Honest moment: I’ve always struggled with self-care. Even though it means well, it personally drives me a little bit crazy when people tell me that I need to take time for myself. How?? There isn’t time to even take for myself. All my time goes to other things. My sweet boys, my husband, our house (and new build project), my job (that you already know I absolutely love), there are just SO many things. And even though it can definitely be overwhelming, I do enjoy how full this season of life is!
However, as a busy mom, it’s definitely easy to forget to do the things that nourish who I am. And while this looks different for everyone, the truth is that self-care is important!
In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite self-care ideas for busy moms, as well as how to implement them realistically (and on a busy schedule). If you’re a mama who’s feeling tired, overwhelmed, burnt out, and ready for something new, then this list is for you. Here are 25+ Self-Care Ideas for Busy Moms!
RELATED: How To Establish Healthy Eating Habits
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is about nourishing your body, soul, and mind. It’s not a selfish act, and it’s not about spoiling yourself. It’s about doing the things that help you become the best, most energetic version of yourself by keeping your entire self in the healthiest place possible!
25+ Self-Care Ideas for Busy Moms
1. Get a New Cookbook
Tired of the same ol’ recipes? Need a refresh on healthy eating? Make cooking fun again by trying out new, creative, or healthy comfort food recipes! While we love all of our healthy recipes here on Jar Of Lemons and around the internet, sometimes it’s nice to have a physical book with beautiful pictures to inspire us. Here are some of my personal favorite cookbooks:
2. Start a New Workout Plan
Try starting a new 4-12 week workout plan, like this one! It’s a great way to work towards a goal and feel your best at the same time.
Needing to be around other people? Try getting together with other moms in your area to get fit (like this program) or starting a group exercise program!
3. Take a Bath
It’s the little things, right? Sometimes you just need a long relaxing bath (or shower, if that’s not your thing). Light your favorite candles, make a cup of tea, fill your bath with your favorite natural bath additives, set relaxing music, and breeeeeeeaaaathe.
4. Eat Out
If you cook often and eat in with your family, try going out for a change! Just getting out of the house can be incredibly refreshing sometimes. Whether you go out with friends, or bring your fam with you, eating out can be a refreshing way to reset give yourself a night off from cooking.
5. Meet a Friend for Brunch
There’s nothing better for the soul than having a great conversation with a good friend. Get together with a friend and meet up for coffee, lunch, or brunch! Would rather stay in? Invite a friend over for a cup of tea! Yes, it takes energy and effort to reach out sometimes. But it’s SO worth it!
6. Get a Haircut
One of the ultimate self-care ideas for busy moms! Sometimes a refresh is just what you need. Get a new haircut or color that’s different than your usual to mix it up. Just getting out of the house, out of a daily routine to take the time to care for yourself can lift you up so much!
7. Go for a Pedicure
Heading out to the grocery store? Stop by the nail salon first and treat yourself to a pedicure or manicure! Take that time to rest, stay off of your phone, and relax.
8. Get Spiritual
Ultimately, self-care is totally incomplete if we have a lack of inner peace. Get connected and involved with a local church, attend church online, or start a bible plan with a few friends!
9. Take the Family Out for Ice Cream
You mean all of the kids and everything? YES! While it takes a lot of planning and energy to get out of the house with the fam, it can be so refreshing to actually do something fun and change up the daily routine. And who doesn’t love ice cream??
10. Serve Others
Self-care isn’t a selfish act. It’s a way to nourish your soul and make you the best mom you can be! One of the best self-care ideas is to actually serve others through charity work or serving in a local church. You’ll be amazed at how refreshing it is to completely and totally give to others. The joy that comes makes it so worth it!
11. Get Out of the House (Or Stay In) For a Night
Been with the kids for days? Go out with friends or get a sitter for date night! If you work outside of the home (or are always on-the-go), take a night to stay in and rest.
12. Get Outside
There’s nothing like getting some sunshine and vitamin D! Take the kids to the park, go for a walk, go hiking with the family, or simply sit outside on your porch. We often don’t get outside enough, so this can be incredibly beneficial and refreshing!
13. Do Relaxing Yoga
Find your favorite relaxing yoga video and do this a couple of times each week for an ongoing self-care idea. It’s a great way to start your day or wind down before bed! Need something more? Head out to an in-person yoga class with a friend!
14. Buy an Indoor Plant
Go plant shopping! Adding house plants can make your home feel refreshing and clean. They can also make you feel more relaxed and inspired!
>> Also, be sure to check out the ultimate guide to indoor plants HERE!
15. Journal
If you’re someone who tends to be in your head a lot, try journaling. Getting your thoughts and feelings on to paper can be so healing and will make you feel like a weight has been lifted!
16. Bake a Dessert
You heard right! While healthy eating is an essential part of self-care, having treats are also essential. Make a yummy, seasonal dessert. Make cupcakes. These amazing and indulgent Snickers Brownies. Anything you’re craving. Sometimes it’s just good for the soul!
RELATED: 25+ Healthy Baking Recipes
17. Plan an At-Home Spa Day
Who says you can’t get spa day vibes at home? Indulge in an at-home spa kit. Make yourself some coconut lemon water and relax for a change!
18. Go Shopping
Some of us love shopping, some of us hate it. Personally, I often feel too busy or overwhelmed to go out and physically shop for myself. But, if I make a day of it and turn it into a relaxing (not rushed) endeavor, it can actually be a form of self-care!
19. Join a Running Club
Enjoy running? Join a running club to make new friends and feel great in the process! Or if you’re new to running, this is a great way to challenge yourself and feel refreshed.
20. Give Your Room a Makeover
Move furniture around, add a rug, clean out the nightstands, and give your bedroom a refresh! You’ll feel accomplished and will be so glad you took the time to do it.
RELATED: Ways To Refresh Your Home For Spring
21. Buy a Planner
Are you the type of person that feels refreshed when you’re organized? Buy a new planner to plan out your weekly dinner menu, your to-do lists, and your monthly calendar! Sometimes it’s the littlest of things that can be the most refreshing self-care ideas for busy moms.
22. Meal Prep for the Week
And to continue the previous point, meal prepping for the week ahead can also help you feel organized and accomplished! This is definitely a form of self-care for some of us (not all).
RELATED: 30+ BEST Easy Meal Prep Recipes
23. Take a Dance Class
Why not? Whether it’s a ballet class, couples ballroom, or a dance fitness class at your local gym, this can be a fun way to feel refreshed and inspired again!
24. Target Run
Need I say more?? I still remember Target runs being one of the most refreshing self-care ideas when I had a newborn and could only get away for a short period at a time. I always felt like myself again! And by Target run I really mean more like a glacial Target stroll…let’s be honest.
25. Buy a Mom Self-Care Kit
Did you know that you can buy yourself (or your mom, if you’re looking for gift ideas) a mom self-care kit?? Seriously, such a brilliant concept!
26. Go to a Different Grocery Store
Mix it up and go to a different grocery store than the usual! It’s a small thing, but even the tiniest unplanned adventures can inspire and refresh.
27. Plan a Vacation
Going on a vacation is definitely refreshing, but even just planning a future vacation with your spouse or a friend can inspire! Make a whole thing out of it: make pizza, get desserts, go out for coffee, and plan away.
Now it’s your turn! What would you add to your own self-care ideas for busy moms list? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Angela says:
I Love all of these ideas! Buying a new cookbook to peruse is a great one for me!!
Julie says:
Such good tips here! Self care takes on a whole new meaning with kids!
Abbey Sharp says:
I am definitely going to try all of these awesome ideas. This mom needs it! Thanks for putting this together
Kalee says:
I love these ideas! Doing something out of the norm like getting brunch with a friend or going for ice cream always helps me relax and recalibrate!
Deborah Brooks says:
These are all great ideas! All moms need a break and a little time for ourselves every now and then. Makes us better moms!
Kelly says:
Mom or not, these are great tips for every overworked gal. I may start with that epsolm salt bath!