Being intentional about caring for your mind, heart, and emotions is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Today, we’re sharing the ULTIMATE guide to self-care for moms!

As a busy mom who’s always putting her children first, it’s so easy to forget to do the things that nourish your soul and body. You’re always on-the-go, or maybe always in the house. Either way, living a healthy lifestyle is ultimately about much more than just healthy eating and exercise. It’s equally important (and maybe even more important, for some) to take care of your mind and heart through self-care!

In this post, we’ll be sharing our favorite self-care tips and tricks for busy moms, as well as how to implement them on a weekly basis. If you’re a mama who’s feeling tired, overwhelmed, burnt out, and ready for something new, then this list is for you!

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!

Self-care ideas for the busy mom

1. Buy a new cookbook

Need a refresh on healthy eating? Tired of the same ol’ recipes? Make healthy eating fun by trying out new, creative, or healthy comfort food recipes! While we love all of our healthy recipes here on Jar Of Lemons, sometimes it’s nice to have a physical book with pretty pictures to inspire us. Here are some of our favorite cookbooks:

• A Month Of Healthy Eats For The Busy Girl
• Nourishing Superfood Bowls
• Healthyish
• Love Real Food

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 great 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 bomb, set relaxing music, and breeeeeeeathe.

4. Eat out

If you often cook and eat in with your family, try going out a night or two each week! Just getting out of the house can be incredibly refreshing sometimes.

5. Meet a friend for brunch

There’s nothing better for the soul than having great conversation with a good friend. Make it a weekly habit to reach out to 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

Sometimes a refresh is just what you need! Get a new haircut or color that’s different than your usual to mix it up.

7. Go for a pedicure

Heading out to the grocery store? Stop by the nail salon 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. Go 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 on your porch. We often don’t get outside enough, so this can be incredibly beneficial!

13. Do relaxing yoga

Find your favorite relaxing yoga video and do this a couple of times each week. It’s a great way to start your day or wind down before bed!

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!

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. Eat something unhealthy

You heard right! While healthy eating is an essential part of self-care, having treats are also essential. Make a yummy, seasonal dessert. Get a cupcake. Go out for Mexican food. Make comfort food. Sometimes it’s just good for the soul!

Now it’s your turn! What would you add to your own self-care list? Let us know in the comments below!

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. These are products that I know, trust, and love!