to manage my self-care might not be for everyone, so here are some more busy moms relaxation and self-care ideas you might want to consider:

Nourish Your Body With Healthy Food

• Plan and prepare nutritious meals ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.
• Stay hydrated and focus on a balanced diet to fuel your body.

Delegate Tasks and Ask for Help

• Identify the most important tasks and focus on those first.
• Delegate responsibilities to family members or hire help when possible.

Schedule Regular "Me Time”

• Block out specific time in your schedule for self-care activities.
• Treat this time as non-negotiable, just like any other appointment.

Engage in Hobbies and Interests

• Indulge in your hobbies and interests in a valuable way to reclaim your identity and find fulfillment amidst the demands of motherhood. 
• Take time out to find new hobbies that interest you.

Set Realistic Expectations

• Accept that you can't do everything perfectly.
• Set realistic goals and learn to say no when necessary.

Organize and Simplify

• Streamline your daily tasks and home organization to reduce chaos.
• Simplify routines to make them more manageable.

Practice Self-Compassion and Forgive Yourself

• Take a moment to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion by forgiving any mistakes or shortcomings.
• Remember that you're only human and that it's okay to make mistakes.
• Forgive yourself and let go of any guilt or self-criticism that may be holding you back.

Unplug From Technology and Embrace Nature

• Step away from your devices and venture outdoors. 
• Breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on your skin, and listen to the soothing sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling. Nature has a unique way of calming and grounding us, allowing us to recharge and find balance amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Seek Professional Help When Needed

• Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed.
• Join support groups or connect with other mothers who can relate to your experiences.

Guest Author

Alison Banfield
proudhappymama

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Hi, I'm Allison! I'm an experienced mom of two, wife, and founder of Proud Happy Mama! Backed with a Masters Degree in Public Health, a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, a long career in health and safety, and 10 years of hands-on experience using, researching, and testing baby products, I love to use my parenting experience to support and encourage other parents.

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