Self-Care for Busy Moms: Quick Tips for Moms Who Do It All
It’s Sunday morning, and I’m comfortably nestled in my favorite spot on the couch (trust me, it’s the spot). It’s 11:30 a.m., I’m still in my pajamas, wrapped up in my cozy blanket, and yes, I’ve brushed my teeth! 🦷 My husband just stepped out of the shower and tells me, “I’m trying to motivate myself to go to the gym.” I asked, “Why do you think you need to go?” He said, “It’s routine.” I responded, “Well, why not make it a routine to just do nothing? Let your body rest.” He sighed and said, “It’s not easy, babe.” And I get it. We’re all so used to being on the go, constantly doing something. But here’s a little secret: doing absolutely nothing is doing something! You’re giving your body and mind a chance to recharge, even if it feels weird at first. (Full disclosure: I’m typing up this blog post right now, so I’m still working on that whole 'doing nothing' part.)
In the military, I don’t remember hearing much about "self-care," but looking back, I realized I had little moments of it without knowing. When I was stationed in Hungary, my interpreter and I would sneak away to a Hungarian chateau or castle in the afternoons to sip cappuccinos and take in the stunning scenery. That was my version of self-care, even if I didn’t recognize it at the time.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, most of my favorite self-care practices are completely free! Here’s what I do to stay grounded and recharged:
1. Bubble Bath Bliss 🛁
Nothing beats a warm bubble bath to melt away stress. I load up my tub with my favorite bath bubbles, light some candles, burn incense, and play sound bowl music. Sometimes, I meditate. Other times, I indulge in a little Netflix or dive into that book I’ve been meaning to read. I always give my husband the heads-up that I need 30 minutes of uninterrupted me-time unless it’s a real emergency (and yes, we define what qualifies as a “real emergency”). Our son is old enough to handle himself, and my husband can take care of any snack emergencies during my bath.
2. Schedule Your Self-Care ⏰
I wake up at 4:30 a.m. every day. Yes, I might be a bit crazy, but I need that quiet time to myself. The house is still, even the ghosts are sleeping, and I take this time to meditate, journal, and savor my first cup of coffee in peace. By 5:30 a.m., my husband is up, and I’m off to the gym for a quick 30-minute session. Afterward, I get Aiden’s lunch ready, make breakfast, shower, and prepare for the day. Scheduling self-care as a non-negotiable part of my routine has made all the difference.
3. The Power of a Red Lip 💄
I don’t usually wear makeup because it makes my face itchy, but I do swear by an amazing red lipstick. A quick swipe of red on the lips and a little mascara can be a total game-changer for my mood. It’s a small act of self-care that makes me feel empowered and ready to tackle the day.
4. Get Outside and Soak Up the Sun 🌞
We spend way too much time indoors! Even though I live in the inferno known as Arizona, a little natural sunlight can do wonders for your mood. Lather on that sunscreen, throw on a hat, and get outside. When it cools down, I love hiking. There’s nothing like reaching the top of a mountain, kicking off my shoes, and grounding myself. If I’m near a beach, you’ll find me in the water—it’s my happy place.
5. Spa Day
Now we’re stepping into the pricier self-care options, but sometimes it’s worth the splurge! Schedule a day for a massage or facial to treat yourself to some relaxation. Or if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, go for a mani/pedi and enjoy the bonus massage from the chair. Better yet, make it a girls' outing—schedule lunch afterward, and make a whole day of pampering and connection. You’ll feel rejuvenated, and let’s be real, a little indulgence goes a long way!
6. Take a Vacation (No Excuses) 🏝️
Vacations are my favorite form of self-care, even though they can be the priciest. Don’t skimp on your vacations—take full advantage of the time off that your employer offers. I always feel for people who are proud of accumulating tons of vacation days. Those days are there for a reason—use them! And don’t forget to take those sick days too. To be honest, I haven’t been sick since my tonsils were removed, but I’ve used my sick days for self-care. Sometimes you just need a mental health break, and that’s okay.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a quiet morning routine, a spa day with girl friends, or taking a well-deserved vacation, make self-care a priority. You deserve it.
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Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Everything I share is based on my personal experiences and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, always consult a licensed medical or mental health professional—yes, a real one, not "Dr. Google" or the comment section of social media.
If you're in crisis, please call 911 or reach out to the 988 Lifeline for immediate support. You're not alone, and real help is available.
