The Essential Guide to Prioritizing Self-Care for Moms, Top 13 Ideas

I went from being a mom of two to a mom of five overnight when I moved in with my now husband, and I gave birth to our daughter a month later. He and his daughters were a package deal, and as much as I loved my new, big family, I was overwhelmed. I had a new baby, two new bonus daughters, a new husband, and suddenly no time for myself. I got frustrated and burnt out.

Something had to change.

So, I made time. I made time for me.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, moms often find themselves juggling multiple roles, leaving little time for self-care. However, prioritizing your well-being is crucial for overall happiness and effectiveness as a mom. You have to fill your own cup before you can fill someone else's.

The importance of self-care for moms

Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. For moms, constantly giving to others can lead to burnout. Taking time for yourself is vital for mental and emotional well-being. It's not selfish; it's a means of replenishing your energy, enabling you to be the best version of yourself for your loved ones.

It's okay to prioritize yourself… actually, it's essential

Prioritizing self-care requires a mindset shift. Understand that taking care of yourself isn't neglecting your responsibilities; it's ensuring you can fulfill them more effectively. Recognize the signs of burnout, set boundaries, and give yourself permission to prioritize your well-being without guilt.

10 Self-care ideas for moms

Sometimes moms get so wrapped up in the motions of running their house and family that they forget themselves, and it can be difficult to know where to start. This was certainly the case for me when I was a burnt out single mom, and again when I first blended families with my husband and his girls. It's okay to admit when we don't know how to start, that's why I came up with this list of ideas for self-care for moms.

1. Quality Sleep

Okay, this one might seem a little obvious or not even a self-care strategy, but hear me out. As moms, we are go, go, go all day and often into the night. When our kids need a parent in the middle of the night, and they slip into our rooms, does dad wake up? No! At least not in my house.

Two of our daughters came into the room for help last night, and did my husband wake up? Nope. Not at all. Who did? That's right, me. I'm mom, and I'm on duty 24/7 if I don't insist on my breaks.

We all need breaks. And we most definitely need our sleep. Prioritizing sleep is absolutely self-care for moms. To do this, we can set up a good, solid bedtime routine with our kids and get them into bed at a reasonable time.

We can make sure to do everything it takes to get maximize our sleep beforehand; I follow Ben Greenfield's sleep hacks throughout the day to prioritize my sleep. I keep my room cold, use a humidifier in my home in the dry Colorado Rockies, use red light therapy, exercise, diffusers, and cut caffeine intake after noon.

But even when we do all the things right, we still have nights that don't work out for whatever reason. A kid wakes us up, or we lay down a little too late to get our full eight hours in. Most moms wake up early to an alarm. I'm incredibly lucky as an unschool mom, I rarely ever wake up to an alarm (except on early travel days).

When we just don't get enough sleep the night before, we need to make sleep a part of our self-care in the form of naps or going to bed early the next night. I actually have a napping loft in my she-shed for just these moments. If I know I will need a nap that day, I do not drink any coffee, and I make sure to cover my eyes and lay down out there, usually after a sauna or yoga nidra session.

2. Mindful Moments

Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by setting aside dedicated moments for meditation or deep-breathing exercises. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on your breath, allowing yourself to be fully present in the moment. These mindful pauses can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and bring a sense of calm to your busy day.

One of the aspects of yoga that first pulled me in and made me want to study more, to become an instructor myself, was pranayama or breath techniques. I find that using these in my meditation sessions or even in little moments throughout the day, help tremendously to maintain my calm and my joy when otherwise it might be difficult.

2. Treat Yourself

There are so many different ways to pamper yourself. Some people like to stay home while others go to a spa. Whatever it is that makes you feel totally relaxed, make time for it. I personally like to get out of the house for my pampering because with all the people and animals at home, I can never really relax. It seems like someone always needs me.

I get regular 90 minute deep tissue massages, craniosacral therapy, manicures, and reiki as part of my self-care routine. I also love facials, red light sauna sessions, and cold plunges.

3. Read for Pleasure

Many moms use books as an escape from their routines and regular lives. Escapism can also be a part of self-care. It doesn't matter if you like to read smutty romance, self-help, or YA fantasy, reading is always a valuable form of self-care.

Reading not only offers a mental escape but also stimulates your imagination and expands your knowledge. Leave the laundry and the grouchy husband behind, and lose yourself in the world of literature by dedicating time to read books that bring you joy. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, find a genre that resonates with you. Choose a comfortable spot, grab a cup of tea, and let the pages transport you to different realms.

4. Quiet Reflection

Allocate time for solitude to reflect on your goals, dreams, and achievements. Find a quiet space where you can be alone with your thoughts. Consider journaling to document your reflections or simply enjoy moments of stillness. This practice allows you to gain clarity, set intentions, and nurture a positive mindset as you navigate life's challenges.

In my moments of quiet reflection, I like to journal (I usually keep 4-5 different journals at a time), light incense or burn sage, and reflect on a particular passage or tarot card. I find that having something to focus my attention on helps me to maintain my stillness longer.

5. Take a Bath

You can rejuvenate both your body and mind by drawing a warm bath, adding some soothing essential oils, and letting yourself unwind. Consider incorporating a skincare routine with nourishing products, or try a DIY manicure for some extra pampering. Creating a relaxing environment can provide a much-needed break from the demands of everyday life.

Baths are one of the most used tools of self-care for moms. Most of us have a bathtub and some salt we could throw in. I recommend putting the kids to sleep early and drawing a bath before going to bed to help wind down for the night and (hopefully) avoid interruptions.

6. Creative Outlets

I fully believe that everyone is creative in their own ways. If you are not used to expressing yourself through art, it can be a little difficult at first but always keep in mind that you are not doing this for anyone else or their approval. Creating art for yourself can be therapeutic and provide an outlet for self-expression.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, the process of creating something unique can bring a sense of accomplishment and joy to your self-care routine. I would not claim to be a painter or a sculptor, but I have learned that I love painting and working with clay. One option is to take a class at a local studio if you feel you'd like to develop your skills further.

7. Social Connection

Prioritize meaningful connections by scheduling time with friends or family. Engage in conversations that bring joy and laughter, whether in person or through virtual platforms. Social interactions play a crucial role in overall well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Strengthening your connections with loved ones can contribute to a positive mindset and emotional resilience.

This is especially important for homeschooling and stay-at-home moms. We can sometimes feel desperate to have a conversation with another adult. I cherish my time with my friends and feel filled after my time with them. I never would have thought that as an introvert I would consider friend time self-care, but we all need different types of connections in our lives and people we relate to differently to feel fulfilled.

8. Exercise Routine

Another great type of self-care for moms is physical activity, incorporating an exercise routine into your daily life can make you feel centered and whole. Whether it's practicing yoga, ecstatic dance, hitting the gym, or following a home workout routine, moving your body is essential for both physical and mental health. Find activities that bring you joy and make exercise a pleasurable part of your self-care routine.

My yoga practice is essential to my self-care. I have my she-shed set up for daily practice. I may not always make it out there, but when I do, I feel centered for the rest of the day.

I love yoga but I am very particular about it also being a time for me to meditate and find my calm, so it is not always the best choice when the kids are awake. This is why my husband and I converted two thirds of our garage into a home gym. I can lift weights out there wether the kids are with me making noise or not.

9. Learn Something New

Embrace the joy of lifelong learning by enrolling in a course or pursuing a hobby you've always wanted to try. It is empowering to learn new things as we get older. It helps us tap into our inner youth, keep our minds alive, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Whether it's a language, a musical instrument, or a creative skill, the process of acquiring new knowledge can be invigorating and intellectually stimulating. Cultivate a growth mindset and explore areas that ignite your curiosity.

I love online courses. I am always taking a few at a time. I want to learn as much as I can with the time that I have on this earth, and I see learning as an essential part of my self-care, a core aspect to deepening my connection to myself.

I personally love backpacking, but most of the time, this is not an option for me last minute. Instead, I head out to the back part of my land, past the horse corral, where the trees grow thick and no one can see me. I sit under my favorite tree, my dogs by my side, and we listen to the sounds of wind through the pines.

11. Spend Time on YOUR Hobbies

I'm not talking about the hobbies you do with your kids, or the ones you picked up from your partner. I'm talking about YOUR hobbies, the ones that feel personal to you. I remember, in my burnout days, I went to get a compound bow dialed in that I was planning to use with my son and husband.

I told the man helping me, that I had just had my third baby, and I was excited to do more archery with my boys but that I was very new to the hobby. Then, he asked me what I like to do for fun, and I was stumped. I could not think of anything to say. At four weeks postpartum and feeling all the feels, I began to cry. I had lost myself.

When I got into my car, I thought about it again. What did I like to do? I had to take myself all the way back to what I liked doing before I had kids, and that's when I was able to really feel into myself and what MY hobbies actually were. That was a turning point for me, and from then on I incorporated self-care for moms into my coaching to help moms develop and strengthen that internal connection with themselves.

13. Book a Trip!

Have your kids been giving you an especially rough time this week, month, or year? Yes? Then do the big thing. Book a solo trip, or a girls' trip if you're the social type. If money is tight, just go to a local hotel, or the leave the kids with grandparents and have a staycation.

I implement this strategy as often as I can, but it's usually once per year solo, once with a friend, and once or twice with my husband. Trips with just your partner, if you have one, are so good for your relationship. It is easy to get bogged down with all the kid stuff, the house projects, and your individual work. It's refreshing to have time with just your honey – or yourself – and no responsibilities, to slow down and relax.

Moms, you are the heart of your family, and your well-being matters.

Embracing self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for a fulfilled and empowered life. By understanding its importance, making time, and prioritizing your needs, you can recharge and approach your responsibilities with renewed energy.

I found that when I made it known to my family, my support sytem, that I was going to prioritize my self-care, I was met with support and encouragement. Even my kids understand now that mommy has to have time alone sometimes.

Prioritizing our self-care is not something we should feel guilty about, or ever let slide. It is something we should protect and have boundaries around. Pick some of the options laid out here, or come up with your own and set a schedule to make time for yourself because prioritizing your self-care as a mom is absolutely is essential.

A happier mom makes for a happier home.

What are your favorite ways to squeeze in self-care as a mom? I'd love to hear!

xo Noelle Nicole