Don’t Have Time for Self-Care as a Mom? Here Are Some Simple Ways to Fill Your Cup

Let's face it, when we became moms, self-care often gets pushed down our priority list. How can we make time for ourselves when we have another human (or two or five) depending on us for everything? Add jobs, responsibilities, romantic relationships, and a long list of other things that fall squarely on our shoulders, and by the time we get to self-care, we are tapped out.

Being a busy mom in a world that tells us we need to do it all and be it all is draining. If you've found yourself struggling to make time for self-care, longing just to feel better, or trying to focus on health, you're in the right place. Here are 20 easy ways to fill your cup today.

Your Child Needs You to Make Self-Care a Priority

Before we get to the list of self-care tips, let's talk about the importance of self-care as a mother. It's common for us to think that we can't fit self-care into our schedule because we're too busy. Do good moms even do that?

Trust me, as a busy mom of four, I get it. There are days when the best self-care I can muster up is to grab a box of chocolate and hide (or cry) in the locked bathroom. Self-care as a busy mom can be so hard. However, I want to offer a different perspective. Our children need us to make self-care a priority.

For starters, self-care helps us heal both physically and mentally. It also sends a message to our kids that mom is a person too, and she is deserving of care and attention. I don't know about you, but I have three daughters, and I want them to grow up knowing that self-care isn't something we do only when we have time, after sacrificing everything we have.

Self-Care is Not Always Easy as a Busy Mom

So, we know that self-care is important. You're likely rolling your eyes at me and thinking, sure, but that's easier said than done.

Maybe you can't spend all day at a spa, or spend the extra money on a pedicure, or get your hair done every six weeks. However, self-care doesn't have to take all day or cost a ton of money. Instead, self-care for busy moms can be small, quick choices that you make for yourself.

Waking up 15 minutes early to enjoy the sunset alone, or enjoying that coffee in silence, are examples of ways to grab hold of those little moments and say, I choose me right now.

Simple Ways to Fill Your Cup as a Busy Mom

Moms are looking for easy and, often, cheap or free ways to fill their cups throughout the day. Here are 20 simple ideas that I have practiced throughout the last 12 years as a parent. They don't cost a whole lot and are often free. They boost your mood and honestly feel like giving yourself a little hug. (Yes, I am aware that sounds very cliche. Nonetheless, it's the truth.) If you are looking for ways to give yourself that hug, try one of these today.

Go for a Morning or Evening Walk

Walking in nature or even just around the block is good for our brains. These walks don't even have to be long; 10 to 15 minutes can do wonders for our moods. Go with your family or take one by yourself if you need that alone time. Your family won't fall apart without you in 10 minutes. (No matter what they may say.)

Don't Forget the H2O

Water. We know we need it, but it's so much easier to grab that fourth cup of coffee instead of a bottle of water. Even though, the latter would be so much better for our brains and our health. One thing I started doing was filling up my water bottle the night before and sticking it in the fridge. Then I drink my nice cold water throughout the day.

Fit in a 20-minute workout

If you go for a walk for 20 minutes, then great – you've got your workout in! However, if you'd rather just work out for 20 minutes, instead of simply going for a walk, it will have a similar effect. Endorphins are released when you work out, which is naturally a mood booster. Plus, your body and health are reaping the benefits. Going to the gym can be therapeutic for some and will give you some alone time as a mom. Or you could choose to pop in that workout DVD while your child is napping or entertaining themself for a few minutes.

Pick up Journaling

Journaling is a quick and versatile hobby that so many people enjoy. You can jot down notes on your phone or pick out a new journal to record pages of detail. Alternatively, you could take up art journaling, which is becoming a more popular creative outlet.

Try Yoga or Meditation

Yoga and meditation are more than a way to improve physical health. They have been said to help improve mental health as well. You could practice either one on your own or find a quick YouTube video to follow along with a few times a week.

Plan an Outing with a Friend

Going out with a good friend can feel like therapy. Someone who understands exactly where you are in your motherhood journey. Plan a lunch or coffee date and then actually follow through. Your outing doesn't even have to cost a dime. Instead of lunch, go for a walk on a trail and catch up, or take your kids to the park for an hour or two.

Practice Mindful Breathing Exercises

Mindful breathing practices can help reduce anxiety and manage emotions. These exercises can also regulate your nervous system and more. Whether you are practicing mindful breathing along with yoga or on their own, it is simple way to practice self-care.

Pick Up a Hobby That Is Just for You

Being a mom doesn't mean you have to lose yourself. Sometimes, taking the time to pick up a hobby that is just for you is what a mom needs. Get back in touch with yourself and think back to what used to bring you joy. Then do it again or find something completely new to try. Who knows – you may just find your newest passion.

Turn on Classical Music

When my daughter was younger, I read once that classical music promotes relaxation and reduces stress. So, I started putting it on in our home, especially whenever one of us started feeling stressed. You may be surprised, but for me and my family, it seems to work and is worth a try.

Find a Podcast to Listen to During Busy Times

There is a podcast for almost every topic. Whether you enjoy encouragement, self-help topics, or true crime, chances are you can find a podcast for it. One of the beautiful things about podcasts is that you can put them on while you are busy. Commuting to work? Folding laundry? Making dinner? Turn on your favorite podcast while you work.

Take Five Minutes to Stretch Every Day

Stretching may not be at the top of your to-do list. However, did you know that stretching is actually connected to emotional health? Some theories suggest stretching can trigger an emotional release and improve mental health. It can also improve mental health by increasing serotonin levels, which can help stabilize your mood.

Listen to Music Throughout Your Day

Listening to music isn't just a fun activity. It can also affect your emotions, enhance your mood, and reduce stress. So, if you need some quick self-care, blast your favorite song and have a dance party in the kitchen.

Repeat Affirmations to Yourself Every Morning

Positive affirmations can increase self-esteem and encourage you to become a more optimistic person. They're quick and can be easily tailored to fit your circumstances. A few great ones to start with in the morning are:

• Who I am is enough.
• I am doing my best.
• I am a good mom.
• I am strong.
• I can choose to be kind to myself.

Practice Gratitude in Little Ways Every Day

During my studies on Positive Psychology, I learned that practicing gratitude daily can actually rewire our brains by activating neuroplasticity. So, taking a couple of minutes a day to practice gratitude can increase your mood and reduce stress over time. This can be done simply by creating a gratitude journal or even just taking a few minutes to say five things out loud that you are grateful for every day.

Try to Get Enough Sleep

Sleep. Do moms even know what that is anymore? Though it is hard, trying to get enough sleep is actually a great way to practice self-care. According to Mayo Clinic, adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

Keep a Stash of Healthy Snacks

As a mom with kids and a spouse who have a sweet tooth, I understand all too well how hard it is to keep unhealthy snacks out of the house. However, the more you stock up on healthy snacks, the more your body will thank you. If you don't want to do a complete overhaul, start small by replacing the unhealthy snacks with healthy ones, one at a time.

Hug Someone

Sometimes all we need is a hug. Take the time to hug someone for at least 60 seconds when you feel the need for self-care. Hugs can even improve your health by reducing stress and increasing levels of oxytocin.

Send a Quick Text to a Friend

Sometimes, all we need is to touch base with a friend. We all need human connection. Sure, we get that from our kids, and it's great, but a friend is different. Even if it's just a relatable reel or GIF of a mom crying on the bathroom floor, send that text. Chances are, you'll be happy you took a few minutes out of your day for some adult interaction.

Take a Break from Your Phone

Our phones can be a problem – we all know it. Most of us have experienced becoming a scrolling zombie for three hours after the kids have gone to bed. But it can also be extremely unhealthy for our mental well-being. So, be intentional about taking a break. This break may be a few hours a day or even a month. Trust me, your mental health will thank you.

Write down at least one Good Thing That Happened Every Day

Lastly, take a couple of minutes at the end of the day to write down at least one good thing that happened that day. Do this every single day for a month and you'll have a list of at least 30 good things. This small act can help us put our circumstances into perspective, create a more positive outlook, and help us practice gratitude.

One Last Note

Self-care as a mom isn't always easy. Yet sometimes I think it's because we tend to overcomplicate it. There are small and simple things we can do every single day to practice self-care as a busy mom. If you are in need a little TLC, try to add one or two of these easy things to your daily routine. Before you know it, they will become second nature.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Studio Romantic/Shutterstock.com.