Self care for busy moms can honestly seem impossible sometimes. Am I right?
After all, we don’t usually have time for long bubble baths or spa days.
But did you know that anger and frustration in parenting can often be traced back to the fact that we are not having our needs met?
Even the smallest acts of self care, the mini me-time we fit into our days, can dramatically improve our mood!
Small acts of self care = a mama getting her needs met, and feeling more capable of meeting the needs of others!
This list includes only 1 minute and 5 minute self care ideas for busy moms, so that no matter how rarely you get time to yourself, you can still do something to fill your cup!
1 Minute Ideas:
1. Take a few deep breaths
Lock yourself in the bathroom if you have to (I think we’ve all been there at least a time or two) and take a minute to just focus on you breath. This is especially helpful when you’re having a bad day.
2. Put on your favorite perfume
Even if you don’t have time to do your hair and makeup today, a quick spritz of perfume can make you feel a little more put together and feminine.
3. Take something off your to-do list
Most of us greatly overestimate what we can accomplish in one day (although as moms, what we still do accomplish is usually nothing short of amazing) so do yourself a favor and remove one thing from your to-do list.
4. Finish the sentence “I love myself because _______”
It’s always easy to focus on our flaws rather than our strengths. Give yourself a little reminder of your own awesomeness!
And if that felt great, why not try adding positive affirmations to your daily routine?
Grab these free daily affirmation cards for moms to make it super easy:
5. Drink a glass of water
Did you know that drinking more water is a great way to feel less tired? Especially if you don’t usually get enough of it (a common problem for us busy moms)
6. Hit “unfollow”
Unfollow someone who drains you on social media.
7. Write down three things that made you smile today
Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of how much good there is, even on the hard days.
8. Say no
The next time someone asks for a favor you don’t really want to do, or invites you somewhere you don’t really want to go, give yourself permission to say no.
9. Smile at yourself in the mirror
It might seem silly at first, but scientific research shows that it really does make you feel happier!
10. Look up funny memes or gifs
Try searching for a favorite show or movie…You’ll definitely find something to give you a good laugh!
11. Hug or cuddle your pet
Hugging or cuddling a pet is a proven way to get a boost of oxytocin, which can help you feel calmer and relieve stress!
12. Walk/stand in the grass barefoot
This is an amazing way to practice grounding and feel connected with both yourself and the world around you.
13. Give yourself a one-minute massage
Your hands, shoulders, feet, whatever part of you needs it most today. It feels amazing, and is sure to help you relax!
14. Look out the window
Give yourself a moment to get out of your own head, and notice the world around you. A simple but effective way to do a sort of “reset” when you find it hard to focus.
15. Send a love note
Send a quick text to someone you love, letting them know you’re thinking of them, or how much they mean to you!
5 Minute Ideas:
16. Listen to “your” music
Because you deserve to have something other than the paw patrol theme song stuck in your head for a change.
17. Eat your favorite food
Sometimes you just need to indulge a little, and that’s okay!
18. Stretch or do yoga
A quick google search will come up with plenty of 5 minute stretching or yoga tutorials. This is one of my personal favorites!
19. Declutter one small area
This could be your desk, a drawer, a shelf, any area small enough to tackle in five minutes! It may seem like a small start, but you’ll feel proud every time you look at that spot, and be super motivated to keep going!
20. Do a brain dump
Grab a notebook, or any blank paper you have handy, and do a brain dump! Write down absolutely anything and everything that pops into your mind, from to-do lists to worries and fears!
21. Make a cup of tea
There is just something about enjoying a hot drink that reminds you to slow down
22. Treat yourself
Buy yourself the thing, you know, the one that’s been sitting in your amazon or etsy cart for weeks or possibly even months. It’s always so much easier for us as moms to buy for our kids, but take this as your sign to switch it up and treat yourself this time!
23. Refresh your face
This can be as simple as washing your face, doing a quick lip scrub, or even applying a little mascara and blush. Whatever feels right to you, and refreshing, in this moment!
24. Meditate
Take five minutes to clear your mind of all thoughts. Guided meditations and apps like Headspace can be great if you’re not sure where to start!
25. Do a journal prompt
Do a quick search on Pinterest for journal prompt ideas, and then spend five minutes journaling!
Your prompt can be serious or silly, whatever you’re in the mood for!
26. Do something playful
We all have those things that make us feel a little bit of that child-like joy again, make some time for yours! Try swinging on the swing set, building Legos, or watching your favorite scene from a Disney movie!
27. Watch the sky
Whether it’s the clouds drifting past, or the moon and stars, take a few minutes to just gaze upwards, it’s a great way to put our lives and problems into perspective!
28. Five senses exercise
Take a few minutes to notice something with each of your senses (i.e. something you can see, something you can hear, something you can feel…etc..)
29. Play your favorite mobile game
Mobile games can feel like a guilty pleasure, but give yourself a few minutes to harvest those crops, or match those candies, guilt free!
I hope these super quick and easy self care ideas for busy moms helped inspire you to see how self care really can be a part of your life, no matter how chaotic it might feel at times!
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks for your self care journey, be sure to check out these posts:
- 32 Daily Affirmations for Moms
- Daily Self Care Checklist
- DIY Self Care Ideas Jar
- 15 Inspiring Self Love Quotes
And don’t forget to grab your free daily affirmation cards for moms before you go:
