10 Quick + Simple Self-Care Ideas for Busy Moms

When your day feels like it’s filled with never-ending to-do lists, it’s easy to overlook self-care. Sneak in a moment for you with these ten self-care ideas for moms.

In our busy world, it’s all too common for moms to put everyone else’s needs first, often pledging that they’ll get to their self-care at the end of the day or sneak it in during nap time. Many days, that plan falls through, and the idea of self-care is dismissed for good.

Although it can feel impossible at times, prioritizing time for your self-care is essential for your overall health and wellness. It’s true! This study shows that medical students who practiced self-care reported less stress and a higher quality of life.

If you’re someone who wants to make time for yourself but feels you don’t have a moment in your day, I challenge you to consider re-framing your thinking; it’s about prioritizing your self-care within your day.

Alternatively, if you feel guilty or selfish taking time to yourself, it’s essential to know that self-care isn’t selfish. Addressing and tending to your needs is critical.

self-care products for moms

Why should moms make time for themselves?

I’m a big believer that how you love others begins with how you love yourself. The more time and space that you prioritize tending to your needs, the more grounded and happier you can become.

As a mom, I know it can feel challenging to divert your love and attention away from your kids, but caring for yourself is one of the best things you can do for your family. In return, you’ll feel more calm, grounded, and centered when you re-engage in family life and see that self-care is an important part of parenting.

It’s important to share that I believe self-care isn’t about merely squeezing in a manicure – it’s also about sticking up for yourself, addressing your needs, communicating boundaries, and creating space for your healing.

What does self-care look like for new mothers?

If you’re a new mama, self-care will look different than before your baby arrived – but it’s more critical now than ever before.

  • Stay hydrated throughout the day
  • Go to the bathroom every two hours
  • Aim for one hot shower a day
  • Ask for support and be specific in your requests
  • Brush your teeth and tongue scrape morning and night
  • Make the bed (even if you’re going to climb back in)

Postpartum self-care will help you delicately navigate your new role as mama and support you in feeling like yourself. Never underestimate the power of a hot shower in your early postpartum days.

self-care idea bath

10 five-minute self-care ideas for busy moms

1. Discover the power of No

It’s no secret that many moms are short on time, but how much of your day do you spend on commitments you don’t really have to do? Learning how to say No is a powerful form of self-care and can clear up space in both your mind and your calendar.

2. Grab a piece of paper and brain-dump

Getting all of the thoughts and to-dos swirling around your head onto paper is a powerful form of self-care. The mental clarity that comes with having things written on paper will help to put your mind at ease.

3. Speak up about your feelings

It’s not always easy to uncover what we’re feeling, much less address it with the necessary parties. Speaking up about your feelings and emotional requirements is the only way to get your needs heard and to receive supportive action – what are you holding back?


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4. Take a few deep breaths

Breathe in your nose for three seconds, hold for three seconds, and exhale through your mouth for three seconds. Repeat three times.

Sometimes, some fresh air filling your lungs and releasing the pent-up tension in your chest and belly is all you need. Plus, this exercise takes under one minute to complete!

5. Give yourself a quick foot rub

Have ten minutes? Give yourself a quick foot rub to help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

6. Buy yourself fresh flowers

There’s evidence that fresh flowers have an immediate positive impact on overall happiness and can even affect long-term moods.

The next time you’re at the store, pick up a bouquet of fresh flowers for yourself, and put them somewhere that brings you joy. Lately, I’ve loved having flowers on my nightstand while I sneak in a few minutes of reading at the end of the day.

bouquet of flowers

7. Do some stretches to release tension

There are many easy stretches you can begin to implement throughout your day – it feels so good to let some tension go!

Do you know what I’ve been doing lately? Using my son’s crib to help get a fabulous spinal release. Simply grab the railing, bend over with straight arms until your back is flat, and allow the tension to release. I do this while he’s settling down for sleep, so it takes no extra time at all.

8. Write down three worries on your mind

Similar to a brain dump, writing down the worries that are on your mind will help to organize your thoughts and give clarity on what’s keeping you up at night.

Grab a piece of paper and write down at least three worries that are on your mind. If you’re up to it, write down an action item for each that could help you resolve or let go of that worry.

9. Add in more vegetables at your next meal

You don’t have to go overboard to appreciate the power of vegetables. Adding in plants to every meal comes with immense benefits, including:

  • an increased intake of fiber
  • contain essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
  • support lowering of inflammation
  • can increase energy and mood
  • help your body release excess weight
  • when paired with healthy fats and lean proteins, you’ll feel fuller for more extended periods
vegetables on the kitchen counter

10. Repeat this empowering affirmation

Affirmations are a powerful tool to help us solidify a mindset or belief. I use the below affirmation to remind myself that I am worthy of self-care, no matter how busy or stressed out I feel.

I am worthy of caring for myself in every moment.

In need of some more self-care ideas, mama?

No worries! I’ve got you. Like, I’ve really got you.

I’ve put together a list of self-care ideas for moms that you can practice throughout your day right this very moment.

This list is packed with approachable and sustainable self-care ideas that are sure to help you navigate even your most stressful days with a bit more calm. With an active self-care practice, you’ll go from feeling frazzled and out-of-sorts to the most chill mama on the block even on the busiest of days.

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