I know how busy life can get as a mom. And between managing the kids, work, our marriages, our homes, and everything else, it can be challenging to find time for ourselves. But self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. And us moms can work self-care activities into our schedules and make them a regular part of our routines.
I didn’t always feel this way though. In fact, I don’t think I realized just how important self-care is before I became a mom. Or maybe I just took all that free time to do what I wanted when I wanted for granted. Either way, nowadays I’m realizing more and more that if I don’t prioritize taking care of myself, it’s bad for everybody in my house.
The old saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” couldn’t be more accurate. We need time for ourselves. For our mental health. For our general well-being. To relax and recharge. To have peace and quiet. And to just be ourselves without the title of mom or wife, or any of the responsibilities or obligations that come with either of those roles.
So if you haven’t been spending some much needed time just for yourself, or if you need a little inspiration, here are 25 simple and relaxing self-care activities for moms like you and me.
1. Treat Yourself
Buy yourself something nice or something that you really want. Whether that be an outfit, a new pair of shoes, or your favorite ice cream. Just indulge in something that’ll make you happy.
2. Journal
Make a habit of journaling and checking in with yourself. How you’re feeling, how you’re doing, what you’re proud of, what you can improve on. It’s good to have self-reflections, and write about things that happen in your life that are significant. And sometimes the best way to process your feelings is to write it down. So do some journaling, and get in touch with you.
3. Do a Face Mask
4. Exercise
I always feel AMAZING after a workout. Do I tend to be huffing and puffing during it, yes! But afterwards, I feel so good! Exercise is good for your body in general. But it can also be a much needed stress reliever, get you to your goal weight (if weight loss is something you’re focusing on), and give you a boost of energy (which is always welcomed in motherhood). Really, you can’t go wrong with exercise.
5. Read
Pick up and get started on a book you’ve been meaning to read but haven’t made time for. Or look for a book that sparks your interest. You can even go through your bible and spend some time reading some verses that encourage or resonate with you. Reading can sometimes be a little getaway of its own.
6. Watch a Movie
7. Take a Long Shower
As moms, we should really be indulging in long showers as often as we can. I’m sure you know how precious and relaxing a shower can be at the end of a long day, or even at the start of one. These are definitely a treat.
8. Take a Trip to the Beach or Park
The beach is so relaxing. Between the ocean waves and that cool beach breeze, what more could you really ask for? You can just lie down on a blanket on the sand near the water, and take it all in.
And the park has its own perks. The trees, the grass, the sunshine. Go for a walk, camp out on the grass, or sit on a bench and catch up on some reading. You could even hop on one of the big kid swings, because why not?
9. Get a Massage
10. Binge Watch a Show on Netflix or Hulu
It’s so nice to just get lost in a good show. It’s a little entertaining mental break/getaway. And it also feels good to watch things that aren’t animated or geared towards children, every now and then. You know, the adult genres we used to know and love.
11. Call a Friend and Catch Up
It’s super nice to talk to a friend and just have some girl chat. Have some laughs, share your troubles, catch up, support and be supported. All that good stuff.
12. Get Your Hair Done
13. Spend Time in Prayer
Spending time with God is always good for you. And just seeking his presence alone, can bring you some much needed peace that you’ve been needing.
14. Polish Your Nails or Go Get Them Done
There’s something about having my nails done that makes me feel extra feminine and put together. So decide on a cute color and go get your nails done or polish them yourself. Either option is a nice little way to pamper yourself.
15. Make Yourself a Cup of Tea (and Light a Scented Candle)
16. Go Shopping
Shopping can be therapeutic. I’m a big believer of retail therapy. So if you can, go ahead and buy yourself a new outfit or 2, or 5. 😉
17. Incorporate a Skin Care Routine
When I take care of my skin, I feel like I’m taking care of me. If you haven’t already, start incorporating a skin care routine of your own. You don’t even need a whole lot of products. A good cleanser and moisturizer, and maybe a night cream or skin type specific cream to keep your skin looking healthy, and you’re set!
18. Go Buy Your Favorite Coffee or Beverage
19. Sleep In or Take a Nap
Sleep can sometimes feel like a luxury in motherhood. So if you can manage to get a nap in or sleep in, do it! Take advantage of that extra beauty rest when you can!
20. Do Nothing
This is one of my favorite self-care activities for us moms. Probably because we do so much on a daily basis. Simply doing nothing gives us the rest that we need. So kick back, relax, and just be.
21. Put on Some Make-Up
22. Have a Girls Day
These are so fun! Time away from the kids, away from the husbands and significant others, and just with your girl friends or sisters, or a combination of the 2. Catch a movie, go out to eat, spend the day at someone’s house. It doesn’t even really matter what you do, just call up the girls!
23. Dress Up and Wear Clothes That You Feel Good In
When you look good, you feel good.
Related Post: 4 Simple Tips for Moms to Avoid Leaving the House Feeling a Mess
24. Use a Body Scrub
Give yourself a little extra pampering and use a good body scrub that’ll make your skin feel nice and smooth.
25. Spend Time on a Hobby
It’s so important to spend time doing things that bring us genuine joy.
There are so many ways to practice self-care. These are just a few of the ways that you can make self-care a regular part of your routine. And it doesn’t have to be anything fancy or over the top. You can keep it simple, and do what time allows you to. Just make sure that you’re taking some time to just relax and focus on you.
Because remember, YOU matter! And taking care of yourself is never selfish or a reason to feel any kind of mom guilt. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s so necessary! So do something for YOU this week. You SO deserve it!
Do you have any go-to self-care activities for us moms that isn’t listed here? Let me know in the comments below!
Jessica — I thoroughly enjoyed reading the 25 things to do for self care/relaxation. At least once a week I try to incorporate (most) if not all of these to keep me happy and sane. Loved reading this and look forward to more awesomeness from you.
Yes! It’s so necessary for our happiness and sanity! lol. That’s so good that you make time for YOU every week. You need it and deserve it! And thank you!
Love the self care ideas! I think I will start incorporating more journaling as part of my self care routine! Great suggestions!
Thank you! I’m so glad you’ve found some self-care inspiration from this list. And journaling is a good one! It really helps to get our thoughts down on paper.
This is a great list! I especially love spending time in prayer. I just started setting a timer for ten minutes each night and praying in my closet until the timer goes off. It helps so much!
I love that! I’m going to start doing this tonight! Thanks for sharing and commenting!