Are you overwhelmed, overworked, tired, and close to burnout? Are you looking for self care ideas for moms?

Self-care is for anyone but if any one group of people needs it more, I’d say it would be moms.

Most mothers are professionals at juggling many roles, responsibilities, and putting others first. We aren’t always the best at recognizing when we need to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first so we can help those around us.

In this article, we’re going to talk about what self care is, how to incorporate it into our daily lives, and a long list of self care ideas especially suited for moms.

Self care ideas for moms

 

What is the definition of self-care?

According to the Google search results, self-care is: “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s health.” 

I think many of us can admit that taking care to improve our mental, emotional, and physical health is a good goal to aim for.

I know that self care is often an overused term. Many people might roll their eyes thinking it just means taking a “bath” or “getting your nails done”, but please hear me out…self-care is much more than what you typically think of when you hear the term.

According to Southern New Hampshire University “Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more.”

As mothers, we can certainly use the stress reduction and increased happiness that often comes along with self care.

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Self care for moms – start here

A gentle reminder before we get into the self-care ideas, as a mother of little children it can be difficult to get basic daily needs met. However, it’s so important that you prioritize basic self-care everyday.

• get your water intake in
• get the recommended amount of sleep
• eat 3 healthy meals a day
• move your body
• and get fresh air/sunlight

I know it can be difficult to get sleep, especially if you have a baby. If you can, it’s recommended by many experts to nap when the baby naps. Leave the laundry, nap when you can get the time. Even if just for a few minutes, grabbing a nap when you’re a sleep deprived mother is vital to physical and mental health.

It will also do your mind and body a world of good to get out daily, walking with your baby. This not only gets your body moving but also helps ones mental health to be out in fresh air and sunlight.

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Self care ideas

1. take a hot relaxing bath or shower – add a bath bomb or essential oils for aromatherapy
2. read a chapter of your favorite book
3. listen to your favorite podcast
4. listen to music and dance around the house
5. grab a favorite blanket and snuggle on the couch with your favorite show
6. get your hair and nails done
7. spend time meditating or in prayer
8. journal in your gratitude journal
9. do some stretches/Yoga
10. introduce yourself to ASMR on YouTube, spend 30 minutes relaxing to it
11. learn how to hand embroider
12. learn how to knit or crochet
13. draw a picture
14. paint a picture
15. take photos of nature
16. take a walk
17. go to the lake and walk on in the sand
18. start a little herb garden
19. water your plants while listening to music
20. walk the dog
21. go for a swim
22. take your vitamins
23. ride a bike
24. set aside 30 minutes to have a good old fashion phone call with a friend
25. look through photo albums
26. bake something tasty
27. turn your phone off
28. have a spa day at home
29. spray essential oils on your bedding and rest
30. write a self care journal
31. buy a heated blanket and get cozy
32. snuggle your kids in bed with a cute movie
33. sit in silence
34. take a well deserved nap
35. Improve your sleeping experience with essential oils, soft music, rain sounds, white noise, soft bedding
36. go back to bed after the baby has been fed and is napping
37. enjoy a refreshing skin care routine
38. start a blog to journal your thoughts on being a mommy
39. edit who you follow on social – if someone is adding stress to your life, pause them or stop following them
40. spend time watching funny cat videos on TikTok – and don’t feel bad about it!
41. write a letter to your children
42. write a letter to your younger self
43. go to church/read your Bible
44. go to the library
45. create a cozy nook for reading
46. get together with girlfriends
47. have a date night with your significant other
48. sing in the shower
49. watch a comedy show
50. get an adult coloring book and colored pencils
51. learn about slow living and make it a practice
52. call your parents and reminisce about your childhood memories
53. take a class and learn something new
54. learn how to love your life no matter what it looks like and speak gratitude over your life
55. sleep as much as possible – you’re a new mom and you need sleep (notice how I’m drilling that home? It’s important!)
56. put together a puzzle
57. try a new recipe
58. stay in your pj’s and make it a relaxing day
59. go for a scenic drive
60. change your sheets and bedding

Make self-care a priority and schedule it in

Putting yourself first, even if in small moments in the day may not come naturally, as we mother’s often put everyone else first before ourselves. Having said that, you will burn out quickly if you don’t make yourself a priority.

These self care ideas for moms aren’t just something fun to do in your day, they’re meant to help you relax, unwind, catch a break from your busy day, and do something enjoyable.

Put yourself first, mama. You deserve a break.

You may need to schedule self care in and have the expectation of realism for how the day might go. After all, you’re a mommy and plans can change on a dime when you have little kids. Make a plan to have a hot bath, grab a nap while the baby sleeps, and color a page in your favorite coloring book – but be ready to have those plans altered and be okay with that.

Happy relaxation, mama.

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