Let’s face it. If you’re a mom, you’re always busy no matter what, right? Even if you are a 100% stay at home mom and you’re main job is keeping up with the house and kids, you are always busy! It seems like there is this never ending list of things to do, and not nearly enough time in the day to do it all.
Been there. Done that.
If you are a working mom, whether it be remote from home or in another location, the responsibilities increase, and you struggle to maintain that balancing act between work and family.
You start having all kinds of feelings of doubt, anxiety, disconnection, insomnia…the list goes on. There just simply isn’t enough time to absorb everything in life, keep your loved ones happy, and still feel like you’re not going to lose your mind at any moment!
Been there. Done that. Still do.
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Self-Care Comes In Many Different Forms
I truly believe that self-care can be many things, because I’ve found it in many shapes and forms, myself. Some find self-care in a nice massage or full on spa day. Some may find it in gardening, listening to music, a coffee date with a friend, etc.
While all of those things sound absolutely beautiful, there just isn’t always that extra time. Between juggling work, finances and every waking moment of the day, you start to look for new ways of self-care when you are a busy mom.
I thought I might share with you, a few of my favorite ways of tending to my self-care, and still maintaining the oh-so-tight-rope balancing act.
After all…you are still a mom among many other things. You taking some time to take care of you, is especially important to a lot of people in your life!
45 Self-Care Tips For Busy Moms Balancing Work & Family
1. Prioritize Sleep (Go To Bed On Time)
This is one of the reasons I do actually like the return of a new school year. The household routine is more in check as a whole, during those months.
I am guaranteed to be in bed by 10pm along with everyone else. I get a full 7 hours of sleep before that alarm goes off at 5am, and I feel a little more rested.
2. Journaling
I’ve always had a personal journal for myself. The purpose has changed over the years, but there is still always a journal of sorts for those moments I want one I need some doodle time.
Whether it be random ideas and thoughts on family, adventure, or business, it’s there. If you are more into drawing, it’s a scribble pad.
Whatever, the case, it’s a good way to relax and let some thoughts out of your head. You feel refreshed and burdens fades for a minute.
This is the current journal I use. It just keeps so many aspects of my life, organized and at top of mind!
3. Self Manicure
If you’re lacking time or finances for a manicure/pedicure at the salon, what’s stopping you from having one anyway? Go buy some nail polish, sit on your favorite chair, and spend a couple of hours pampering yourself!
I’m not a nail polish girl, because I’m just terrible at it. However, I will take an emory board to my nails and give them a nice cleaning and look about them. Works for me 🙂
4. Folding Laundry
I know, I know…looking at that huge pile of clean laundry waiting to be folded and put away, seems like a daunting task. I feel you! However…Once I get started, it actually kind of becomes relaxing.
It’s a chore that has to be done. If your family starts nagging for your time, you simply explain that if you don’t get it done, they will be stuck with the chore themselves.
They scatter like crazy, when that point is made! 🤣
5. Listening To Music With Your Ear Buds
This is one of my favorite ways to relax. I just put those buds in, put on my favorite playlist, and maybe just sit in my rocking chair for a moment.
If I dance through the house to grab something, everyone knows I have my buds in. They may even join in the dance for a quick moment as I’m going through!
That my friends, is self care without lifting a finger. 😊
6. Keep To A Daily Routine
Something always slides off track a bit. For the most part though, I have a routine. Morning is a small routine, dinner time is a routine, and so on.
Even if those small routine items are just an hour or so here or there, they matter. If nothing else, I feel like I took care of the major responsibilities even if the rest of my day turns into a chaotic mess half way through.
7. Shower/Bath Time
I’ve said it before and I will say again…that 15 minutes of bathroom time for a shower or bath, is mine and mine alone. I’ve drilled it in so much, that my loved ones now require the same respect! I love it!
We are all good about not taking too long, so it’s easy to manage. But when the aromatic smells coming leaking out of the bathroom, it’s definitely mom time. It is known.
8. A 5-10 Minute Break Outside For Fresh Air
This is a no brainier, but it can make all the difference. You can always step right outside your door, and close it behind you. Even if you have little kids running around the house, it can be done. Even if it’s not a full 5-10 minutes, it matters.
I will often stop on my way to the bathroom, to do exactly this. I step out…breathe in a little fresh air…walk back in and continue with my day.
That few minutes of fresh air, really helps.
9. Take A Lazy Sunday or Saturday (Completely Your Terms!)
I have fond childhood memories of Sundays, and I generally keep to those sentiments. Growing up, Sundays were always relaxation days that involved a good comfort food style dinner, and tv. Nothing more.
Any household chores were done on Saturdays.
Lazy Sundays around here are just that…Lazy.
If a friend or family member calls and I don’t feel like chatting, I don’t answer the phone. If my husband, son, and I decide to go out for lunch, we do it. Sometimes, we all want a little me time to ourselves, and it happens.
It is an anything goes sort of day. Drama and stress have no place on a Sunday.
10. Take Your Family Out To Lunch
Again, as a busy mom, you are managing a lot. You can accomplish some of the me time with family time simultaneously. A quick hour or two stepping away from the house for a lunch with your favorite people, can do wonders for your soul…and mental health!
It’s about perspective. That lunch out allows to feel more connected with your family at the same time it takes you away from other responsibilities like work and household chores.
11. Decline An Invitation When It Is Too Much Stress To Accommodate
Your family and friends want to spend time with you. That means you’re doing something right!
However, they can be pushy at times. If you are extended an invite and you really are just overwhelmed, burnt out, whatever…You can just say No.
You are an adult and you have priorities. Don’t let pressure get you down. You can politely say something won’t work for you at a certain time. You can ask for a rain check and go about your way of self-care!
12. Go Out For Coffee At A Nearby Cafe
While the cafe’ in my own town isn’t Starbucks, the coffee is decent. I have used it many times as an excuse to get out of the house and take a little self-care time. It’s just another way to take a breather, while not spending a lot of money at the same time.
And it’s a caffeine boost when you’re trying to re-energize!
13. Have Some Girl Time (A Phone Call Or Lunch Date)
I might not always be able to get together with my female favorites, but we do all have phones. A lunch date is better, but the phone will do when time and distance can’t be avoided.
Pick up the phone and call your ride-to-die friend for 30 minutes or so of girl chat. Why not? Relatable female energy can do amazing things to lift you up and inspire you.
14. Entice Your Family To Help With A Few Chores
My family hates chores. I sometimes feel like I’m the only one who cares about the house being clean and somewhat organized. Sometimes I’m just over it. 🫤
I never approach with demands unless I feel the need to go there. I mostly approach when they are not super busy, and ask if they will help me out with a favor. When I calmly explain that I’m feeling a bit tired, but a little tidying up may help all of us to feel better, they begin to get interested.
After that, I ask for help on a small task here or there through the day or days after.
Mission Accomplished!
15. Watch A Comedy Show
Laughter literally is the best medicine for any ailment, including relieving stress from overly tired, busy mom’s.
It takes but a minute to go on tv and search for some quick stand up comedy. You can do that on Youtube with your phone as a faster method.
The point is to find some kind of laughter whether it be with a show, video, or memes. Laughter always brightens your mood. That is some good self-care right there.
16. Binge Watch 2 Hours Of Your Favorite Show Even If It’s Repeats
I’ve done this plenty. There are those months when there doesn’t seem to be anything worthwhile on tv. Yet, you want a brain break with something interesting. There are certain favorite shows I have re-watched episodes of, just for that reason.
It’s a brain break from reality. It’s something you know you already love. Who cares if you know what will happen next? It just brings back a sense of normalcy.
17. Buy Yourself A New Book Or Magazine
If you are a reader, this is a great way to help with your self-care. Do a quick search for what’s new in your favorite genre, and buy it! Anything you want can be purchased online, so no need for a trip to the store.
Even is you can’t quite get to that book or magazine right away, seeing it will motivate you to find the time to read a bit of it on a lunch break!
18. Bake Some Brownies Or Cookies
Who doesn’t love the smell of a treat baking in the oven? Brownies and cookies are easy to do. Pick up a quick mix pouch from the store and take 30 minutes to bake some delicious morsels the whole family will love?
It’s a quick easy excuse to be left alone, or maybe your family will even join in. Even better!
19. Go Bra-less (Or Wear Comfortable Clothes)
Yes, I said Bra-less. Do it all the time…kid you not. I hate those nasty, restricting little garments.
I won’t do it when I know company is coming over or I’m in a populated part of the house a lot that day. But when I can let those babies loose, I do it!
Not into letting yourself out and about that much? Put on some yoga pants, a sweatshirt, t-shirt…anything that makes you feel comfy in your skin. The point is to just feel relaxed without judgement.
20. Take Up A New Hobby
I know women who have recently taken up crocheting or knitting, because it calms them. I know women who have taken up Wine & Art Classes, for self-care time. Alas, I have known women that started a blog for a way to take care of themselves for a moment.
Regardless of your preferences, spending just an hour or two doing something that interests you, goes a long way to balancing work and family life.
21. Make A Vision Board
Vision boards inspire you. They are just another method of journaling…in a visual way.
I made my first vision board a couple of years ago and it does keep me focused on my goals, even now.
It’s my inspiration, and helps me feel better every day. It is a self-care method that continually keeps me going, when nothing else does.
Keeping your dreams alive in your head, goes a long way to good self-care!
22. Light A Scented Candle Or Incense
I do both of these things fairly regularly. If I light a nice scented candle or stick of incense that I love, my whole mood transforms.
I do this often when I’m working. It inspires me. That inspiration keeps me centered around my goals, and relieves stress at the same time.
23. Go For A Walk, Bike Ride, Or Drive
Whatever suits your fancy!
If it’s a walk around the block for a few minutes, so be it. If it’s a quick bike ride around the block, even nicer with that breeze in your hair. Does a little drive make you feel better? If so, roll the windows down and put on your favorite playlist!
All goes!
24. Catch Up On One Of Your Favorite Podcasts
While I do want to listen to my favorite podcasters every day, time simply doesn’t allow for it.
You know that lazy Sunday I spoke about? Use it to catch up on an hour or so with your favorite podcaster. Remember, Lazy Sundays or your ticket to Me Time.
25. Pay A Visit To Your Parents Or A Favorite Family Member
Family is family. Sometimes, they need a little love in their chaotic lives, just as we do. If you can’t or don’t want to visit them, give them a quick phone call.
I will typically call my parents every Sunday. The conversations don’t always go on for long. It’s just a quick check-in, if you will.
Do they know I love them? Yes. Do we all have things to do? Yes. Do we all remain connected from that little moment in time, to check in? Yes.
26. Buy Some Fresh Flowers
I love a fresh bouquet of flowers. You don’t have to get them from a florist. Your local grocery store probably has inexpensive bouquets out for sale through the whole year. Sometimes, bringing home a little color and aroma, can be all you need for a bit of self-care.
27. Get Away For The Night At A Nearby Hotel
We have done this on occasion, and it really is just for a change of scenery. If you have a hotel, airbnb, or other accommodation choice you like, take advantage once a while. Especially during the off seasons when the rates are less expensive!
You don’t necessarily have to leave the kids at home. Take them with you! They will love the access to an indoor pool that most hotels have.
28. Organize Your Make Up, Momentos, Or Other Favorites
We all have our favorite things. Maybe it’s your make up collection. Perhaps it’s photos of your kids. Maybe it’s just your favorite cookbooks. Whatever that might be…organizing those things you love, brings joy.
Life gets crazy and well, frankly…dusty from time to time. If you have a favorite set of belongings or space of sorts, dust it off. Bring it back to life. It’s your favorites anyway, after all!
29. Decide To Spend $20 On Yourself
Oh, just buy yourself something! It’s $20 that would be spent on something anyway, right?
Why not decide once every month or so, to spend $20 on yourself? Doesn’t matter what it is. You’re a busy mom. You need to treat yourself once in a while.
I’m not into shopping much, but I can find a million ways to spend $20 on myself when it allows.
That could be a few coffee runs, a haircut, a t-shirt. I don’t do it often, but when I do…I spend it on something that brings a smile to my face.
30. Start Planning Your Next Getaway
Don’t think you can take a quick vacation anytime soon? It doesn’t matter. I’ve been planning my next epic getaway for a year now. Not there yet.
It still keeps me inspired to learn as much as I can about it, so I’m well informed when it does begin to take shape. It also keeps me excited, and focused on making changes needed, to make it happen.
That seems like self-care to me!
31. Experiment With A New Mocktail/Cocktail
I have done this a bunch of times. Sometimes, it’s been a coffee drink involving cinnamon, flavored creamer, and other ingredients in my spice cabinet.
There have been times when it has become a milkshake or smoothie of sorts. Sometimes, it’s been a fruity mocktail. And sometimes, it’s been a nice stiff cocktail idea that may or may not have worked out. 🤣
At the end of the day…it’s just another way to take care of yourself and feel inspired by something, at the same time.
32. Read A Favorite Cookbook For This Week’s Meal Plan
I love cookbooks. Between my husband and mother in law…we have so many cookbooks, I couldn’t possibly even browse through them all in my lifetime! lol!
Nonetheless, browsing through recipes gives me a sense of calm admist chaos. I don’t know if it’s just nice photos of yummy looking food or if it’s just how inspired I become to get a general meal plan in mind for the upcoming week.
Whatever it is…I feel like it definitely belongs in the self-care category.
33. Make A Pot Of Soup Or Stew
Making a batch of soup or stew is another favorite self-care method for me. I love taking the time to cut up some vegetables and throw a bunch of delicious ingredients into a slow cooker. The outcome is always worth the bit of prep time, and it’s relaxing. It also adds lovely smells to the house, and there’s nothing left to do when dinner time rolls around!
Limited on time? Take 10 minutes at night to cut your vegetables. Store them in airtight containers overnight, in the fridge. In the morning, you throw the ingredients into the crockpot, set it on low (or medium depending on your recipe), and let it go for several hours. Easy Peasy 😊
34. Play A Fun Board Game With Your Family
We have board and card games that are suitable for any time frame. We have those longer games that are perfect for a lazy Sunday. Then, we have those games that can be completed within 30-40 minutes.
If you are needing a little self-care time, but missing on your family too, call them to the dining table for a quick 30 minute game session. Two things accomplished at the same time!
35. Read Through Some Positive Affirmations/Quotes
Reading little phrases of encouragement and inspiration, are always a good source of self-care! You as a busy mom, are often giving your loved ones words of encouragement. You need that as well!
Affirmations not only lighten your heart, but they provide confidence in yourself that you may be lacking.
36. Invite Friends Over For Snacks/Game Day
As a busy mom, you need positive adult interaction from time to time. Let’s face it…you may have adult interaction at work, but it may not always be positive.
Take one of those lazy weekend days to invite your favorite friends over for a game day party on tv or even just brunch! It doesn’t have to take the entire day, but that hour or two with people that make your smile, is a great form of self-care!
37. Try A Few New Hairstyles Out In Your Bathroom
When you’re juggling work and family, you don’t get a lot of time to try out new looks for your hair or make up.
Maybe spend an hour trying out some new hairstyles you saw in a magazine, or different color eye shadow? Pull out the mirror and go to town. See what comes of it!
38. Organize Next Week’s Schedule
By Sunday night, I like to have a general idea of what the next week’s schedule looks like. It doesn’t have to be narrowed down to a “T”, but it needs to be somewhat organized in my mind. It just means any surprises that come my way in the coming days, isn’t going to feel quite so overwhelming.
I usually take an hour or so to fill time slots in on my scheduler, for major priorities I know need to be taken care of. If I’m able to tentatively plan for a few additional goals, even better. The point is to start your Monday morning with a fresh sense of clarity, so you can better deal with those surprise moments.
39. Play With Your Animals
If you have animals, give them a few moments of your time. There’s nothing that will make you giggle faster than a good game of tug-of-war with your adorable furry friend and his/her favorite rope toy.
That’s good self-care for a busy mom feeling like she’s constantly playing a game of tug-of-war with life!
40. Gardening/Taking Care Of Inside Plants
I may not have a green thumb, but I love life in all shapes and forms. Watering indoor and outdoor plants is not only relaxing, but you feel like you do something to give back to the world.
41. Buy A Dessert & Watch A Show With Your Family
What is a favorite dessert you and your family love? Maybe it’s ice cream. Maybe it’s cake or pie. Grab it from the store and enjoy a few minutes with your family, watching a quick show of sorts.
It doesn’t always have to be a long movie. Sometimes, we will put on an old episode of Family Feud, and enjoy each other’s company for just a quick break from life. Nothing crazy.
It definitely goes a long way to letting go of a bit of stress, as a busy mom.
42. Sleep In & Tell Your Kids Not To Bother You
Feeling a little sleep deprived? Warn the family on a Friday or Saturday night, that your alarm is scheduled for a later time the next morning.
Let them know you really need a little rest and would appreciate if no one bothered you until you get up at that time. Ask them to keep the noise level down in the morning as well.
Mom will be so happy if you guys could help her out on that. 🥰
43. Watch An Inspiring Movie
There is no lack of movies out there, designed to inspire us. Watching a movie that inspires and gives us the warm and fuzzies, is certainly a good form of self-care.
Check out my list here, of 50 Inspirational & Motivational Movies That Will Change Your Life for…well, Inspiration!
44. Eat Some Vegetables Or Fruit
I’m a big meat and potatoes sort of gal, but I do love my veggies. I think of vegetables more than fruit, because veggies naturally come to mind when making dinner. The fruit is just something I don’t consider much.
All in all…fruits and vegetables not only replenish your body, but they make you feel good! It’s additional water that your body needs. They don’t feel heavy on your stomach, and they make you feel like your being healthy. Win all the way around!
45. Spend 10-20 Minutes Having A Conversation With Your Family
That could be at dinner time or as your kids are getting ready for bed. Go to them and ask if they have a few minutes to just chat…about nothing really. Just want to say hi and let you know I love you.
Happens all the time around my house, and it definitely ranks as one of the best self-care methods out there!
Final Thoughts
I suppose in the end, it’s all about changing your perspective sometimes. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate…just thoughtful little things that make you smile along the way.
Some of these suggestions may seem like work at first glance. However, they allow you to incorporate that needed family time, a little goal accomplishment, and sanity at the same time. That my friends, is good self-care!
