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36 Self Care Ideas for Moms That Take Less Than 10 Minutes!
As moms, we all know how important self-care is; we don’t need to know about that. We are constantly reminded that “you cannot fill from an empty cup,” and if you hear that one more time, you might explode. As moms, we have a tendency to put everyone else’s needs before our own.
But the truth is, as much as we understand the importance of self-care, it’s often easier said than done. Between juggling work, household chores, and taking care of our children, finding time for ourselves can feel like an impossible task. It’s not that we don’t want to prioritize self-care, but it often gets pushed to the bottom of our never-ending to-do lists.
We find ourselves caught up in a cycle of putting everyone else’s needs before our own. Our days are filled with constant demands, leaving us feeling drained and depleted. We give and give until there’s nothing left to give, and yet we still feel guilty for even thinking about taking time for ourselves.
It’s crucial to recognize that self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s not a selfish act; it’s an act of self-preservation. We can’t pour from an empty cup, and if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to provide the love and care our families need.
So, how do we break free from this cycle? How do we prioritize ourselves without feeling guilty? It starts with a shift in mindset. We need to understand that self-care isn’t something we should feel guilty about; it’s something we should embrace and prioritize.
Self-care looks different for everyone. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to engage in activities that bring us joy, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or indulging in a long, relaxing bath. It can also involve seeking support from others, whether it’s through therapy, joining a support group, or talking to a friend.
We need to give ourselves permission to put ourselves first, even if it means saying no to certain commitments or asking for help when we need it. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness.
Sometimes self-care just seems like an impossible task. Just the thought of planning a self-care task seems overwhelming, which is why you probably put it off more times than you should.
Here are 36 easy self-care ideas for busy moms. These ideas are meant to be short since most moms cannot take an entire day off for self-care (even though that is what we all really need!), let alone ten minutes. Choose something from this list, and feel your stress slowly ease away.
If you are an avid reader, take a couple of minutes to read a book! Whether it is a timeless classic you read eight times already or a new one, just stop your busy day to read a chapter or two.
Nature is so grounding. Take a walk, whether that is around your house, street, or to an actual park. Deep breathe and take in the beautiful world we live in.
There is just something about sunsets or sunrises that relaxes your entire body. If you rise early, go catch the sunrise, even if it is from your window. Or, if you prefer, watch the sunset on your day and release the worries and stressors from your day.
Instead of having your tea always cold, take that five minutes to enjoy a hot cup of tea all by yourself. Your day will automatically be better!
- Take a Bubble Bath
We all know how relaxing bubble baths are. Find a lovely scented bath bomb to add to your self-care routine that day!
If you feel mentally bloated or like your head is going to explode, you need to do a massive brain dump. When I cannot focus on anything and feel extremely stressed but can’t seem to get anything done, I know I need to just write all my thoughts, feelings, and emotions down on paper. It brings a huge relief.
Washing my face always helps to relax me, so I take that extra couple of minutes to do a full-face skincare routine for my self-care some days. Exfoliate, do a face mask, and put on some face serum or moisturizer. You will feel like a whole new mom!
Dance your heart out to your favorite song. Make sure you get moving fully. Moving around helps release the tension from all your stress and will boost your mood.
- Find a 10 Minute Yoga Video on YouTube To Do
If you are into yoga, find a new routine to try out for the day. Something as little as 5-10 minutes could make a huge difference in your day.
All moms should do a few guided meditations weekly. My favorite one is just five minutes and totally doable. You will feel refreshed and will be able to let go of your worries and stress easily.
Sometimes all we need is to let everything out in a big rant. Call up your mom or best friend and just talk away. You will feel so relieved afterward!
It is hard to focus or get anything done when we have too much clutter in our minds and living spaces.. So, take that time to declutter a place you have wanted to for a long time.
Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and just color. This is one you can even do with your children around as they love to color with you! Coloring is a form of art therapy that helps you release your emotions on paper.
When you serve someone, you feel lighter. So, go do a random act of kindness around your neighborhood or to someone you know!
We all need to splurge every now and then. Whether you shop online or at a physical store, go buy something you really love; you deserve it.
If you love working out, go for a run! All the adrenaline from running helps relieve you and gives you more energy than just sitting down and relaxing.
Many find that taking care of plants or gardening is therapeutic. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a try! Something as simple as a succulent can help you have a new thing to do to change your routine during your day.
Splurge and get a mani or pedi. You can also do your own at home if you prefer. When you look good, you will feel good too!
Pretend you are at the beach and just relax out in the sun. Feel the warmth that comes from the sun. Envision the sun embracing you in a nice warm hug.
Swimming helps relieve your physical pain, as well as your mental tension. Enjoy being in the water and just relax.
This could be a new coffee shop, boutique, museum, etc. Find a place that intrigues and excites you and go without any kids so you can fully enjoy your time there!
If you can and feel up to it, take that nap. You deserve it. Snuggle up to your pillows and blankets and deep breathe until you fall asleep.
We all have cravings all day long. Even if it is not healthy at all, go get your cravings. Close your eyes as you take your bites and taste every bite to the fullest. Use all your senses as you eat your food.
Most coaches will have a free consultation. If you need to be inspired, contact an empowerment coach! They will do wonders for you. You might even feel like a new person afterward.
Write down some affirmations, or print some out. Stick them around your house and practice saying them to yourself in the mirror. Slowly over time, you will believe these affirmations, and they will change your life!
Like the positive affirmations mentioned above, writing down your plans and your dreams will help you visualize them and make them happen. Everyone always gets pumped when they visualize and start planning out their dreams and ambitions in life.
- Snuggle a Baby for a Bit
This might not be the best option if you are a new mom or a mom with multiple kids needing a break. For teen moms, sometimes we just need to snuggle up to a baby for a little while. This always feels a little bit like heaven on earth.
- Find a New Random Hobby
Randomly pick a hobby you are interested in and try it out! Whether that is painting, ax throwing, tennis, or snowboarding, try it out! Even if you don’t like it, you will gain confidence that you tried something new.
Treat yourself to a nice date you would typically go on with someone else. Taking that alone time and treating yourself is worth it.
Watch that scary movie that gets your heart pumping, the hilarious tv show you miss, or a cheesy romantic comedy and just relax with popcorn and chocolate.
When we are more grateful, we are naturally happier. Find things each day you are grateful for and write them down in your journal. Try to find new things each day to have no repeats!
If you have been feeling down for quite some time, try reaching out to a therapist. They are there to validate you and teach you ways to handle your emotions. This is a great self-care idea for new moms.
Crafting brings out the best in moms. Find a craft you think is so cute on Pinterest and carry it out! Even if it doesn’t turn out exactly as you wanted, take pride in what you created!
Dry brushing, shaving, and lotioning up is not only relaxing but super beneficial for your body! Take those extra few minutes to make it a complete routine. Enjoy the smell and feel of the lotion and super soft skin!
We all need massages every now and then. If you cannot go to get a massage, at least bring out your massage gun and loosen out your neck and back. If you can, have your spouse give you a massage too!
Driving can be so relaxing for many moms, especially if no one else is in the car with you! Don’t plan where you are headed. Simply drive and make random turns until you find someplace cool or need to head back home.
Hopefully, some of these self-care ideas resonate with you and help you see you can find the time to do something for yourself. Next time you have a pocket of time here and there, bring out this list and practice self-care. You got this mama!
