Let’s be real; when you’re deep in diapers, feedings, toddler tantrums, and trying to sneak in a shower, self-care can feel impossible or even silly. I used to think self-care meant expensive spa days or weekends away. Now? It’s in the tiny, intentional things I do each day to care for me without guilt. Here’s how I’ve made self-care real and doable as a busy mom of two.
🌅 1. One Hour of Peace Before Anyone Wakes Up
I started waking up 45 minutes to an hour before my kids. Not to clean or check emails but to just be. Sometimes I pray, stretch, drink hot tea, or just sit in silence. That hour sets the tone for my day and reminds me I exist outside of motherhood too.
How You Can Start:
Try waking up 15 minutes earlier than usual. Use that time for whatever feels calming; journaling, deep breathing, reading a devotional, or sitting outside. Start small and build up.
📵 2. One Phone-Free Hour a Day
Our phones are amazing… and exhausting. I noticed my anxiety rising every time I was endlessly scrolling or jumping between apps. Now, I have a “no phone” rule during one hour of the day, usually during meals or before bed to just breathe, be present, and protect my peace.
How You Can Start:
Choose one hour; maybe after dinner or during breakfast and leave your phone in another room. Use the time to talk with your partner, play with your kids, or simply enjoy the quiet.
🛋️ 3. A 10-Minute Midday Pause
This one is my lifeline. I give myself permission every day to pause; no chores, no guilt. Just 10 minutes to recharge. Some days I nap, lie on the couch in silence, or make a hot drink and stare out the window. It grounds me and prevents that afternoon crash.
How You Can Start:
Schedule it like a meeting. When your baby naps or your toddler watches a show, pause everything. Sit. Breathe. Close your eyes. Let your body exhale.
📚 4. Weekly ‘Me Time’ I Don’t Negotiate
Once a week, I do something just for me. Whether it’s painting my nails, reading a chapter of a book, or going for a solo walk, listen to music. It’s my weekly reminder that I’m still a woman with passions, not just a caregiver.
How You Can Start:
Ask your partner to take over for 30 minutes once a week or use a naptime. Make a list of small things that bring you joy and rotate through them.
📝 5. A Nightly Brain Dump to Sleep Better
At night, my mind races with everything I forgot or need to do tomorrow. Writing it all down, in no order, no format; helps me release the mental load. I sleep deeper and wake up feeling less overwhelmed.
How You Can Start:
Keep a notebook by your bed. Before sleep, write down 3–5 things on your mind. Anything from groceries to emotions. It’s not about solving, just releasing.
Final Thoughts
Balance doesn’t mean having it all together. It means giving yourself the grace to pause, the space to breathe, and the permission to prioritize yourself. Even in tiny, daily ways. You matter, mama.
💬 What’s one small self-care habit you want to try this week?
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