25 Simple Self-Care Ideas for Busy Mums (…who don’t have time for self-care)

You’re a busy Mum.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mum with little ones, or a career mum, life can feel non-stop, chaotic, or always-demanding.

You know it’s important to take time to nurture yourself each day – but you can sometimes struggle to do something that ‘fits in’ when your days feel like a non-stop rush.

By finding a simple way to unwind, relax a little, or feel a sense of restoration, you’re ensuring that you’re caring for your mind and body health, rather than feeling overwhelmed all the time.

Like most mums, you’re always giving to others. I’d like to gently ask about your needs… who’s taking care of those?

You may not have an hour to get to the gym, pilates, or a yoga class.

You may not have the money for a relaxing getaway right now.

What I encourage you to do, is to take a few minutes where you can start to consciously give back to yourself with nurturing and intentional acts of self-care.

Here are some easy – and mostly free – ways that you can start to honour yourself and feel like you’re finally giving yourself what you need – in small, consistent bursts.

25 Simple Self-Care Ideas You Can Try:

1. Breathe. Practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing, and do these in sets of 3 throughout your day (this literally takes about 30 seconds).

2. Download a Mindfulness Meditation app. There are loads of free ones to choose from.

3. Listen to 1 guided mindfulness exercise from the app you’ve just downloaded (many of these are 2-3 minutes in length.. I know you’ve got 2 minutes).

4. Go for a walk around the block – whether it’s 10 minutes or 30 minutes – you’ll lighten your mind and mental load, and energise your body and soul.

5. Step outside and just BE. What can you HEAR? What can you SEE? What can you SMELL? What can you FEEL? What can you TASTE? (you may even choose to take a little treat with you as you step outside for a few minutes).

6. Make yourself that cuppa you’ve been meaning to make all morning. Sit in your fave chair, or outdoor space (phone-free!), and try not to break your moment of peace until you’re finished.

7. Call a good friend. Rather than a text or WhatsApp message, can you phone them for a chat? Even if you only have 5 minutes, it may leave you with a feeling of warmth, gratitude or joy.

8. Send a naughty/nice message to your partner. Let them know you’re thinking about them during the day. Again, you’ll both be glad you did.

9. Do something kind or helpful for someone. One of the best and easiest ways you can feel better about yourself is through helping others. Truth.

10. Take the time to put on your favourite clothes, make-up or perfume that makes you feel lovely.

11. Plan your favourite meal for lunch or dinner (even if you buy it, rather than make it). Enjoy it 🙂

12. Turn off all your screens 30-60 minutes before your intended sleep time. This will help your brain to have the right sleep hormones you need to drift off to sleep. Blue screens can impact your melatonin (sleep hormone) which can make sleep more difficult.

13. Have a bath or shower at the end of your day. Relax those muscles, have some peaceful time to yourself, and cleanse your mind and body from your day before you get into bed.

14. Check out a quick yoga or movement video on YouTube, and fit a few moves into your day or evening. Even if it’s one pose, like ‘Legs up the Wall’ for a few minutes – feel the difference this can make.

15. Say ‘No’ to that request/invitation from someone that you don’t wish to attend. By saying ‘no’ rather than ‘yes’ out of obligations or expectation, you’re practising self-care and self-love.

16. Reply to your personal email messages. Take 5-20 minutes, to scroll through your inbox and reply to any outstanding emails that are adding weight to that already heavy mental load of motherhood!

17. Get some sunshine (weather permitting) Sit out in the sun for 5-10 minutes and enjoy your surroundings. Breathe, drink, listen to the sounds around you, read, people-watch, bird-watch, appreciate nature – whatever you can, and practice being grateful for something – it could be anything, there’s no right or wrong way of being grateful.

18. Buy yourself a bunch of flowers from the grocery store while you’re doing the family grocery shop. Enjoy the process of choosing a vase and placing them in water. Pop them somewhere you’ll appreciate them most.

19. Turn on your diffuser with Essential oils / burn a candle / incense while you sit and read in peace for a few minutes.

20. Wash and cleanse your face. You may even use a face mask if you have one. Feel fresh, clean and invigorated. It’s a lovely feeling to care for your skin.

21. De-clutter ONE spot in your house you’ve been meaning to get to. I promise you’ll feel much lighter once it’s done!

22. Take the time to write that email or message to an old friend/ family member you’ve been meaning to get in touch with.

23. Put on your favourite tunes, or think back to a wonderful era in your life and seek out those songs to listen to.

24. Take the time to hug your loved ones – loving, long, squeezes to get those happy bonding hormones released through your brain and body.

25. Soak your feet in a foot bath /small tub with some epsom salts (magnesium) to help relax your muscles – a lovely way to unwind after a long day.

Wendy

Disclaimer: This is for information purposes only. If you have any concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult your healthcare practitioner for medical advice.