101 Sensational Ways for Moms to Enjoy Self-Care Time

As a mom, how do you enjoy self-care time? If you’re like most moms I know, self-care time feels absolutely glorious. And doesn’t happen often enough!

You know you need it. In fact, you crave it.

But, mom life is busy. So busy, in fact, that your needs get buried at the bottom of laundry piles, schedules, and stuffed animals.

Instead of shrugging your shoulders and just accepting it, do something about it, mama! Because you can only go on like this for so long before having a meltdown, burning out, or starting to have long conversations with your wallpapered kitchen wall.

Add yourself to your priority list. Make self-care a thing. Join me in the Mommy Self-Care Movement!

Why It’s Important to Enjoy Self-Care Time

You work hard, mama. Every day. At all hours, you’re ready to jump up and be there for your family. Your precious loved ones benefit from your care, attention, and love. You give your all and then some. But, burnout is real. And can look ugly.

I’ve had my share of ugly mommy meltdowns. When my anger and anxiety and overwhelm reach their limit, I burst at the seams. Poof! All of my patience and good intentions fly out the window.

I don’t like myself very much when that happens.

And what I get so frustrated with myself about is that I KNOW what I need to do to prevent those messy meltdowns from happening.

Self-care time.

But, why don’t I always do it? 

Well, to be honest, I let our busy schedule get in the way. I put off self-care time in order to get one more thing done. I push myself because I set unrealistic expectations on myself and what I *should* be able to do in any given day.

Can you relate? If you’re like most moms that I know, you’re all like:

via GIPHY

Well, I’m trying to be smarter about this whole self-care thing as a mom. Be proactive. Get myself in the right mindset with reminders and resources to make the most of “me time” and circumvent those messy mommy meltdowns.

Plus, I KNOW that you can enjoy self-care time and it makes you a better person. And then you can do all the things you need or want to do with a smile.

Self-Care Ideas and Inspiration to Overcome Struggles

There are a few reasons why I struggle to make self-care happen. Are you familiar with these struggles?:

• Neglect to plan for self-care time
• Forget to schedule childcare
• Run out of hours in the day
• Money
• Guil
• Don’t take time to figure out what I really need at that moment
• Lack of ideas and inspiration when self-care time becomes available

To make sure I’m ready for “me time”, I put together this list of self-care ideas and activities. I do best with a goal, like improved self-care, when I brainstorm and work on creative ways to incorporate this new habit into my life. The more I think about it, the more excited I get and actually want to get started!

Use these ideas for inspiration of easy and affordable ways to enjoy self-care time as a mom. You’ll find my tips and suggestions to encourage and inspire you to make time for self-care.

Oh, and if you’d like to enjoy self-care time or a boost with filling your cup, make sure to grab my guide + resources in How to Make the Most of Time for You: Powerful Self-Care for Moms. This guide will help you dig deep into your self-care practices and develop a customized self-care plan that works for you in this season of your life.

Oh and there’s a handy dandy free printable checklist of these self-care ideas for moms at the end of this post! Grab your free list, print it out, and tuck it in a spot for quick reference whenever you need self-care inspiration.

You might think “Uh-duh!” with some of these ideas. Like, I need a reminder for styling my hair?!?

Undertake these activities with a self-care mindset. Approach each activity in a slow, deliberate way that’s meant to serve you.

So, styling your hair with smooth, gentle strokes and trying a different part or updo. Make the experience meaningful and positive.

I’ve divided ways to enjoy self-care time into four categories:

• Pampering
• Grounding
• Energizing
• Creative & Motivational

Oftentimes, a suggested activity could be placed in a different category according to your likes and needs. Feel free to switch things up according to your preferences. And add your own ideas to enjoy self-care time!

Pampering to Enjoy Self-Care Time

Could you use a bit of pampering? As a mom, sometimes our basic hygiene needs even fall into this category. And that’s okay! Make the most of this time and really enjoy it-even if it is only shaving your legs.

• Bath:  Have time for a luxurious bath? A long soak in the tub can be just the ticket when you need a bit of pampering.
  • Make your bath extra special with DIY bath salts or bombs.
  • Don’t have time or interest in making your own bath treats? Stock up on these bath supplies:

Dr Teal’s Pure Epsom Magnesium Salt Soak, Stress Relief with Essential Oils, 3lbsDr Teal’s Epsom Salt Magnesium Soak, Soothe & Comfort with Oat Milk & Argan Oil, 3 lbsBath Bomb Gift Set – USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients, Relaxing Gifts for Women & Men, Spa & Birthday Gifts for Women and Mom, Bath Bombs for Wife & Kids Gift IdeasZenBombs Bath Bombs Set, 20 pcs Natural Shea Butter & Safe Oil Bath Bomb for Skin Moisturizing, Handmade Bubble Bath & Fizzy, Ideal Presents for WomenSheaMoisture Bath, Body and Massage Oil Lavender Wild Orchid Calming Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin 8 ozBath Pillow for Tub, Luxury Bathtub Pillow Head and Neck Support, Relaxing Spa Cushion Head Rest for Tub, Bathtub Accessories for Women and Men with Quick Drying 3D Air Mesh Portable WashableLuxury Foldable Bathtub Tray Caddy – Waterproof Wooden Bath Organizer for Wine, Book, Soap, Phone – Expandable Size Fits Most Tubs

 

• DIY massage:  Don’t have time or money to book a spa date. You can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a massage that you give yourself. You can easily make a DIY massage oil or pick up a relaxing oil with lavender, peppermint, and marjoram. Bliss!
  • Give yourself a hand massage with these awesome tips.
  • A DIY foot massage can make you feel relaxed and pampered.
• Shower:  The feel of hot water streaming from the top of your head all the way down to your toes can be such a delightful way to enjoy self-care time. A special shower gel or soap can make even a short shower wonderful. Other easy ways to feel pampered in the shower is using a new puff or washcloth. If you have more than a few minutes, take time to exfoliate and *gasp* shave your legs!

OGX Extra Creamy + Coconut Miracle Oil Ultra Moisture Body Wash, 19.5 Fl OzNative Body Wash 2-Pack: Sweet Peach & Nectar + Cashmere & Rain (18 fl oz each)UJFQBH 3 Pieces African Bath Sponge African Net Long Net Bath Sponge Exfoliating Shower Body Scrubber Back Scrubber Skin Smoother,Great for Daily Use (Pink,Yellow,Purple)Fu Store Loofah Sponge Shower Loofahs 50g Bath Sponges Mesh Balls 4 Colors for Body Scrubber Exfoliator Wash Back Scrubber Bathroom Men Women – 4 Pack Scrubbers Cleaning Bathing Accessories

 

• Nails:  If you have time and money, schedule a mani/pedi. Not an option? Enjoy some self-care time doing your nails at home. Stock up on supplies to be all set for a pampering experience.
  • manicure
  • pedicure

Manicure Set Professional Nail Clippers Kit Pedicure Care Tools- Stainless Steel Women Grooming Kit 18Pcs for Travel or Home (Pink)36-Piece Professional Manicure Pedicure Kit-Cordless Electric Nail File Kit,20000RPM, 11Pcs Bits,4 Speed,Rechargeable Pedicure Tool for Feet,Hand Foot Care Nail Drill Tool for Nail Grind Trim PolishHomedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa, Toe Touch Controlled Foot Bath with Invigorating Bubbles and Splash Proof, Raised Massage nodes and Removable Pumice StoneTophany Non Toxic Nail Polish Set, Easy Peel Off and Fast Dry Nail Polish Set for Pack, Eco Friendly and Organic Water Based Nail Polish for Women,Teens(12 Bottles, 5ML)

 

• Hair:  Take care of your tresses for some special pampering time.
  • wash
  • brush
  • style
  • get a hair cut
• Make-Up:  Play with new colors and applications
• Facial:  Schedule a facial or having some DIY fun.
  • Make your own face mask, scrub, or toner.
  • Or have some facial supplies in your self-care arsenal when you need them!

New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask for Face and Body – Spa Quality Pore Reducer for Acne, Blackheads & Oily Skin, Natural Skincare for Women, Men – Tightens Skin for A Healthier Complexion – 8.8 ozEra Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub & Face Exfoliator – Spa Quality Exfoliating Mask with Manuka Honey Plus Walnut for Blackheads, Buildup, Wrinkles 2ozVitamin C Face Mask with Kaolin Clay and Turmeric for Dark Spots, Dull Skin, Skincare Facial Mask for Controlling Oil and Refining Pores 5.29 Oze.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Hydrating Coconut Mist, Refreshes, Soothes & Invigorates Skin, Tropical Scent, 2.7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)Rose Water Spray for Face & Organic Rose Water for Hair – USDA Certified Rosewater Facial Toner – Alcohol-Free Makeup Setting Hydrating Face Mist – Anti-Aging Bulgarian Rose Water Toner Spray – 4 Oz

 

• Put on your p.j.s
• Wear a super comfy shirt (I LOVE my Rock Your Homeschool t-shirt that I got from Rush Order Tees!!)
• Read a fun magazine
• Take a nap
• Enjoy a favorite food
• Stir up a yummy drink

Self-Care Ideas for When You Need Grounding 

As a mom, you have a lot on your mind. Errands to run, chores to complete, and meals to plan. All that stuff can start to swirl around your head, making you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and like a space cadet.

Try these grounding activities when you need to get centered and feel more in control so you can enjoy self-care time:

• Yoga
• Stretch
• Lay on the floor & “melt”:  This is one of my favorite ways to literally feel grounded! Simply lay on the floor (if your kids are around, make sure to tell them not to jump on you. My boys think it means it’s time to roll on the floor with mommy) and let your muscles “melt”  into the ground. Aaah!
• Mindful breathing:  Take cleansing breaths through your nose and out your mouth. Or try any of these breathing exercises to get grounded.
• Candle:  Slow yourself down and light a candle or two. Sit and gaze at it. Watch the flame waver about and let your cares drift away.

Chesapeake Bay® Candle Mind & Body Medium Jar Candle, Nourish + Renew (Coconut & Sandalwood)Aromatherapy Candles for Home Scented, Candle Gift Set for Stress Relief | Meditation | Yoga | SPA | Relaxing, Amber Jar Candles for Women, Birthday, Valentine, Christmas Day, 7.1 oz – Pack of 4WoodWick Large Hourglass Candle, Lavender Spa Scented, Premium Soy blend, Crackles as it burns, Perfect for gifting, 21oz

 

• Essential oils:  I’m not an expert in essential oils but love learning about the benefits of these natural wonders. My favorite spot to find affordable and quality essential oils is Edens Garden. (I’m not an affiliate or sell these products. But, if you use this link, I do get Aroma Notes. Find out more here.)
  • diffuser
  • roll-on
  • jewelry

• Music:  Play music that is grounding to you. Perhaps you find classical music to be calming. Or you like a Gregorian chant.
• Unplug:  Turn off your devices. Step away from screens. Move away from the fast-past online world.
• Guided imagery:  This powerful practice is helpful for kids and adults. Great way to escape busy and find your center.
• Nap:  Never underestimate a power nap!
• Affirmation:  Use a positive self-statement to bring you back to reality. Learn more about affirmations and get free resources here.
• Journal:  Start or work in your personal journal. Getting it all out on paper can be so therapeutic!
• Declutter:  Maybe you feel buried in things? Taking time to get rid of stuff can help you feel so much better. Do some mindful decluttering.
• Organize a drawer or shelf:  Just like decluttering, only not getting rid of stuff. The physical act of cleaning up your space can feel good externally and internally.
• Brain dump:  Feel like you have 553 things rolling around in your head? Get them out with a brain dump!
• Planning:  Gather up all those things to do and thoughts and get them organized into realistic lists and dates.
• Call or text a friend
• Watch a sunrise:  Wake up a bit early (or if you’re already up because of your kids) and appreciate the rising of the sun.
• Watch a sunset:  Evenings feel crazy? Slow yourself down by watching the setting of the sun.
• Stargaze:  Step outside on a clear night and observe the stars. Can you find any constellations or other shapes?
• Cloud gaze:  Make an overcast day less gloomy by cloud gazing! Simply observe or look for shapes and figures.
• Birdwatch
• Listen to nature sounds
• Meditate
• Pray

Great Energizing Self-Care Activities 

Did you know that there are other ways than coffee to perk up your day? Who knew?!? 

When you feel tired or need a pick-me-up, try one of these self-care ideas to give you a boost of energy.

• Calisthenics: Pretend you’re in gym class (fun times) and do some jumping jacks, toe touches, and windmills. Get your body movin’!
• Dance party:  Or get your body groovin’! Put on some fun tunes and have a DIY dance party.
• Fresh air:  Step outside or open a window. Gulp up some fresh air to feel refreshed.
• Walk:  Go for a walk. If you can’t get out of the house, take a few laps inside (even just one room).
• Make an upbeat playlist:  Go to your favorite place to play music and create a super fun playlist of songs that make your toes tap.
• Hydrate
  • make drinking water fun with lemon, lime, or orange slices
  • have a special water bottle that inspires you

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle and Straw 30 oz | Flowstate 3-Position Lid | Cup Holder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | SeafoamOwala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw for Sports, Travel, and School BPA-Free Sports Water Bottle, 24 oz, TropicalChokoter Half Gallon Water Bottle with Sleeve, 64OZ Motivational Water Bottle with Straw & Time Marker, BPA Free Leakproof Gym Water Bottle for Sport Workout

 

• Ice: Apply ice cubes around your eyes and cheeks. You’ll quickly wake up!
• Herbal tea
• Make a smoothie
• Healthy snack
• Get some sun!:  Soak up some rays and get some Vitamin D.
• Read a good book
• Use uplifting essential oils 
• Splash your face with cold water
• Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or other favorite pick-me-up beverage
• Repeat an energizing self-care quote or affirmation 3x
• Watch a funny TV show or movie
• Listen to an inspirational podcast
• Educational app:  Play a fun app. Learn a new language on DuoLingo, do word puzzles, or play trivia.
• Aromatherapy:  Enjoy an energizing scent, like peppermint or rosemary. 
• Call a positive friend or family member
• Send a silly text to a loved one (and use goofy emojis)
• Plan a fun day or vacation
• Collect loose change and get a special treat
• Sing one of your favorite songs any way you want!

Creative & Motivational Ways to Enjoy Self-Care Time

If you want to get your creative juices flowing or need some motivation, try one of these self-care activities:

• Color:  Use one of your kids’ coloring books or get an adult coloring book just for you. Or use our free printable mandala coloring pages and bookmarks!

Large Print Easy Color & Frame – Calm (Stress Free Coloring Book)Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults: For Mindful People | Feel the Zen With Stress Relieving Designs Animals, Mandalas, Zentangle Nature ArtCrayola Colored Pencils For Adults (50ct), Colored Pencil Set for Adult Coloring Books, Coloring Set, Gift for Teens & Adults [Amazon Exclusive]

 

• Doodle or draw:  Pick up a pencil or pen and sketch, doodle, or draw.
• Paint
• Chalk pastels:  One of my favorite ways to get creative!!
• Create with playdough or clay
  • Make DIY playdough that’s calming
  • Cloud dough (especially our lavender cloud dough) is so soft and fun to work with
• Make a vision board:  You can adapt these vision board ideas to make a personal one.
• Yummy baking
• Creative cooking
• Craft
• Garden
• Write a letter, note, or card
• Listen to a motivational talk
• Read a self-help book
• Make a Self-Care Box: Use some self-care time to prepare for future self-care times. Add your favorite materials and resources so you’ll be ready to go whenever self-care time pops up!
• Learn a new skill
• Watch a tutorial
• Watch a TED talk
• Write a love letter to yourself
• Do a Random Act of Kindness
• Window shop (in real life or online)
• Put together a scrapbook (online or in real life)
• Read a spiritual resource
• Look in the mirror and tell yourself one amazing thing that you love about yourself

Get Your Free Printable List to Enjoy Self-Care Ideas for Moms

Ready to take the next step to better self-care? Grab this free download of ideas to inspire and encourage you to enjoy your “me time”.

You can print out as many copies as you need. If you know a mom who you think would benefit from these self-care ideas and printable list, please share this post with them.

When you subscribe and join the Rock Your Homeschool community, you’ll receive this printable list in a PDF file in an email, along with a super secret password that opens the library to all RYHS freebies.

In addition to your freebies, you’ll be added to our email list and I’ll update you with ways to take better care of you so you can make learning and life fun again!

(Psst! Current RYHS members just need to access the VIP Resource Library page and enter the password in your welcome email. Or get the instant download in the email the week of this post)

Get your FREE printable list so you can get started with these Self-Care Ideas for Moms!

What’s your #1 struggle with self-care? Let me know in the comments area below and we can brainstorm ways so you can enjoy self-care time.

Want to take your self-care to the next level? Sure you do!
Get How to Make the Most of Time for You: Powerful Self-Care for Moms!