I may not be a mom myself, but I’ve watched so many incredible women in my life give their all, every single day. From my own mother to close friends and coworkers, I’ve seen what it means to carry the world on your shoulders, with strength, patience, and a whole lot of love.
Early mornings. Late-night laundry. School runs. Meal prep. Work emails. Doctor appointments. The list never ends..
Somewhere between wiping noses and scheduling dentist visits, self-care often falls to the very bottom. And I get it, when your days are filled right up to the top, it can feel selfish or even impossible to take a moment for yourself.
But here’s the truth: you deserve care too. Not just for your kids. Not just to keep the house running. But for you, because you’re a whole person outside of your role as “Mom”.
This post is my love letter to all the moms out there. It’s also a gentle guide filled with simple, meaningful self care tips for busy moms, inspired by the strong women I know, a few moments of burnout I’ve experienced myself, and yes, some cozy inspiration from Pinterest too.
Why Self-Care Matters (Especially for Moms)
It’s easy to put yourself last when you’re juggling everyone else’s needs. But here’s the thing: when you take time to care for yourself, you show up more present, more patient, and more connected—for your kids, your family, and yourself.
You don’t need hours of free time or a huge budget to practice self-care. The most powerful rituals are often the simplest.
10 Self Care Tips for Busy Moms That Are Actually Doable
1. Start Small: Micro Moments of Self-Care Matter
You don’t need an entire weekend retreat to feel better. Start small.
Think of self-care in micro moments, five to ten minutes to breathe, reset, and pour back into yourself.
Try this:
- Sit down with a warm drink without multitasking
- Step outside and feel the sun on your face
- Play your favorite song and dance it out in the kitchen
- Take a few deep breaths with your hand on your heart
It might seem tiny, but these rituals remind you: you matter.
2. Create a No-Judgment Morning Routine
Even if it’s just 10 quiet minutes before the day begins, use them just for you.
Ideas:
- A quick stretch
- A gratitude list (download my free printable gratitude list here 💛)
- Drinking water before coffee
- Reading one page of a book you love
Your morning doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to include you.
3. Say Yes to Help (And No Without Guilt)
I’ve watched so many moms try to do everything without asking for help. But no one is meant to do it all alone.
Self-care tip for moms: Let go of the guilt and let others step in.
Whether it’s accepting a meal drop-off, delegating chores, or saying no to one more obligation, choose peace over perfection!
4. Romanticize Your Routine
This idea came straight from my Pinterest pins, those dreamy tea corners and cozy bath setups? They’re not just aesthetics, they’re an invitation to find beauty in your everyday.
Try this:
- Light a candle while folding laundry, —bonus points if it’s one you made yourself! I recently shared how to make soy candles with essential oils, and it’s been such a calming ritual in my own routine.
- Use your favorite mug every morning
- Add essential oil drops to your shower
- Set the table, even for a solo lunch
It’s not about more, it’s about mindfulness.
5. Digital Detox (Even Just 30 Minutes)
Scrolling might feel like a break, but it often adds to the overwhelm. Disconnect for at least 30 minutes each day and reclaim your time.
Instead of scrolling, try:
- Journaling
- Taking a walk
- Coloring or crafting
- Just sitting in silence (yes, you’re allowed!)
6. Move Your Body in a Way That Feels Good
Forget intense workouts if they don’t bring you joy. Movement should feel like a celebration of your body, not a punishment.
Mom-friendly movement ideas:
- Dancing in the kitchen
- Stretching with a YouTube yoga video
- Stroller walks
- Five minutes of deep breathing and gentle stretches before bed
7. Nourish Your Body Like You Love Yourself
Skipping meals or eating last-minute snacks may be your reality right now. But your body deserves nourishment too.
Quick, nourishing ideas:
- Smoothie bowls (check out my post: 4 Flat Belly Detox Smoothie Ideas That Actually Helped Me Lose Belly Fat)
- Overnight oats
- Chopped fruit & nuts
- Simple veggie-packed soups
Fueling your body is an act of care, not just for energy, but for mood and mental clarity too.
8. Find Community (Even Online)
Motherhood can feel isolating, but connection is healing. You’re not alone, even if it sometimes feels that way.
Ways to connect:
- Join a local moms’ group
- Follow honest, uplifting mom creators on Instagram
- Start a support group chat with other moms
- Leave a comment on a blog or video that resonates
Even virtual hugs are real when they come with love.
9. Let Go of Perfection
Social media doesn’t show the messy middle. And trust me, every mom has one.
Reminder: Your kids don’t need a perfect mom. They need a present one. The dishes can wait. The floors don’t need to sparkle every day. Let yourself be.
10. Do One Thing Daily Just for You
This is the golden rule of self-care for busy moms: do one thing daily just for you.
It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be yours.
Ideas:
- Listen to your favorite podcast
- Paint your nails
- Read a chapter of a fun book
- Journal your thoughts
- Start a 5-minute hobby
Final Thoughts: Self Care Is Not Selfish, It’s Survival
Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, whether you work outside the home or full-time inside it, being a mom is nonstop. But you’re more than what you do for others. You’re a whole person with needs, dreams, and a body that deserves to be loved.
These self care tips for busy moms aren’t about doing more, they’re about doing what matters for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Start small. Be gentle. And know that every small act of self-kindness is building a stronger, more supported you.
🎁 Free Printable: Start Your Day with Gratitude
As a little gift from me to you, I’ve created a free printable gratitude list to help you add a moment of mindfulness to your mornings. It’s simple, calming, and made with love—just like this post.
Whether you print it out and stick it on the fridge or keep it by your bed, this small habit can shift your mindset in big ways.
👉 Click here to download your free Gratitude List printable 💛
You deserve a few moments each day that are just for you.
With love,
Fifi 💛
Simply Calm Mind Blog 
Drop a thought 👇