14 Realistic Self Care Ideas for Moms with No Time

Updated 2/2/2020

Are you looking for self-care ideas that don’t require lots of time away from the family?

Or just unique self-care ideas that help you restore yourself?

Finding time to decompress and care for me is challenging, especially, being a working mom with three kids and blogging. 

The daily mom’s life struggle is real.

You know the job of a mother never stops. Even though we are off our regular job, we must still find the energy to clock into our second job… motherhood.

How can anyone find time for self-care under those circumstances?

Between, morning routines, night routines, cooking, recitals, sports, practice, working full-time job, not getting enough sleep, clingy baby stages, constantly cleaning up mess, managing finances, keeping the house from falling apart, silencing the inner critic ( so tired of this after baby body!), trying to raise smart, loving, and confident children and other demands in life, I find self-care nearly impossible.

But, I know how important it is to practice self-care between guilt and the lack of time in my day.

If it rarely happens, don’t beat yourself up just try your best to make sure you take care of you,

Lately, I have found enjoyable self-care ideas that I can do that doesn’t make me feel too guilty and doesn’t take too much time.

What is the definition of self- care?

First, let’s define self-care and the myth behind self-care.

See many people believe self-care is pampering and relaxing, but the reality is not everyone will enjoy those particular tasks.

Related: IS SELF-CARE THE BEST THING FOR A BUSY MOM?

Self-care is basically doing things you need to do and enjoy doing to refuel yourself and taking care of your mental health.

Basically, self-care is doing the things that make you happy.

Let’s jump into a few self-care ideas and how to find time to do it.

14 SELF CARE ACTIVITIES YOU SHOULD TRY

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links,meaning, at no additional cost to you, I earn commission if you click through and make a purchase.

1. Schedule in the thing you love!

First and foremost put it on a schedule. It seems like nothing in my life gets done if I don’t write it down.

I use the brain dump method to jot down all the things I need to do for work, home, kids, side hustle, and self.

The brain dump method allows me to clear my brain and then schedule self-care items on my Planner. 

RELATED: The only planner you need:  Organized Mom Planner

2. Get Up Before The Kids

As a mom of a toddler, sometimes sleeping through the night is far and few in between. There are milestones, teething, wonder years and sickness that make nights so hard.

So, I say try to get up before the kids get up because sometimes I swear 5-year old daughter has a “mommy is woke app”.

I mean no matter how early I try to get up and make time for myself she is there. So not every day works out as planned but even getting a few mins a day is worth it.

Get up early (between 5 a.m. -6 a.m) have a quick meditation, quickly write in your journal and set your day with intention. If you have more time, then do something for you. 

Wake up early before the children, tackle things that for you and get in ‘me time’ in order to eliminate mom guilt. Don’t start house chores until they are awake. Click To Tweet

3. Make a Self Care Day

I love candles, and it’s just one of those things that brings me instant joy. 

Occasionally, I will get flowers to spruce up the house and bring warmth into the room.

Then there is always hair, nails, and eyebrows that need to stay done. This is one area that I will not neglect. Not only does it make me feel better, but I want to look good for my husband. So go out and treat yourself even if you have to take off work to fit it in. 

There are times I take my 5-year-old, too, which is a good way to bond and eliminate guilt.

P.S. all of your off days should not be reserved for sick kids, parent-teacher conferences or doctor appointments! Live a little and take a day for you.

4. Self Care and Self Love- Your Passion

I am the passionate mom guru. I love helping moms find their passion and motivate them to make time for it.

Find sometime on the weekend to paint a portrait, cook a new recipe, remodel a room, blog, or take pictures that can ease the soul. 

It’s something that can be done with your girls, ever heard of sip and paint? Or it can be done at home with your kids. 

Just get into the habit of doing the things that bring you joy.

5. Self Care Activities for Personal Development

You don’t have to spend money to be happy. Keep it simple by taking care of your personal and spiritual well being. 

• Pray
• Gratitude List
• Self Care Journal 
• List your goals
• Listen to inspirational podcasts
• Meditate 

6. Slip Away into a Good Book

“In the mornings, I sit and have a cup of tea while I read a book,” says my friend Amirah, mother of 3 .”

In the beginning, she felt selfish, so she has the children join her.

She said, “Although my little ones can’t read, they enjoy looking at the pictures in their book while I read my book. It a great way to enjoy my time and still be with the children.”

Related: 11 GIRLBOSS BOOKS TO INSPIRE& MOTIVATE

7. Self Care For Mom- Exercise

Exercise is a common challenge when it comes to self-care for working moms.

One of my mommy friends goes to the gym three times a week.

She says going to the gym becomes easier since her daughter loves their children’s facility. 

On the alternate days, she works out at the park while her daughter is playing.

You be surprised how a few pull up on the monkey bars, running up the steps, pushing on a swing or jogging in place can help. 

8. Purchase Some Great Skin Products

I am all for trying to keep myself looking young and sexy.

But sometimes that is not always the case. I remember my mom looking at me and saying, “wow you have dark circles around your eyes”. Yes, I felt bad about myself for a moment and thought what can I do about it… I don’t get sleep!

So, I went to my trusted friend Amazon and looked up some good facial products that I can purchase. I was eager to use the eye cream and Vitamin C serum. It worked! Bye-bye dark circles and sad looking face. It might not be much but it sure made me feel better.

Think of how you will feel if you have tighter and firmer looking skin and you can do it at home — guilt-free facial day.

9. Have the family Do Something you Enjoy

Recharging and self-care don’t mean that you have to be alone.

Have a day where the family can do something you enjoy; whether it’s having a picnic in the park, bike riding, or swimming.

Find something you enjoy and then have each family member do the same. Everyone can take turns having the family participate in doing something they enjoy.

10. Grab a Massage on Your Lunch Break

As a working mom finding time to relax is extremely difficult. By scheduling an appointment on your lunch break or leaving 40 earlier from work, you can fit in a quick massage.

An occasional massage or visit to a local foot reflexology center can reduce stress, an anxiety-packed day, and create a relaxing evening.

11. At-Home Spa Day

Don’t have time to run to the spa? Have a Spa day at home.

To start a great relaxing spa day, apply a face mask, and draw a warm bath. Then add a bath bomb, bath salt, or essential oils as you soak massage your body and exfoliate with a loofah.

Once you’re done scrubbing your feet with a stone to make them nice and smooth. Follow up with a facial massage to revitalize your skin. And finally, paint your nails!

12. Go to Bed Early 

I say go to bed early rather than wake up late because its easier to focus on yourself in the morning. By going to bed early, you can get a good night’s rest and still have time to wake up before the children.  For great benefits read 7 Ways Science Proves Early to Bed and Early to Rise Really Works

 13. Don’t Be Afraid to Put Yourself First and Say NO!

You will never get around to your own needs if you continue trying to please everyone.

There seems to always be something or someone that need attending to. Keep your schedule under control and prioritize your needs.

14. Get Sleep and Rest

One thing all moms can agree on is needing more sleep. Get your 8 hours of sleep so your body can refuel itself. What is better than asking for your husband to take the kids out or the grandparent to keep them overnight so that you can just relax and rest up?

Oh and then there’s Netflix as a relaxing treat.

RELATED: 9 Techniques to help the sleep-deprived mom wake up rested

Final Moments

There are tons of self-care ideas, but being a working mom makes most of the ideas nearly impossible. I hope these 14 ways can help you care for yourself when time is not on your side, and the mom guilt is at a high.

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