33 Self-Care Tips That Will Make You A Better Mom

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In the hustle and bustle of daily life, moms often find themselves putting their own needs at the bottom of the priority list. Juggling the responsibilities of motherhood, work, and household chores can leave little time for self-care. However, taking care of oneself is not a luxury but a necessity for every mom. Self-care is about nurturing your physical, mental, and emotional well-being so that you can show up as the best version of yourself for your family.

Let’s explore the importance of quick self-care tips and self-care ideas for moms to help you carve out moments of rejuvenation and self-indulgence amidst the chaos of everyday life. Let’s discover how you can be an amazing mom, prioritize self-care, and give yourself the love and attention you truly deserve.

It’s high time to stop putting yourself last and embrace the importance of self-care for YOU.

The Challenges of Self-Care for Moms

In order to keep being the awesome mom you are, you need to set aside time for some much-needed self-care and TLC. You can’t take care of your family if you’re running on empty. Period. Amazing Moms are literally the busiest people on earth – don’t you agree?

The first challenge is time constraints and mom guilt, which can make it difficult for moms to prioritize self-care. With the demands of raising children, managing household responsibilities, and potentially juggling work commitments, finding dedicated time for self-care can feel like an impossible task.

Then there is overcoming societal expectations and pressures, which is another challenge for so many moms. Society often reinforces the notion that busy mothers should constantly prioritize the needs of their children and neglect their own well-being. This can lead to feelings of guilt and the belief that self-care is selfish or indulgent.

Additionally, societal expectations around appearance, parenting styles, and achievements can add further pressure on many moms, making it even more challenging to prioritize their own self-care needs.

Getting a little personal TLC doesn’t make you a bad mom, okay? It’s not selfish; it’s needed. Some of these self care ideas for moms only take a few minutes, while others are more of a time commitment. You choose what works for you.

Here are 33 self care ideas for moms who need a little inspiration to start taking time for themselves & put focus on their mental health.

Some reading about self-care for busy moms:

• Going Beyond Mom: How to Activate Your Mind, Body & Business After Baby
• Time for Mom-Me: 5 Essential Strategies for a Mother’s Self-Care
• Only Love Today: Reminders to Breathe More, Stress Less, and Choose Love
• Postpartum Self-Care Tips for New Moms

33 Self Care Ideas For Moms

1. HAVE A FRIEND DATE ONCE A MONTH

I don’t know about you, but being a Mom means I don’t see my friends as often. Before long it can be MONTHS since I saw my BFF or girl gang. Sure, we text, but it’s nice to see them in person. So, when I was looking for ways to treat myself better, I started using one evening a month to go out for an inexpensive dinner with my friends or grab a coffee with my bestie.

Having some girl talk recharges me and keeps me connected to people who are important to me outside my immediate family. Go ahead, Mom – set up that friend date & practice self-care!

2. TAKE AN HOUR IN THE BATHROOM…ALONE

While surfing online, I came across a Mom quote that really hit my funny bone: “You are one day closer to using the bathroom without an audience”. How true is THAT? One of the best self care ideas for moms is an enjoyable Bath.

So, until the fateful day comes when the bathroom is once again your own personal domain, there isn’t anything wrong with reserving an hour once in a while to take that bubble bath you daydream about to reduce stress.

You deserve it! Get Daddy to color with the kids or make dinner while you’re relaxing. Need some beauty product ideas for your bathroom? Look here for self care for moms about facials and hair care! Some great mom motivation quotes can also encourage you to take better care of yourself better.

3. GO TO PAINT NIGHT

Grab a pal or go solo – it doesn’t really matter. Painting is relaxing and gets your creativity flowing. Don’t want to break the bank?

Groupon has plenty of awesome deals on paint nights where there’s an instructor to show you how to paint. Groupon may also have other deals that you can fit into your self-care routine.

4. GRAB THAT BOOK YOU WANT TO READ

Get into the habit of reading a good fiction book before bed, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Yes, really. Studies have shown that reading for as little as 6 minutes before bed reduces stress levels and improves sleep.

5. GET SOME EXERCISE

It doesn’t matter how you move your body; just make sure you do it for your physical health. Go for a walk, throw on a YouTube workout video, or head over to your local gym. Doing something you enjoy will make it much more enjoyable to get moving. Whatever floats your boat. Exercise will make you feel better and provide stress relief. A perfect combo of self-care for busy Moms!

6. LOSE YOURSELF IN NATURE

One of my favorite self-care tips for busy Moms is to get into nature. I’m a huge advocate for visiting the local forest or other outdoor space as often as you can. We spend WAY too much time inside our homes, gym, grocery store – you name it.

Do you have hiking trails nearby? A conservation area? A forest you can get lost in for an hour? Studies show there are numerous mental & physical health benefits in getting into nature – it’s a stress reducer, helps with fatigue, gives you a mental boost and MUCH more. So, where can you get lost in nature?

7. PAINT YOUR NAILS

It goes without saying that painting your nails will make you feel pretty and put together. Okay, your nails aren’t the only thing that can make you feel that way, but isn’t there something so feminine and awesome about painting your nails an amazing color?

8. GET A PEDICURE

Getting a pedicure goes hand in hand with painting your nails. If you don’t want to splurge on a mani-pedi, then just get the pedicure. The leg massage, nail clean up and color will make you feel so good.

9. SET UP A PHONE CHAT 

Have a person you love spending time with but you can’t make an in-person meetup work? Pick up the phone and have a chat for an hour. Yes, that’s right talk in person instead of by text. Or even better, jump on a video chat or zoom call so you can see them too! You’ll feel more connected AND you get to relax on the couch during your chat.

10. LEARN TO SAY NO

This self-care tip for busy Moms is HARD. But, truthfully, if you want balance and control in your life, you need to learn how to say NO. You can’t make every social engagement. Period. And, it’s a-ok to say so.

11. CHOOSE HEALTHY EATING

Choosing to mindfully eat ‘good for you’ food does wonders for your body, mind, and spirit. Food is definitely connected to how you feel overall – so choose the healthy alternative as much as possible.

12. KEEP A JOURNAL

Keeping a personal journal is a good way to de-stress and get out what is or isn’t working for you. You’ll build self-awareness which can ultimately give your mental health a boost. Now, that’s a good self-care practice for any busy Mom!

13. TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY

I’ve always wanted to learn how to knit. What hobby have you always wanted to do? Check out tutorials online even if you can only make time to work on your new hobby once a week. You’ll find yourself looking forward to your new adventure which is great for your mental health.

14. LEARN TO MEDITATE

This self-care tip might not be for everyone, but give meditation a chance. And you can do it in literally 5 minutes per day. Here are a few health benefits you get from making meditation part of your mom’s self-care routine:

✔ Increased mental focus
✔ Reduced stress
✔ Less fear of the decisions you make
✔ Improved immune system
✔ Reduced anxiety

Check out these great books all about meditation & self care journey:

• How To Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind
• The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
• Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life

15. CURL UP ON THE COUCH WITH A CUP OF TEA

If you enjoy tea, treat yourself to a gourmet blend curl up on the couch for 20 minutes, and enjoy it. Drink it slowly and really enjoy the flavor. Think about it, isn’t it nice to drink your tea while it’s still hot? You might find that 20 minutes after the kids are in bed or first thing in the morning before your family is up.

16. WATCH A CHICK FLICK

Have a favorite chick movie that’s kind of like your guilty pleasure? Throw it on after the kids go to bed or during nap time.

17. COOK SOMETHING NEW IN THE KITCHEN

It’s easy to fall into the routine of always cooking the same dinners every week. Why not try something new?

If your kids are old enough, you can involve them. If they aren’t, give them an activity to do while you create your new culinary masterpiece in the kitchen. OR, perhaps you can send the kids to Grandma’s house and cook something new with your hubby for a fun date night.

18. LISTEN TO MUSIC THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Music never fails to get me out of a bad mood or perk me up when I’m feeling tired. Whether you are going to be a mom, a new mom, or have older children, music may work wonders on your mind. Throw on your favorite tracks while you’re cleaning or cooking dinner. You’ll feel happier.

19. BUY A LUXURIOUS BODY WASH

Treat yourself to some awesome, fragrant, luxurious body wash so that every time you take a shower, you’ll feel like you’re at the spa. Pamper yourself further by using organic body lotion to moisturize and soften your body.

20. GO TO BED EARLY

Make sure to read for 6 minutes when you crawl into bed nice and early. Going to bed early gives you plenty of good rest (which you need!). You’ll also be more productive, clear-headed, and generally happy.

21. MAKE A SCHEDULE THAT INCLUDES SELF-CARE

Putting together a self-care plan is just plain smart. If you schedule your self-care, you’ll be much more likely to actually DO the activities that make you feel good. So make sure to write in ink! Here are some pretty planners to help you get started.

22. HAVE A GLASS OF WINE

Hey, wine has antioxidants and MANY more health benefits. Enough said. Go ahead and enjoy your favorite red or white wine, Mama! Maybe while you’re taking that much-needed bubble bath!

23. JOIN A DANCE CLASS

Dancing is so much fun and a GREAT way to get some exercise. Plus, it’s social and gets you out of the house. Check out listings in your area and join a dance class.

24. PACK A PICNIC AND HEAD INTO NATURE 

Okay, okay – it’s another way for me to share my favorite self-care ideas for Moms. Get into nature! Packing a picnic lunch is a way to make it even more fun.

25. START A GARDEN

Starting a vegetable garden has forced me to set aside time to do something I really enjoy. It gets me outside in nature (one of the best self-care tips for busy Moms! Ha!) and gives me pride when I see the garden thriving.

26. GET SOME HOUSEPLANTS

If you don’t want to commit to a bigger garden, then get some house plants or plant an herb garden to add greenery to your home. Most plants have health benefits, so make sure to look them up!

27. GET THAT SWEET TREAT

Yes, us Moms always try to eat healthily, but If you’ve been craving that sweet treat or salty indulgence, I say give in! Not all the time, obviously, but it sure is nice to have a treat, don’t you agree?

28. PLAN A DATE NIGHT

It can be as simple as cooking dinner together and watching a movie. Or maybe you have a fire pit outside where you can sit and enjoy a glass of wine. No matter what, finding time for date night with your spouse is sure to put you in a great mood!

29. DO SOME YOGA

Yoga is good for your mind, body, and spirit. Don’t worry about hitting up a pricey yoga studio. Grab a yoga mat and throw on a YouTube video. There are some great ones!

30. PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE!

In other words, do a social media break. It’s hard enough being a busy Mom, let alone trying to keep up with the social media world. Instead, use the time you would spend surfing Facebook to do something that makes you happy. Like reading or that bubble bath we talked about.

31. ORGANIZE A ROOM IN YOUR HOUSE

Isn’t there such a great sense of accomplishment when you organize a room that’s been bothering you? Being organized is a great way to always make yourself feel good, and isn’t that what self-care is all about, Mama?

32. GRAB A PUZZLE BOOK

Exercise for your body is important, but so is exercising your mind. Grab your favorite kind of puzzle book and relax for a half-hour.

33. JOIN A CLUB

Have a hobby you’re interested in? Is there a club you can join? Maybe a movie or book club? Surrounding yourself with like-minded people exhilarates your well-being. Check your local listings to see what kinds of clubs are near you.

There you have it: 33 self-care ideas for Moms that are actionable and don’t take up a lot of time. So give yourself a little love and respite when you need it!

Remember, you can’t create your best Mom life without taking care of yourself from time to time. It’s good physically, mentally, and spiritually. Have any more self-care tips for busy Moms?

Share your advice below!