It can be difficult to find ways to practice self-care that don’t infringe upon the rights of those little kiddies that call us mom. It seems like our life is devoted to them and everything revolves around them, them, them. So how can we find time to go to the mall, take time for yourself, hang out in nature, blah, blah blah? I haven’t figured that out, but I have figured out some simple ways to practice self-care for busy moms!
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Here are some of my favorite ways a busy mom can get a little self-care into her day:
1. Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier
It may be difficult to get time away from the kids, but you might be able to get 15 minutes to yourself while they are still sleeping. You need your rest, and even that is a form of self-care, but sometimes you also need to do something for yourself other than sleeping.
This time can be used to exercise, plan your day, meditate, read a book, listen to a podcast, sip a cup of coffee, or even sneak into your hidden chocolate stash and smile to yourself while you eat at least 2 pieces.
There’s plenty of things you can do for yourself in 15 minutes, and I’m sure you’ll find something to do that makes you feel a little accomplished!
2. Get A Brazilian Wax
You might not be able to carve out an hour to drive to the beach or park, actually spend some alone time, and then get back to real life. But you might be able to squeeze in a quick wax appointment while the kids are taking music lessons or even while your family is on the way to who knows where and hubby can sit with the kids in the car for 15-30 minutes.
It won’t take too much time out of your schedule, but you’ll feel squeaky clean and smile like you have a little secret only you know about!
If you’re super brave, you might even be up to the challenge of DIYing it at home, but some things are better left to the professionals…
3. Listen To A Book Or Podcast
As long as your pick doesn’t have a bunch of inappropriate things in it, listen to a podcast or book of your choice while driving the kids around. Why shouldn’t you get to do something for yourself while you’re doing things you have to do, anyway?
Your kids may even pick up some new concepts, perhaps a new vocabulary word or two.
4. Take A Long(er) Shower
This is probably one of my favorite forms of self care as a busy mom. You’re in the shower anyway, why not stretch it another 5 minutes or so?
Maybe you can quickly shave your legs or even just stand there enjoying the feeling of warm water on your back.
Those few minutes can help you to feel refreshed to attack yet another day.
5. Get A Coloring Book (& Color It!)
There are so many great coloring books for adults on the market now, and if you’re wondering why then you’ve got to try it. Coloring is a great way to inspire creativity and helps boost mental health.
These coloring pencils are perfect with this coloring book because there are so many beautiful shades of each color.
If you can’t afford a coloring book right now, you’ll be happy to know that there are coloring apps. My favorite is Happy Color. It has lots of ads, but they are not too intrusive. They have plenty of fun designs and they are also always adding new things and ways to color!
6. Paint Rocks
This is super fun and it’s an activity that you can do with, or around, the kids. Even if they don’t want to participate, they may enjoy giving you ideas about what you should paint, and you can make each child their own custom rocks once or twice a week.
Maybe you can make it a goal to fill up a jar for each child. Or maybe you want to keep all the rocks you paint to yourself. It’s totally up to you!
Here are a few supplies that will greatly help you practice self-care through rock painting:
- Smooth rocks
- Acrylic pens
- Rock Painting Guide + Inspiration
7. Journal
Journaling has so many benefits for mental health that I’d be an awful person if I didn’t include it in this list of ways to practice self-care for busy moms!
Journaling is easy and doesn’t have to take up lots of time. It can be done in spurts, maybe a couple sentences while the kids are enjoying a snack.
I like to journal because it helps me sort out my thoughts, make plans for the future, think of things I may not have otherwise, and sometimes it even helps me come up with creative solutions!
It’s always awesome to reflect on the past, lessons learned, and ways to make the future brighter!
Free journaling is always a good thing, but you might also enjoy having a gratitude journal. I find practicing gratitude helps remind me of all the things in my life that make me happy, and in turn I end up feeling happier! This gratitude journal for women is awesome!
If you have older kids, definitely get them journals of their own as well. It’s good to foster healthy self-care habits for kids as well! The Big Life Journal for kids is one they will enjoy while developing a growth mindset!
8. Involve Your Kids
I’ve hinted towards this in a few of the suggestions above, such as jump roping together and painting rocks together.
Involving your children in your self-care routine will make it much easier to practice self-care as a busy mom.
Manicures, pedicures, long walks, hiking, swimming, hair day… these are all things you can do with your children depending on their ages.
Think outside the box to find fun ways to show yourself a little love while you’re going about your day.
The important part is to not have too many expectations of your children during this time. Remember the goal is for you to
9. Start A Butterfly Garden
You can get in touch with nature by planting a butterfly garden! You’ll also be helping the pollinators. If cherry trees can grow well where you live, you might consider planting one or two. The pollinators do a really good job with cherry trees, and otherwise they don’t require much care.
The kids will love learning about the life cycle of a butterfly, and maybe they’ll even enjoy caring for caterpillars!
10. Ask for HELP!
I know this is a hard one for many moms. Whether it is because you’re scared of leaving your little bub alone or you’re actually scared to do the asking part, when you don’t ask, you may not receive.
If you have people you can trust in your life, then you should trust that they would also be willing to help you when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Asking for an hour of their time to get a little break and make sure you can refresh your mind so you can be a better parent to your children is not selfish. You deserve to love on yourself now and then!
Ask your significant other, mother, sister, friend. If none of those are options, ask around for a reputable babysitter. If you have to hire help, maybe it makes more sense to make it a routine every couple weeks where you take 4 or so hours off to do things for YOU. Do a hot yoga class, spend a little time catching up with friends, watch a movie by yourself, shop in peace, make a vision board… the possibilities are endless!
11. Visit An All-Inclusive Resort
This one is more expensive, but I have to say it is the ultimate way to practice self-care as a busy mom! Why is that? Well, let me tell you!
When you go to an all-inclusive resort, everything is taken care of. Food, check! Drinks, check! Cleaning, check! Beach, check! Pools, check! Stuff to do, check!
Do your homework and make sure you go to a resort that offers childcare and fun activities for the kids. You’ll be able to get rid of them send them off to have an amazing time while you spend some time nurturing yourself!
You will be able to disconnect from real life for a moment and want to stay forever!
Final Thoughts
It’s not easy getting time to ourselves as busy moms. Sometimes we are so busy taking care of our kids, shuttling them from here to there, and going through the motions that we barely even notice that we’re neglecting ourselves so much! Until the burnout sinks in and we just can’t.
Avoid those moments by carving out what little time you can for yourself. Try devoting some time each week to trying out one thing from this list of ways to practice self-care as a busy mom. Hopefully you’ll be able to take at least 15 minutes per day to practice self-care.
You’ll be happier, and your kids will be happier, too! Happy mom, happy kids!
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