How To Take Good Care Of Yourself As A Mom

Moms are becoming busier and busier with each passing day. As a result, busy moms forget to take good care of themselves. It may seem impossible to take good care of yourself on many days. 

Note: This post was originally published in May 2021 and was updated in May 2022. 

Let’s be honest your life revolves around taking care of the kids, hubby, running errands, paying bills, planning meals, and many other mundane tasks. 

It’s no wonder that so many moms lose their identity when they enter motherhood. 

But that’s not what motherhood is meant to do! By no means it’s an easy journey. But it sure as hell can be a journey that promotes growth, compassion, and forgiveness. 

But how?

How can you achieve growth, compassion, and forgiveness?

Through the practice of self-care and taking good care of yourself as a mom. 

Let’s be honest!

What new mom prioritizes self-care?

She’s already juggling so much and trying to adjust to her new life as a mom. I know, I was! 

My life revolved around my baby and her schedule. After all, isn’t that how motherhood ought to be?!

Any actions that don’t revolve around the baby will make me a “bad mom.” 

Family members and friends will judge me. The neighbors and other seasoned moms will all judge me. 

Do you feel that way sometimes?

We live in a time that praises the hustle and bustle lifestyle. That we are always in the doing mode. The very mode that depletes our energy raises our stress levels and makes us frustrated and sick. 

Your health and well-being are super important. When your body signals that she’s tired, stop, listen to your body, and take good care of yourself.

Self-care is where you show up for yourself. Take mindful time to discover your needs as both a mom and a woman. 

Self-care is the everyday support you give to yourself that makes you feel good and aligned with your authentic self.

Why Should You Take Good Care Of Yourself?

When you take good care of yourself, you will feel good, and when you feel good, you will show up more confidently not only as a mom but as a woman.

Feeling less stressed, more relaxed, and serene – coping with setbacks in life more smoothly. It allows you to regulate your emotions before responding to your child and others. 

You will be able to show up for your kids and husband in ways that will make you feel fulfilled and happy.

Taking good care of yourself as a mom will allow you to feel better mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

What Happens When We Fail To Take Care of Ourselves As Moms?

I know how challenging it can be to prioritize time with everything you juggle.

It’s tough! I get it!

But here’s the thing. YOU MATTER! 

You matter for yourself and those who depend on you. And when you fail to take care of yourself as a mom, you are failing yourself, but the truth is you are failing those you love.

When you fail to take good care of yourself as a mom :

• you begin to feel out of alignment with your authentic self
• unable to identify early signs of risks to your health
• may become more stressed and easily agitated
• feel alone and anxious
• you lack self-confidence
• unable to care for your kids the way you want to
• feel burned out
• unable to be intimate with your partner.

Showing up for yourself and attending to your needs through self-care is not you being selfish. It’s you showing appreciation for yourself. It’s you wanting what’s best for your kids. 

A healthy and strong mom takes care of herself unapologetically. 

Take good care of yourself by understanding the different types of self-care?

While having a bubble bath and sitting in the spa or some variation are great forms of self-care. There are many other great ways to take good care of yourself as a mom.  

Let’s take a look at the different types of self-care.

Spiritual self-care

Spiritual self–care is any ritual or practice that you do to enhance your connection with your higher self.

Who is your higher self?

Your higher self is your truth. Your authenticity. The YOU who is not being influenced by your ego or fear,

It is – who you are as an individual.  

Examples of spiritual self-care are:

• Meditation
• EFT Tapping
• Yoga
• Journaling
• Breathe work
• Sitting in a sacred space

Emotional self-care

Emotional self-care connects with your emotions and focuses on caring for your feelings and emotional needs.

Examples of emotional self-care are:

• writing.
• Talking to a close friend or relative
• Visiting your doctor
• Seeking help from a therapist

Mental self-care

Mental self-care involves any practice that allows you to unwind and relieve stress and anxiety from your everyday life.

Life gets busy, and sometimes we forget that we are more than just mommy. We are humans, which means we need to care for ourselves because we won’t serve others if we don’t.

Examples of mental self-care are:

• reading
• doing puzzles
• knitting
• crafting
• coloring
• learning something new

Social self-care

Social self-care – it’s often hard to find time to socialize with your girlfriends when you have little ones to care for. As mothers, we tend to overlook things because we feel they are unnecessary.

Figure out your social needs (because we all have different social needs) and schedule a time to call or face time and chat with your friends, families, and loved ones. See what their schedules are like and set a date with them.

Examples of social self-care are:

• setting boundaries
• asking for help
• talking to loved ones
• support system

Physical self-care

Physical self-care is the way we care for and fuel our bodies.

Examples of physical self-care are:

• sleep
• getting rest
• attending appointments
• walking
• exercising
• healthy eating
• stretching

Easy Ways You Can Take Good Care of Yourself 

Self-care will look different for everyone, depending on their season of life. Here are some simple forms of self-care to inspire you. 

1. Create a schedule for yourself

As moms, we are constantly faced with the unexpected.

You’ve been there before – right?!

But when we put things on our calendar, it allows us to predict our day-to-day activities. It helps us to stay more focused and accomplish the completion of tasks.

If you are a stay-at-home mom and your kid usually naps or free play alone during certain times of the day. You can allow this time to get things done from your ” To-Do – List” rather than doing them bit by bit throughout your day. Leaving you more stressed and burned out. With tasks still uncompleted.

2. Make self-care non-negotiable

Ah – I know this might be a big one to get used to.

But remember, you don’t have to make a drastic move like go on a shopping spree or spend big bucks at a salon or spa. 

Make self-care non-negotiable by taking a few minutes to pause and smell the fresh air. Enjoy a piece of chocolate. Lighting some incense or a scented candle in your dining room to give a few examples. 

3. Make sleep a priority

Of course, as moms, we may wake several times a night to look after our kids or for trips to the bathroom. 

Sleep is vital for our physical, mental, and emotional health, yet we get so little of it.

 A lack of sleep can harm our mental and physical health. Reduce our productivity level and make us feel cranky and crappy. (source)

The National Sleep Foundation guidelines recommend that healthy adults get between 7 – and 8 hours of sleep every night. I know you’re probably thinking, well, that’s impossible because I have so much happening in my life right now.

Here are some of the many benefits we receive when fueling our bodies with sleep.

• Sleep can boost our immune system, so we can fight off whatever comes our way.
• See an increase in your productivity levels resulting in getting more done. ( Now that’s a win for us moms!)
• Better Sleep = A Happy Mommy. When you sleep well, you will wake up feeling so much better. A mom that feels good functions better. It’s the truth! And you know it!
• Sleep helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Are you struggling with weight? Well, sleeping will not automatically make you lose weight ( even though that will be amazing ). However, it can keep your weight under control by regulating ghrelin, a hormone that boosts your appetite, reducing your hunger cravings.
• Sleep helps you stay calm when everything in your day seems to be going wrong.

If you struggle to go to sleep, create a nighttime routine. Set a time you would like to go to bed. Stop looking at your phone an hour before bed—express gratitude for your day and set intentions for the next day.

4. Sit and enjoy your meals

Be honest. Do you sit down and savor your meals? Or are you always eating on the run or maybe skipping your meals?

You go through so much to prepare delicious dishes for your family – so why don’t you take 15-30 minutes to sit and truly savor your meal?

I get it!

Finding the time can be challenging with your busy schedules and hectic lifestyles. However, you must MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF AS A MOM.

Make time to sit and enjoy your meals. 

As busy as we can be as moms, doing laundry, chasing after our little ones, and dropping our kids off at school – it’s left up to us to make time for ourselves. 

To find the time to eat and nourish our bodies (even for 5 minutes).

When we sit and enjoy our meals:

• we become more intentional about what and how much we are consuming, sending signals that we are full to our brains. When we eat on the go and are continually snacking, our brain may not realize we are eating and will send hunger signals making us overeat.
• We can better digest our food, avoiding bloating, gas, and bowel regulations.
• Unable to really and truly enjoy your meals because you’re unaware of what you are eating.
• Able to express gratitude for the meals we can consume.

5. Say no to comparison

It’s pretty easy to fall victim to the comparison game even though you know it’s not good. Deep down, you know you are a good woman. You know that you are enough and worthy! Yet, you can’t eliminate that old habit of comparing yourself to other women. It feels impossible at times, right?!

But why do we compare ourselves to others?

We define our success and worth by how well others are doing and how well they think we are doing.

Listen, the only person you should compare yourself to is to the woman you were yesterday.

Embrace where you are in life at this moment and express gratification. Remind yourself that you’re not ahead nor behind. You are exactly where you need to be in life.

If you struggle with comparison, please head over to how to stop comparing yourself to other moms.

6. Take deep breaths throughout your day

 Conscious breathing heightens awareness and deepens relaxation

– Dan Brule

Take good care of yourself as a mom by simply breathing.

Yes, self-care as a mom is that easy!

Mindful breathing is one of the simplest and most effective forms of self-care. It allows you to live in the present moment. Allowing you to feel good and reduce stress and anxiety.

So, I want you to take a few minutes, stop what you are doing, sitting upright in a comfortable position:

• Breathe in through your nose for a count of 1, 2, 3, 4 pushing out your abdomen and releasing all tension and daydreaming of your perfect day.
• Then hold your breath for a count of 1, 2, 3, 4.
• Follow by exhaling for a count of 1, 2, 3, 4 through your mouth while gentle pulling in your abdomen.
• Do this breathing exercise for about five minutes daily; If you’re new to meditation, you can start with one minute by doing it several times a day.

7. Commit to doing that one thing that you like daily

What will it be if you can be/do and have anything your heart desires?

Allow yourself to do the things that bring you joy every day, whether playing with your kids, gardening, learning something new, painting, or knitting.

Whatever it is, commit to showing up for yourself and doing it every day, even if it’s only for a short period.

Not sure what your passions are? Head to how to figure out what you truly want in life.

8. Enjoy your favorite drink

Sit in silence for a few minutes, and enjoy your favorite drink – whether it’s chamomile tea / a matcha green tea latte, or a vanilla milkshake. Sit and just soak that time up with yourself.

9. Take time for yourself

As moms, it’s difficult to admit we need time for ourselves.

Asking for support is not a weakness but rather a strength. Don’t be afraid of being judged or criticized for needing help. Ask your hubby, a trusted relative, or a friend to help take care of your kids for a few hours and take some time for yourself.

Being alone:

• It gives you the time to focus on your passions and needs, allowing you to connect with yourself.
• Improves relationships. You know the adage – a little absence might make the heart grow fonder. Well, that comes into play here. 
• It helps you to feel rejuvenated.
• It allows you to appreciate the little things in life.
• Allows you to reflect on your personal growth, witnessing the areas you need to improve on and what areas you have made great strive in, motivating you to keep the momentum.

10. Gratification

Expressing gratitude is excellent for your mental and emotional health. And the best part is- it’s free! So why not take the time to be grateful for both the small and big things in your life.

Studies have found that giving thanks for your many blessings in life can reduce anxiety, improve relationships, bring about positive life transformations and even allow us to sleep better.

To start a gratitude journaling practice – all you need is a journal or a notebook, and every day (preferably in the morning and before heading to bed), list three things you are grateful for that took place within the last 24-48 hours and why you are thankful for them.

It can be the big things in life – like being able to breathe, having excellent health, your family and the people you care for, having the luxury of being a stay at home mom, or the more minor things like someone holding the door for you, complimenting you on your new look or the sunlight.

11. Journaling

Journaling is a fantastic self-care technique that more and more moms should begin doing.

Why?!

Journaling helps you to:

• clarify your thoughts and emotions.
• Help with identifying limiting beliefs and their root causes.
• Reduce stress and anxiety.
• It allows you to feel good about yourself. Boosting your confidence.
• Through writing, you can look within yourself.
• Learn so much more about yourself.

12. Visit somewhere in your community that you’ve always wanted to visit

Is there a small coffee shop or craft place you’ve always wanted to visit in your community but are always too busy?

Here’s the thing, if you keep saying – you will visit that place next month or during the summer break.

Guess what?!

When next month and summer arrive, you will be so busy that you probably put it off. So, why not look at your schedule and pencil in a date and time that you can visit that place?!

If it’s not on your schedule, it’s never a priority. 

When that day arrives, please don’t allow the introvert in you to take over.

Go! Get out of the house and have fun!

13. Go for a nature walk

Getting outside and walking through your neighborhood or a nearby park can relieve stress that you weren’t quite aware you even had.

Nature takes your mind off things that may be worrying you.

Going for a nature walk may spark your creative side to start that “thing” you’ve dreamed of. It allows you to be grateful for nature and the many blessings you can enjoy in life.

 

14. Tend to your nails

Doing dishes and laundry and running around all day with your kids and mommy errands. I bet it’s probably been a while since you gave your nails a little tender love and care.

So why not take an hour, and treat your nails at home?

Using a manicure clipper, trim your nails straight across, rounding the tips in a gentle curve and filing to your likeness. Then apply a nail harder that may strengthen your nails.

You can also treat yourself to a home foot spa by soaking your feet in a tub of warm Epson salt for about 15 -30 minutes. Towel dry and moisturize.

Having well-kept nails (especially on your hands) can do so much to your confidence. 

15. Wash your hair

This sounds so basic, but you know how often we mom washes our hair.

Do a deep wash and conditioner of your hair and let it down! Enjoy that revitalizing good feeling.

There’s just something about our hair after it’s washed and air-dried!

That’s right; it’s gorgeous! 

16. Set boundaries with yourself

Many of us struggle with setting boundaries. By failing to do this, we allow people to take advantage of us because we are too concerned about being liked and accepted over being respected.

Take the next step by choosing respect over being liked. You don’t need to change who you are – you can still be the same soft-hearted, loving, and caring woman, but don’t let others disrespect what you stand for and who you are.

17. Take care of yourself as a mom through forgiveness

Forgiving is so much easier than holding grudges.

Today, I would like for you to think of someone who has done wrong to you – take a moment and let go of the anger and resentment towards that person and forgive them. When you forgive, you open your heart to love.

Always choose LOVE over FEAR.

18. Commit to learning

Growth is never easy!

Sometimes, it’s difficult and makes you uncomfortable, but it’s super healthy and cultivates change. A change that we all need in life.

Personal growth is essential to help you grow into the person you want to be. Every day of our lives, we continue to evolve.

There are thousands of free training and workshops on Facebook groups and online. Search for the ones you are intrigued by, sign up, pencil them into your calendar, and show eagerness and willingness to learn.

Your growth is inevitable!

19. Stop judging yourself and others

Do you judge others because they laugh too loud, talk too much, or think they are the perfect mom with the neatest body frame?

Do you criticize your spouse for not helping out?

Or, judge yourself for not keeping the house clean or gaining weight?

Judging occurs naturally without us even knowing it. And if we are honest with ourselves, we do it more than we want to admit.

None of us is perfect.

And it’s pretty common for us as women and moms to judge.

Judgment is probably something we can’t give up. However, we can choose to acknowledge it and move away from it. You know, move away from the gossip and laughing of others.

Stop attacking others and yourself and choose to embrace love. Allow yourself to choose love over judgment. And see the good in things and others instead of seeing the things you don’t like.

20. Listen to your body

We live in a time that praises the 24/7 hustle lifestyle. And in so doing, we overlook our health and fail to listen to our bodies. 

There’s nothing more important than your health and well-being.

When your body tries to tell you something is wrong by sending you signals – maybe that jabbing pain in your stomach or the dizzy spell you had a few days ago. Perhaps that lagging pain behind your neck. Listen to your body and take good care of yourself as a mom by booking that overdue doctor’s appointment.

Self-care is not a one size fit all

Motherhood isn’t a race that you push yourself through. We can only serve our kids by showing up and being the healthiest versions of ourselves.

To be the healthiest version of yourself, you must take good care of yourself.

As moms, there’s no right or wrong way to care for ourselves because what may feel like relaxation for me can feel tedious or stressful for you, and it’s okay.

Today, I shared with you 20 simple yet effective ways – that you can use to take good care of yourself as a mom.

I hope that these will resonate with you. And ignite ideas to find the appropriate activities to support yourself. Leaving you feeling good and living in alignment with your authentic self.

Don’t forget to grab yourself the happy moms cheat sheets.