When you’re a mom, especially a working mom, it almost feels impossible to squeeze in selfcare time for yourself.

But the exhaustion that comes with motherhood is real and you need a way to take care of yourself and hit the reset button before you burnout.  Because when you’re burnt out everyone feels it: your kids, your partner, even you.

As a mom of 3 kids who works full time I’ve come to realise that no matter how busy we get, we can make time for selfcare. We just need to be more intentional about it. So if you’re looking for selfcare ideas that are doable despite a busy schedule, keep reading.  Today I’m sharing 10 self-care ideas for busy moms that are actually realistic. These ideas are simple, doable things you can fit into everyday life. Some lasting for only 5-10 mins but powerful enough to reenergise you.

Self care ideas for busy Moms

1. Take a longer shower

I know you’re thinking, ‘I shower every day.’ But there’s a big difference between a long relaxing shower and that two-minute speed wash with a toddler banging on the door or a newborn crying.

For a relaxing shower, grab a spa-scented shower gel that will trigger your senses, light a candle to create a relaxing ambience, maybe play some music, and just enjoy it. Let the hot water run a little longer. It sounds small, but when you step out, you feel like a new person. 

2. Go for a short walk daily

 
Daily exercise is a natural mood booster. You don’t need an hour-long hike to reap the benefits. Even ten minutes around the block helps. So pick a convenient time of the day, strap the baby in a stroller if you need to, or step out alone if you can.

Walking will clear your mind, and feel like breathing space. I’ve had days where a quick walk was the difference between snapping at my kids and feeling patient again.These short walks are now a compulsory part of my day and when I can, I have two – one in the morning and another in the evening with my baby in tow and my toddlers running ahead of me. Very relaxing. 

3. Sip your coffee or tea while it’s still hot

This is self-care at its simplest. Just once a day,possibly after the kids are in bed, sit down and have a hot drink. No folding laundry while you sip, no scrolling emails, just you and your drink.

 It will feel relaxing, even if it’s only five minutes. And mentally ? It’s a reminder that you matter too.

4. Read a few pages of a book

Not saying you need to finish a whole novel but try reading just a few pages a day before bed or while the kids are occupied.

Reading is a great way to leave the mental load of motherhood into another world. Whether it’s an inspirational book about motherhood or career, fiction, or crime.

No matter how busy you are, five minutes of reading or listening to an audiobook is doable self-care that relaxes the mind and gives you something to eagerly look forward to. If you’re not sure what to read, check out this popular list of inspirational books for busy moms.

5. Journal or brain dump

This one is powerful as Moms carry so much in their heads, appointments, grocery lists, worries, guilt, all of it.

So as part of your evening routine, Grab a notebook and dump your heart on paper. You’ll feel lighter instantly. I like to write down three things that went well that day too so it shifts my mindset when I feel like I got nothing done.

6. Do a skincare routine

Wash your face, moisturize, maybe use a serum or a mask once in a while. Taking those few minutes at the end of the day to care for your skin will makes you feel refreshed again. Plus, when your skin feels clean, you sleep better and wake up feeling more put-together. Even if the rest of your day was chaos, this little step reminds you that you deserve care too.

7. Call or text a friend

Motherhood can feel so isolating. We spend any breathing space we have scrolling social media but don’t always connect with people who really know us : our friends.

Honestly My friends have been an amazing support system through my motherhood journey. Those five minutes of laughter or venting have done much more for my mood than an hour of scrolling.  I don’t know what I would do without them. 

So if you’ve got good friends in your corner, pick one today and send a voice note or a quick text or call if you’ve got the time. Connection is indeed self-care.

8. Listen to Music

Music is such an underrated form of self-care. If you put on your favorite playlist while you cook, clean, or even during your commute, you’ll see that It instantly shifts your mood. 

Some days you need calm, relaxing vibes, other days you need that upbeat, dance-in-the-kitchen energy. 

No matter the type of music, either way, it’s a quick way to reset your mind and ease stress without needing to carve out extra time. 

9. Say no without guilt

This is one of the hardest ones, but one of the most powerful. Self-care isn’t always all the things you can physically do for yourself, its also about protecting your energy.

That means saying no to the extra committee at school, or not volunteering for every bake sale, or skipping an invite when you know it’ll drain you. 

Every time you say no to something that drains you, you are saying yes to something that restores you. And that very important.

10. Go to bed earlier

This might be the most boring one, but it’s the most life-changing. We think staying up late scrolling is ‘me time’ but really, it’s stealing tomorrow’s energy.

Even just 30 minutes earlier makes a huge difference. You wake up less cranky, less foggy, and more ready to handle the day. Moms need sleep it’s  the cheapest and most effective form of self-care.

Final thoughts on Self care ideas for busy moms

So there you go, 10 self-care ideas for busy moms. Notice, none of these are over-the-top or cost a dime.. They’re simple things you can do every single day to remind yourself that you matter too.

When you take care of yourself, you show up better for your kids, your work, your relationships, and yourself.

Let me know in the comments which of these you’re going to try first, and if you’ve got your own self-care hacks, share them—I’d love to hear.