Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms

Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms
by Nadia Sabri, MD

Contrary to what it may seem like, spending time with the kids and making time for self care is not mutually exclusive. In fact, incorporating some ‘me time’ into the day is very attainable.

However, it requires some adjustment on current expectations of self care.

When we think of self care, we often think of uninterrupted blocks of time, maybe soaking in a bubble bath reading a book, going to the spa, etc.
Having those expectations will make reality much more difficult. When there are little ones that depend on us, need frequent feeding, cuddling, and comfort,  that picture of self care will likely not happen for a while.

The good news is that alone time is not the only kind of self care. In fact, there are many other kinds of self care that can be easily incorporated into your day that helps you feel recharged and connected to yourself and your kids.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more details.

Here are a few of my self care tips, in no specific order.

which we are thankful. It can be something as simple as the food we ate, or the games we played, or just spending time with each other.

Use screen time wisely

Don’t waste screen time as background noise or colors in the background. Use it to your advantage. Save up screen time so that when the kids watch tv/ipad you have 30 mins (tv episode) up to 2hrs (length of movie) to do something.

More here on AAP’s screen time recommendations based on your child’s age.

Involve the kids in doing things you like to do

If they end up liking the activity, you could have potentially even more time to do things you like to do.

Good activities to involve kids: crafting, baking, painting, yoga, meditation, dancing, singing, shopping, playing a musical instrument, beading, reading, journaling, organizing, walking, dancing, exercising, etc.

Save some time for your SO 

Don’t forget that before babies came along, yall were a couple. There were regular dates, spontaneous adventures, and more time to just chill together.

Though there may be less time to do those things now especially when kids are really young, there are still ways to let that someone know they are still special to you.

Having coffee together, leaving a sweet note, or going for a walk or to the park together with the kids, make time for fun and the person who is on this journey with you. It doesn’t always need to be about the kids.

Do something meaningful after the kids’ bedtime
Instead of binge Netflix every night, spend some time (a few mins, an hour, etc) to do something to exercise your mind, body, and soul.  Whether it’s yoga, meditation, prayer, a hobby, or cardio with your significant other (wink wink), just do it. Sure, you can watch tv too but first do something meaningful to you that helps you feel centered and rejuvenated.

Read more on meditations on making space for self compassion,  on the power of thoughts, and on letting go of perfection.

Spend some time by yourself and/or do independent activities together
When kids are younger, finding time to yourself may mean a few minutes to center yourself, journal, read an inspiring quote, stretch, etc.  As kids get older, finding time will be easier as you will be with them in the room but  do independent activities together. For example, when kids are napping, or playing, coloring, or busy doing some independent play, try to incorporate meaningful activities that recharge you instead of getting on the phone or scrolling mindlessly on social media.

Let your spouse or partner parent (without micromanaging)
I recommend that your partner or spouse be involved in childcare sooner rather than later. Being a father is more than just being a sperm donor. Parenting is not intuitive and the more time spent with kids helps moms and dads to learn their cues and improve parent-child connection. So, help your spouse be a better dad by letting him parent.

Read more the role of fathers in modern parenting. 

While he is learning how to be a dad, you can learn how to let go of mom micro-manager mode and get some of that much needed self care time. Some great ideas for a day alone.

Start a Gratitude Practice
Make it a point to find at least one thing that made you happy today and for which you are grateful. Extend the gratitude by involving the family as well.  By modeling gratitude and involving the kids, it becomes part of your family culture, improves empathy, and promotes parent-child bond. Gratitude is a protective measure against entitlement for all ages as it helps appreciate what one already has instead of focusing what is lacking.

Every night before the bedtime story or lullaby, my kids and I cuddle, talk about things that we enjoyed doing today, and verbalizing one thing for

Incorporating Self Care Daily

We’ve all heard the saying, you can’t pour from an empty cup.  As parents, modeling self care is so important for ourselves and for our family. If we can’t normalize that both work and relaxation are important, our kids will learn that being busy and stressed is the “normal” way to be.

That’s not the lesson I want my kids to learn. Do you?

What are some self care ideas you find enjoy? Please share!

This post may contain affiliate links. See disclosure for more information.