Self-care. It’s a term that’s used often these days, and one that is also often misunderstood… especially when it comes to motherhood.
Self-care for moms tends to be confused as a desire for lots of “me time” and not wanting your kids around. You definitely shouldn’t wish away your current season of mothering because you long for carefree days and potentially miss out on important parenting opportunities in front of you as a result.
However, motherhood is demanding, and prioritizing taking care of ourselves helps us recharge and handle the stresses of parenting better. This is important also in order for you to give the very best of yourself to your family.
Here are 9 creative ways to incorporate self-care into your routine as a mom so that you can be the best mother you can be to your kids!
1. Exercise
Ok, I know. You’re exhausted. The last thing you want to do is exercise.
But, honestly, the release that comes with a good physical workout is surprisingly refreshing! It clears your head and gets fresh blood and oxygen flowing through your veins.
You can’t always join a group class at the gym, but you can watch an exercise video at home, or take a brisk walk or slow jog around the neighborhood. Even dancing to a few upbeat songs along with your kids is a great way to get in some movement during the day and release endorphins, which ultimately reduces stress.
2. Eat Well
A balanced diet impacts both your physical and mental health, and is a key element of staying fit and happy.
As a mom, you have a huge role in setting the eating habits of your entire family. You can involve your children in meal prep, which is a great way to teach them about nutrition and help them develop a passion for healthy living.
Planning meals together, shopping for fresh ingredients, and cooking healthy dishes allow you to spend quality one-on-one time, while also taking care of your family’s health.
This simple routine doesn’t just help everyone eat better; it turns mealtime into an engaging, educational, and bonding experience.
3. Have Coffee With a Friend
This can be done at home while your kids are running around, when you can’t meet up at a local coffee shop. Even though it may not be the cushy comfort of a Starbucks, the camaraderie and connections that come from sharing a table with a friend are highly refreshing- and remind us that we’re not alone in this!
4. Do Simple, Enjoyable Activities
I’ve found there are a few things that truly feed my soul, that are necessary for my sanity. To hold back from these activities actually creates stress for me.
And we all have these things. For me, it’s creative things like writing. For you it might be reading, gardening, painting, or sewing.
All in balance of course, but even just a few minutes of pouring your heart into an activity you enjoy is freeing and rejuvenating.
5. Have a Playdate
Get your rowdy kids together with other moms and their rowdy kids. Take them to the park, or let them wreak havoc in their bedrooms.
Let them work on their social skills while you connect with other grownups. And, you might just be pleasantly surprised at the way your children interact with the other kids!
6. Go on a Date With Your Husband
I used to really struggle with this one before my kids were old enough to stay home by themselves. Being so far away from family, we always had to pay for a sitter.
But, sometimes, it’s worth it to just pay the sitter and get out for a little while. You’re a wife first, after all.
Go for dinner. Or a walk. Or to an art show. Whatever. Just get alone, be together, talk, and reconnect. If you’re a single mom, try to get out once a month or so with friends.
7. Have a Family Movie Night
One of my favorite memories from when my kids were little were the nights we got into our pajamas early and ate way too much popcorn while we snuggled together on the couch, watching a movie.
We laughed, and just cozying up with them and relaxing softened my tired mommy heart and refueled my compassion for them.
8. Go Window Shopping
Granted, this one is most refreshing when done alone or with a girlfriend or two, but even with my kids along, window shopping was a great source of self-care because I was using my imagination and doing something I enjoyed.
If you do this with kids in tow, I recommend making sure everyone has had adequate naps and been fed beforehand, and even then packing a few snacks to take with you.
9. Carve Out Alone Time
This habit, often overlooked, is vital for mental health and emotional well-being. And I know for many moms, the idea of taking some time alone, even in your own house, might seem impossible.
But you can start small by setting aside a few minutes each day for yourself, maybe 15-20 minutes in the morning before the kids wake up. Or during nap times, or in the evening while your husband watches the kids.
When you carve out moments for solitude, you allow yourself the space to breathe, reflect, and recharge away from the demands of parenting and household responsibilities.
So whether it’s something as simple as an at-home aerobics session, an uninterrupted hour of watching a TV show, scheduling a playdate with friends, or setting aside an hour each week dedicated to a hobby you enjoy, make sure you incorporate plenty of moments to care for yourself as you would for others and create the boundaries needed to enforce it!
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