4 Simple Self-Care Strategies for Busy Moms: Prioritize Yourself “Without the Guilt”
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Feeling like you’re running on empty? Let’s change that!
We all know the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” yet so many of us—especially moms—struggle to fill our own cups. We prioritize the wants, needs, and desires of our kids, husbands, fur babies, adding on top of work and sprinkles of church activities we often leave our self-care on the back burner. But self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for our well-being.
But why? Why don’t we fill up our cups?
We as moms have so much responsibility that “me time” is always at the end of our long to-do lists and let’s be honest sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
Raise your hand if you’ve put “me time” on your to-do list only for it to collect dust until the weekend! (Both of my hands are up and I know I’m not alone).
And that’s #momlife sometimes.
Why Self-Care Matters for Moms
Self-care isn’t about extravagant spa days (though those are nice, too!). It’s about finding simple ways to recharge and nurture ourselves even in the chaos of motherhood. Self-care doesn’t have to involves 50 steps and look like it just came off of your favorite mom blogger’s “perfectly curated”Instagram page.
Self-care looks different for every mom. It can be as simple or elaborate as you wish, or time permits.
I know so many of us can’t even think about relaxing until the kids are happy and the house is spotless. Trust me, I get it—a cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind, and I can’t focus until everything is in order. Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned pro, the struggle is real!
But in the midst of it, we have to remember just like we remind our kids to eat their veggies because they are important , we’ve got to carve out some time for ourselves too because we are important! When you take time for self-care, you’re not just recharging; you’re setting an example for your kids. You’re teaching them that it’s important to nurture their bodies, minds, and spirits.
It’s not just about the physical stuff; it’s about showing them that mental and emotional self-care matters just as much. Taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish; it’s how we honor the gifts God gave us. So let’s make sure we’re on that list too and not at the bottom!
So, how do we make this happen in our busy lives? Here are some practical tips just for you:
how to practice self care as a mother?
REFLECT ON WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY
Ask yourself these simple questions to get you started. What did you enjoy doing before having your kids? What activities brought you peace and joy? Then take your answers to the questions above and turn them into actions.
Just remember keep it simple and just start somewhere.
For me, I love skincare, giving myself a mani/ pedi, reading devotionals, and listening to worship music, and doing these things give me peace and joy mentally and physically.
So doing a face mask while listening to one of my playlist could be a self-care moment for me. Like I said before, I keep it simple so that it’s easy to add into my busy schedule when I need a quick pick me up.
Here are four easy self-care tips for busy moms to help you reclaim your joy and peace:
Take a relaxing bath for a change
Splish slash mama’s taking a bath. Swap your quick shower for a soothing warm bath to relax those aching muscles that have been chasing little ones around all week.
Light a candle, turn on your favorite playlist, add your favorite body wash, and maybe even toss in a bath bomb for good measure.
Set the mood for yourself bnecause this lux bath can do wonders for your mood! And do yourself a favor and lock the door.
MOM TIP: While waiting in the car pickup line create your relaxation playlist with your favorite songs, so when it time to enjoy that bath you won’t be adding another task to your to do list to set the mood and make it happen.
2. GET MOVING MAMA
Try a quick workout! Lucy Wyndham-Read on YouTube has fantastic 7-minute routines that fit perfectly into our busy schedules.
I would do them in the mornings as I waited for my kids to get dressed for school. Even a short burst of exercise can boost your energy and leave you feeling accomplished because you poured into yourself and it took less than 10 minutes to do.
If you have a bit more time one of my go-to’s are workouts by GrowwithJo on YouTube, she has amazing praise and worship workouts.
indulge in a nap
Don’t underestimate the power of a short nap. We all know what a nap or lack of one does to our little ones so why not indulge yourself in some sleep, because as moms our days never end, and we could use the rest.
If your little ones are napping, take that time for yourself! A quick snooze can recharge your batteries and help you tackle the rest of your day with a little more grace and don’t feel guilty for taking that nap.
As moms we are usually going to bed in the whee hours on the morning so taking that much needed nap can boost positive endorphins allowing you to maintain a better mood throughout the rest of your day. Do this and your hubby and kids will thank you, and you’ll thank yourself too.
INVOLVE THE FAMily
Share your passions with your kids! Whether it’s painting, drawing, baking or another creative activity.
Doing something fun together can reignite your joy and strengthen your bond. You might even discover new talents in each other!
Love painting? Head to Michaels or Hobby Lobby ( sign up for their rewards program because they always have coupons) grab everyone a canvas and just paint, let go, and just have fun enjoying the moment.
I never knew how much my daughter enjoyed drawing until I took the time and just drew with her. Now I can always find my little artist with a paper and drawing tools, filling the front of our fridge with her beautiful masterpieces and as she’s gotten older her love for drawing has only grown.
It was nothing fancy or elaborate but a moment I still hold dear because I was able to pour into myself while discovering my daughter’s passion. One of the most perfect self care activity when you can’t get away by yourself.
Take 5 minutes today
What can you do in just 5 minutes that will bring you joy? It could be sipping a cup of tea, listening to your favorite song, or even just breathing deeply for a moment.
Remember, filling your cup not only benefits you but sets a strong example for your little ones. And if all else fails and you still find it hard to make some time for you, do it for them and it’ll surely get done.
LET’S CONNECT
So, let’s make a pact: this week, we prioritize our well-being—not just for ourselves, but to show our little ones how to love themselves, too.
Commit to just one self-care moment this week, and let’s share how it went in the comments! Your well-being is worth it, and your family will thank you for it.
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