40 Quick & Easy Self Care Ideas for Moms
Self care ideas for moms may seem like great ideas, in theory, but how do you find the time to actually pamper yourself? We all know we have to take care of ourselves in order to take care of others.
However, if you are like me…you may tend to let yourself and your own wants and needs go in order to make sure the house runs properly.
You have kids to feed, clothe, and get to school. Homework has to be done nightly, along with laundry, work, paying bills, running errands – the list goes on and on.
Even with all your responsibilities, self care needs to be a priority for moms – especially for moms. The good thing is, it doesn’t have to take up a ton of your time. Most self care activities can be done in 10 minutes of less!
The following are a huge list of ideas you can include into your day that will have you feeling less stressed, more energized, and happier overall.
Psst….we have a Busy Mom Self Care Checklist that makes taking of your self SUPER easy!
Table of Contents
40 Quick & Easy Self Care Ideas for Moms
1. Enjoy a stroll through nature
The peace and calmness that come from the outdoors is a great way to relax and get away from your busy life for a few minutes. Take a walk around the block, or drive down to the local park for a walk if you have time.
2. Get cozy with a book
If you enjoy reading, know that you aren’t wasting time by pouring yourself into a good book. Even if it’s just a chapter or two a day, getting lost in the story for a bit can help you recharge for the rest of your day.
3. Reach out for a quick chat
Call up your friend, sibling, or someone else you trust. Spend a few minutes catching up, sneaking away from the laundry or dishes. This small social break can really improve your mood.
4. Write in your journal
It’s no secret that I love writing in a journal – I think it’s one of my favorite and most helpful self care ideas for moms! Journaling lets you get your worries, problems, stresses, thoughts, and anything else out of your head and onto paper.
This activity can really help you think more clearly and not feel so overwhelmed.
5. Rock out with your favorite tunes
Music is very good for the soul. Just taking 10 minutes to play 3-4 of your favorite songs while you focus on nothing but the beat and the lyrics can really make you feel better.
If the music grabs you, don’t be afraid to belt out the song or dance around the living room!
6. Do some simple stretches
Stretching is a great way to ease tension in your body, and it can be done anywhere – even in the car while you are waiting to pick up the kids from school! A few quick and easy stretches can really improve how you feel both mentally and physically.
7. Play with a pet
Owning a pet is a great stress reliever for many adults – moms included! I love taking our golden retriever outside to let him fetch his favorite toys. It doesn’t take much time, but the minutes spent with him are a great break from household chores and all the other things on my to-do list.
8. Relax in a bubble bath
Slipping into a warm bath filled with bubbles can instantly start to drown away the stress of the day. Grab a few bathing essentials to really make the most of your soak in the tub.
9. Get a mani/pedi
Treating yourself to a professional manicure and pedicure is one of the most luxurious self care ideas for moms. If you don’t have time (or money) to go out, give yourself a at-home mani/pedi! You can still enjoy the experience without spending much at all.
Plus, having hands and feel that are cared for can make you feel better about yourself.
10. Treat yourself to something new
Moms are always buying clothes, video games, books, etc etc for their children and partners. Sometimes, you just have to stop and do a little something for yourself. Head to your favorite clothing store and get a new top or jeans.
If you are pressed for time, grab your phone and order something nice for yourself online.
11. Get a massage
If you are feeling extra stressed, a professional massage can be very helpful in melting away the tension. If you don’t have time or money for a massage, ask your partner to give you a quick 10 minute neck and shoulder rub.
12. Enjoy a sunrise or sunset
Early risers may find that watching the sunrise is a great way to practice self care. The calm of the morning, before the house wakes, works wonders on your mind.
If the mornings are too crazy, plan 10 minutes of catching a sunset into your daily schedule. Grab your favorite tea and just sit outside, or by the window, watching nature do its thing without a care in the world.
13. Follow a yoga video
Youtube is filled with yoga videos just waiting to help you relax for a few minutes. Pull up a favorite and follow along, focusing on your breathing and your movements for just 10 minutes to improve your mind and your day.
14. Sit down and color
Just moms, coloring isn’t just for kids! Adult coloring helps relax your brain and makes it easy to put your worries to the side and just enjoys something creative. Plus, if you have little kids at home, this is a great activity you can have them doing at the same time.
There are many cute and creative coloring books for moms on Amazon. Choose one and grab some coloring pencils or gel pens and have fun!
15. Make yourself a healthy snack
Eating junk food will only leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated. If you are feeling snacky, make yourself something healthy that will actually help improve your energy and mood.
16. Do a Random Act of Kindness
Spreading positivity in your local community does wonders for your own spirit. It doesn’t have to be something that costs a lot of time or money. Purchasing a stranger’s coffee or donating some books to your local senior center are both great acts you can do.
17. Drink lots of water
It is easy to get dehydrated when you are busy taking care of everyone else. Drinking plenty of water helps improve your focus and energy, while also flushing out toxins in your body.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you and make sure to drink up!
18. Take care of a plant
Gardening may be therapeutic for many people. If you haven’t already, give it a shot! If you don’t have much of a green thumb, opt for a single low maintenance plant. A succulent is just one example of something as basic as a new pastime to break up your day’s monotony.
19. Explore a new hobby
Self care ideas for moms can be as enjoyable as they are rewarding. Maybe you’ve wanted to try a cooking class. If you are crafty, you may want to give knitting or crocheting a go. Finding new interests do not have to take up too much time of your day.
20. Start a skincare routine
It’s essential that you start paying attention to your skin in your 20’s. Even if you don’t have a lot of personal time in the bathroom, you can start small to care for your skin by washing your face daily.
Use gentle cleanser in the morning and evening, and apply moisturizer every day. One days you have more time, you can pamper yourself with a face mask as well.
Check out our DIY Orange Lip Scrub too – it would make a great addition to your skincare routine.
21. Get enough sleep
This is easier said than done for many moms. However, getting enough rest is crucial for your health and well-being. If possible, aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Create a comfortable sleeping environment with clean, lightweight sheets, a fan for noise and cool air, and lavender essential oils for relaxation.
22. Enjoy a warm beverage
How many times have you brewed a cup of coffee or tea, only to have it lukewarm when you finally get to drink it? Make it a point to have a least one hot beverage – this is still warm – each day. You may have to get up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy this, but it’s a small win to help motivate you for the rest of your day.
23. Unplug
We are all guilty of it. Checking our phones for notifications as soon as we wake up. However, this just sets the tone for the rest of your day. Instead, try unplugging for at least an hour in the morning. This means no phone, computer, or TV.
You can also do this in the evening. Turn off all devices at least one hour before bedtime so you can unwind and let your brain take a break.
24. Begin using daily affirmations
Daily affirmations take very little time or effort. They are simple, positive phrases you recite to help align your mood. They work best in the morning, but you can say some at the end of the day as well.
Print out a few of your favorite self worth quotes or self love affirmations and hang them where you will see them daily.
25. Take a power nap
Somedays, you just need a little extra bit of rest to tackle life. Don’t feel guilty, you deserve it, Mama! Grab your favorite blanket and snuggle up on the couch for a few minutes of much-needed relaxation.
26. Get moving
You don’t have to join a gym or start running marathons. Just get up and be active for at least 30 minutes each day. You can do this all at once or break it up into smaller intervals throughout the day.
Exercising releases endorphins in your brain, which naturally improve your mood.
27. Use Guided Meditation
It doesn’t take much time out of your day to practice guided mediation. Many on Youtube are 5-10 minutes. This allows you to clear your mind and feel refreshed when done every day.
28. Enjoy a Netflix binge – No cartoons!
Once the kids are in bed, make use of the privacy with TV and your favorite snack. Watch a tense thriller, a hilarious TV show you miss, or a corny romantic comedy to unwind.
29. Treat yourself to a date night
Once a week, get out of the house without the kids and enjoy some grown-up time. See a movie, have dinner at your favorite restaurant, or just take a long walk around the city.
Doing it alone relieves you of the need to talk and interact with others. Sometimes we just need to enjoy life on our own.
30. Make a gratitude list
When we start to feel burned out, it can be helpful to take a step back and think about all we are grateful for. You can do this with a gratitude journal, or simply a notebook and pen.
Jot down everyone and everything you are thankful for in life. See how many things you can list in 10 minutes. I bet you’ll have a full list when you’re done!
31. Declutter your living space
One way to reduce stress is to declutter your living space. This could be your bedroom, office, kids toys, or entire house. When everything has a designated place, it’s easier to find and put away.
Start by taking one room at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much at once. Even little spurts of effort can make a big difference over time.
32. Put on your running shoes
Running produces a lot of adrenaline, give you more energy and allowing you to feel more productive. It also releases endorphins, which make you happy. A moderate-paced jog for 30 minutes can do wonders for your mood!
33. Rearrange your furniture
Similar to decluttering, rearranging your furniture can help reduce stress. It’s a new environment and often feels refreshing. A new view on your living space can make you feel productive and refreshed.
You don’t have to move everything around. Sometimes just switching out the locations of two chairs or moving the TV to another wall offers a big change.
34. Soak up the sun
Enjoying a few minutes in the sun every day can help your body in a number of ways. It gives you a boost of serotonin, the hormone that makes you happy.
Sunlight is also the best source of Vitamin D for our bodies, which is needed for strong bones and cell growth. The bright light can also give you that “sunny disposition” you need to feel better about your day.
35. Test your Pinterest skills
We browse Pinterest for fun and inspiration. Do more than looking…give a cute craft a try! Even if it doesn’t turn out the way you expected, learn to enjoy the process and be proud of your craft skills.
36. Enjoy a swim
Swimming a very low impact exercise that many moms love to do. You can take your kids, but it’s also fun to go swimming with a few friends or alone. Mix it up so that you enjoy the mental health benefits of swimming as much as you can. Many have found that it can help relieve tension as well as feelings of depression and anxiety.
37. Cook your favorite meal
Cooking a meal for yourself can be a very calming and stress-relieving experience. Choose a recipe that you love, take your time preparing it, and enjoy every bite.
38. Try out that new place
Maybe you’ve seen a new boutique or coffee shop in town. Make time to visit this place without the kids. This can be a great way to support local businesses and have some “me” time at the same time.
39. Get a new haircut or style
Giving yourself a new look can do wonders for your self confidence and outlook on your life. When you feel good about yourself, it’s easier to take on the challenges of motherhood. It doesn’t have to be anything drastic, sometimes just taking off a few inches makes you feel lighter!
40. Go for a drive
Driving may be soothing for many moms, especially if no one else is in the vehicle with you! Don’t worry about where you’re going. Simply put on your favorite playlist and enjoy the view, making random turns to explore new roads and scenery.
I hope you enjoy several of these self care ideas for moms. As you see, most don’t take that much time or money. Just fit them into your busy days as you can to make sure you are taking care of yourself!
If you really want to get better at self care, give this 30 day self care challenge for moms a try!
