The Best Self Care Tips for Busy Moms

July 21, 2021

Does self-care look a little 10 minutes of Netflix on good days? If you’re feeling strapped for time and a bit overwhelmed, know that you're not alone and that there are ways to beat mama-overwhelm.

As busy moms, we all know about the importance of self-care because we know how it feels when we don’t have it! We also know how easy it is to lose ourselves while focusing on all the daily details and development of raising babies (we’re growing people over here–not an easy feat!).

So it’s no wonder that between play dates, doctor check-ups, nutrition, and mental and physical development, that we actually score quite low in the “self-care” department (who has time to go for a run or do yoga?).

However, self-care is a necessity; not an indulgence which is why we’ve covered over 5 of the best self-care tips that we think even the busiest of moms can do each day.

Self-Care: Defined

We’ve all heard the phrase “self-care” (it’s all over Instagram, right?) but for some reason, we overcomplicate it.

We tend to place boundaries on what “real” self-care looks like: activities with unrealistic time frames and overly priced spa treatments. But let’s get our facts straight and start by defining the phrase “self-care”.

Self-care is defined as, “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health... “the practice of taking an active role in one’s own well-being and happiness.” source: Oxford Languages

Recognizing the need for daily self-care and then taking intentional action to take care of yourself can not only improve your overall mood but can also help to release stress, anxiety, and depression.

So what might self-care look like? Self-care is a personal choice and is exactly what you define it to be.

That means self-care for your group of friends could be escaping to the city for the day; but for you, it could be sitting in the sun with your favorite book plus a glass of wine.

Whatever actions you define self-care to be just know that those are the perfect choices for you.

That's why we’ve taken the time to simplify the self-care routine and created this list of over 5 self-care ideas that can jumpstart your daily routine for checking in with the person that makes it all happen: you.

Mama Self Care Tip #1: Make Space for You

Timing is everything as a new parent. You’ve probably already heard the “sleep when the baby sleeps” line and while this is great (exhaustion is no laughing matter), remember, that when baby sleeps you don’t have to do “all the other things”.

Aside from catching up on housework and the “Gram,” nap time is the perfect opportunity to slip in your own bit of self care: even if you can’t get out of the house. Put the dishes aside and put yourself first.

You’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to take on anything else that comes your way after putting you first.

Here are some ways to give yourself a mini-break while babe takes one of his or her own:

Step outside: Whether baby is napping in the nursery or not, grab that monitor, put the phone away, get a journal and take a step out onto the deck or front steps for a few. Giving yourself some fresh air and distance does wonders for your physical and mental wellbeing.

Read a book, magazine or something that’s just for you. Remember what life was like before baby and parenting books? Take baby’s nap time as your time to pick up a book and get lost in what you love for a few minutes.

Take a hot shower or bath: When was the last time you took a bath or shower without rushing to get out and on to the next thing? As soon as baby goes down for his or her nap, start the shower or bath and relax for a few minutes.

Mama Self Care Tip # 2: Take Care of the Skin You’re In:

From stretching and pulling to rough patches and rashes, our skin has been through a myriad of changes since growing our little miracles.

While getting out for a full-fledged facial may not be on the daily agenda, you’ll be happy to know that all you need is 60 seconds each day to get a natural skincare routine that will have your face feeling like it just stepped out of the spa.

Mum and You’s SOS Time Skincare Bundle is the perfect way to take care of your face and your skin each day–minus the hours and expense of a spa.

Here are some benefits to this amazingly easy skincare bundle:

Naturally Derived Ingredients
Safe during and post-pregnancy
Dermatologically tested
Suitable for sensitive skin
Midwife approved
Registered by Vegan Society & Cruelty-Free Leaping Bunny approved

See more here benefits to natural skincare right here.

Mama Self Care Tip # 3: Make Time for Friends

Self-care isn’t just about being with “yourself.” Going out for a night on the town or a brunch with your friends is essential for new and veteran moms alike. Pick a new spot and enjoy spending time reconnecting with friends that you haven't seen in awhile.

You can even make your outings a weekly or bi-weekly event, changing up where you venture out to each time.

Being able to share experiences or chat about something else other than the kiddos is an important part of taking care of your mental well-being as it helps you to destress and recharge in a different way.

Mama Self Care Tip # 4: Get your Body Moving

There’s no doubt about it, moving your body on a daily basis improves your physical, emotional, and mental health. Whether it’s a bit of yoga mixed with a walk or you enjoy going for a run, start by incorporating some type of movement in your day.

If you’re an avid gym-goer but haven’t been able to get in your regular sessions, sign up for a free online class to get your body going.

There are many online workouts that are timed perfectly for moms with busy schedules like these from Fit Pregnancy Club. They have a variety of workouts for everyone including a prenatal and postnatal fitness hub which we love.

Mama Self Care Tip # 5: Find a Mom Niche

Mom circles aren’t to be confused with “friends” although some moms in your circle might overlap into this category. Mom circles or communities are those sacred niches of new-found friends that share a common bond through motherhood.

Joelle Wisler at Scary Mommy best described this circle as “A friendship bubble in which all the members have the ability to clean snot from a moving target with nothing but a sandwich wrapper and a dream”.

Of course, if you’ve found a solid mom-niche of your own already, you’ll know to grab this wipes subscription and so you’ll never need a sandwich wrapper again (no judgment either way).

Mama Self Care Tip # 6: Get Creative & Make Something

Whether you love to cook, bake, or draw, getting into your own creative space (minus the finger paints) is a great way to explore personal passions and relieve stress. Rediscover your love for crafting, create home decor for your favorite room in your house, or take it a step further by creating and selling your work on a platform like Etsy! Whatever you decide to do, just make it something you find easy, enjoyable, and that it’s purely for you.

Mama Self Care: You Define It

Self-care needs to be prioritized daily and not fantasized about nightly. Whether it’s choosing to step outside for 20 minutes of fresh air, go for a run or sign up online for a free fitness challenge, you define self-care as anything that makes you feel good that day or at that very moment.

The most important thing to remember about self-care is that you do it. What have you done today to take care of you?

Share with us! Let us know your favorite self-care tips below!