61 Self-Care Ideas for Moms to Do at Home (FREE Printable List Included)
Whether you’re the mom of a toddler tyrant, newborn, special needs kiddo, or basically another growing human, time for self is always lowest on the to-do list.
For most of us, it’s a struggle to make it a habit to take time for self-care. For me as a stay-at-home mom, it’s even harder than when I worked outside the home.
Before I had the use of paid time off from work and childcare that was already paid for. So if I need a little retail therapy time, I could do that. When I had a whole day off from work during the week, it was usually spent cleaning my house at my leisure (fun times, I know. But there was satisfaction in doing the work).
Now that I stay home with my kids, finding alone time for any length of time seems impossible unless I stay up late while everyone else is asleep. But then I’m sacrificing sleep for alone time. It’s a catch 22.
So instead, I’ve found some ways that we as in-demand moms can sneak in some precious “me time” even if it’s just a few minutes here and there all without having to live our homes.
Before we begin I want to point out the biggest issue with self-care. And that is mindset.
The main thing to remember is that your mindset has A LOT to do with your self-care.
Our thoughts rule the world. Ok, maybe not literally the WORLD but definitely our own little world.
So, if we can start controlling our thoughts with more purpose, then we’ve won the battle against mom-guilt, depression, anxiety, and fear of failing at this mom job.
It’s a battle that has to be won on a daily basis. And some days more like on a minute-to-minute basis when those pesky hormones are trying to have their way.
So if you can find ways to manage your thoughts and put those into practice that’s one of the most important self-care techniques I want to offer to you today. I’ve included several ideas below. Find one that resonates with you and really hone in on it.
Looking for some quick and easy ways to find some momME time? Well, I’ve got you covered!
Some of these self-care ideas for moms will only take a few minutes which is what most of us have throughout the day. Other self-care ideas will require more planned time but are guaranteed to make you feel good about yourself.
You may already be doing some of these and not realize it, but let’s look at why these ideas are beneficial to your self-care as a mom.
Take a Nap!
I know what you’re thinking. “Come on, Heather, be realistic. Who has time for a nap?”
I get it. There’s too much to do and who’s gonna what the kids? Well, I’m not suggesting a two-hour nap but if you can, do it!
But can you sneak it maybe 15-20 minutes of a snooze while the baby naps, or while your toddler is watching the same Blippi episode for the 100th time?
Even just 20 minutes of a nap has been proven to boost your energy and mental status.
Read a Good Book
When’s the last time you read a book instead of scrolling Instagram or Facebook?
Make it a goal to get through one or two books in a month. Then squeeze in five or ten minutes of reading time early in the morning before the kids get up.
I also find reading a great way to unwind from the day to help me fall asleep when my mind is racing about what I didn’t get done that day, the current state of the world, how I’m ruining my kids’ lives… you get the idea.
Watch Netflix
Need to escape reality for an hour or five? Yes, sometimes self-care for moms is putting in the earbuds and binge watching Gilmore Girls while the kids are close by watching their own shows or playing games.
Catch Up With a Friend by Phone
I don’t know about you but it seems I talk less to my friends now than before there was social media.
And I don’t mean texting. I mean having an hour long phone call catching up on each other’s lives.
It really does a soul good to hear from a friend.
When you both have kids, planning a girls day out is pretty much impossible.
But nothing says you can’t plan a phone date! Kids in bed? Time for some fireside chit chat by phone! Heck to make it even more fun do it by Facetime!
You could plan a monthly phone date and know that you have set aside some “ME” time and you have something to look forward to each month.
Go For a Walk Around the Neighborhood
A hearty walk around the block a few times is a great stress reliever and gives you an instant boost of endorphines making you feel great.
It’s also great feeling knowing you have accomplished something and got some exercise in the process!
Do Yoga with Adriene on YouTube
I kid you not. Just go and do it. Click the link above. You can thank me later. 😉
Take an Epsom Salt Bath
Epsom salt baths are a great stress reliever, but it also helps with sore muscles, stiff joints, and inflammation.
It can help to get rid of toxins and heavy metals. Epsom salt baths helps to improve your mood and promotes relaxation by restoring your magnesium levels.
It can also help with dry skin making you look and feel more radiate! Here’s a great article on the benefits and how to take an Epsom salt bath.
And here’s another great article covering the benefits and uses of Epsom salt. Give it a try today!
Shop Online
So I just experienced shopping with a three year old yesterday for the hundreth time. Oh, how quickly we forget.
You think, “Aw, this won’t be so bad. It will be a fun outing since it’s been a while that we’ve been out and about.” WRONG! It was so stressful! We didn’t last but ten minutes in the second store before a meltdown happened.
Moral of the story? Shop online as much as possible! It’s actually so much more freeing.
I’m not one to jump on trends all that quickly. So it took me a while to give the grocery pick up a try at Walmart. It is definitely life changing and actually saves me money each month because I’m not seeing all the extra goodies that I didn’t have on my list but feel I must have!
Shopping online can give you a mental boost when you’re stuck at home with kiddos. And it gives you something to look forward to by mail instead of always just getting junk mail and bills. Bleh.
Sit Outside With a Cup of Coffee/Tea/Favorite Beverage
Ahh, I love this one. It’s even better if it done while sitting on a swing or a rocking chair.
Taking a few minutes to breathe in some fresh air and sipping on your favorite drink is heavenly.
It’s also a great way to spend a few minutes with the hubs and enjoy each other’s company.
Meditate
I admit this one is a bit hard for me. Making my mind be still is like herding cats. But I know the benefits are healthy so I’ll keep trying.
If you’re new to this kind of thing, here’s a quick article on how to meditate and the benefits of it.
If this idea of meditate seems uncomfortable and foreign to you, the book of Psalms is littered with the word.
As Christians we are to meditate on God’s word daily. “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
Pray
Feeling stressed? Pray. Feeling anxious? Pray. Full of worry and self-doubt? Pray.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.”
One of the best ways to do self-care is to pray to the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. Connect with Him and let his peace comfort you.
Journal
Take some time to journal about what’s going on in your life right now.
Or write a journal that you can leave for your children to read when they are older. Write down all the things you want them to know about life, how to live, your desires for their lives.
Or write down things they did when they were little or things you did together so they can remember the fun times you had.
Start a Gratitude List
Ann Voskamp is famously know for her book One Thousand Gifts (highly recommended).
The dare is to find one thousand things to be grateful for. Once you’ve reach that then start over again because you can never run out of things to be grateful for.
If you need some prompting, she has a great free resource for you called Joy Dare. Try it today!
Eat Chocolate
Yes, I give you permission to indulge in whatever form of guilty pleasure you prefer in chocolate form!
Sometimes it’s a matter of staying sane in the midst of chaos and momma needs this for survival. So it’s totally for health reasons that I recommend this.
Drink Hot Cocoa
Drinking hot cocoa is like getting a warm hug. I like to make it from scratch to avoid all the unnecessary ingredients in packaged hot cocoa.
This is a super easy recipe that everyone in my house loves. We use way more maple syrup though to get the right amount of sweetness.
Relax by Your Oil Machine
I got into using essential oils in 2015 and I haven’t stopped! My daughter has her own oil machine that she uses every night to help her sleep.
There’s a bit of a learning curve to using essential oils but don’t let that stop you from trying. The biggest things to remember is to use quality oils and know which ones need to be diluted before applying them to your skin.
When it comes to applying it to kiddos, dilute more than you would for yourself.
Using an oil machine is healthier than burning candles if you’re wanting to add a smell to your house. Lavendar is a great oil to use to relax with. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Sit Alone in Silence
It’s a hard task, but I dare you to try it.
In the wee hours of the morning or late at night, when all is calm in your house, sit in complete silence and… do nothing. Well, maybe do some deep breathing while you’re at it. But the point is to find the joy in sitting in the stillness.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Listen for the voice of God in your time of silence.
Listen to a Podcast
I know there are a ton of podcasts that are great for moms but one of my favorites that gets me in a positive mindset is Quote of the Day by Sean Croxton. I love it because I can get motivated and encouraged in 10-20 minutes a day which is about all the time I have for listening to a podcast.
Let us know what’s your favorite podcast in the comments!
Munch on Veggies and Hummus
By the way have you tried the chocolate hummus? OMG! Deliciousness wrap up in a healthy little snack. Perfect for picky eaters, too!
Take 5-10 Deep Breaths
Do it right now. Take 5 deep breaths and see if you don’t feel instantly better! Deep breathing is an easy way to detox the body, release stress, regulate your heart rate, and so much more.
Do a Word Search Puzzle
There’s something satisfying about finding words in a puzzle and then crossing off the word.
It’s like a visual checklist that you get to check off quickly and feel like you’ve accomplished something that day.
Visualize Your Wants/Needs
I admit I’m not great with this one. But it’s something I hear often from those who are successful in their goals. The first step in reaching a goal or fulfilling a need is to visualize in your mind what it is like to already have accomplished the goal or have the need met.
For example, we all want to be more calm and patient mothers.
So each day first thing in the morning picture yourself being calm throughout the day with your children. Do this each morning and see how much more calm you become in the weeks ahead!
Speak Affirmations
Along with visualization is speaking positive statements to help with your mindset.
This can be done at any time of the day.
Write down a few positive statements that you want to focus on for the month and put them in places that you will see everyday. When you’re feeling stressed look at one of your affirmations and say it out loud.
This is a great way to train your brain to focus on the positive and not dwell on negative thoughts.
Memorize a Scripture Verse
If the idea of speaking affirmations is not your thing, then try memorizing a few scripture verses and speaking them out loud each day.
You will be proclaiming God’s word into your life and speaking positive words over your situation.
Get Crafty
Get a boost of confidence by putting on your crafty hat and getting creative.
If you’re not sure what to create, look on Pinterest for ideas or take an online class. You may be able to find some classes for free. I know that there are a few places to take free painting classes on Facebook.
Roll a Ball Under Your Feet
Got a quick minute to relieve some stress? Find one of your kid’s balls and roll it under your feet for an instant foot massage!
Stretch Your Legs and Back
Feeling tense from the day? Take a couple of minutes to do a few back and leg stretches.
Downward dog anyone?
My favorite way to stretch my back is to bend over letting my neck and head dangle while holding my arms criss cross. This is a great way to stretch those lower back muscles.
Find a couple of easy stretches that you can do mid-day to get a quick release of stress.
Massage Your Head
It’s not the same as someone else massaging your head but there’s something about putting a little pressure on your head that releases tension and give you a release of endorphines.
Stand in the Sunshine
Most of us are deficient in Vitamin D. There’s nothing easier than just standing in the sunshine to get the amount of Vitamin D that you need.
Play in the Dirt
Plant some flowers. Plant a garden. Or just dig in the dirt just for the sake of connecting with mother nature.
Stare Out Your Window
I do this a lot when I’m feeling overwhelmed.
It’s calming to stare out at nature or to check out what’s going on in the neighborhood.
It gives your brain a break from the chaos that’s going on inside your house or even in your own head!
Try a New Hobby (Learn Something New)
It’s never too late to learn something new. Find something that you think would be calming to learn like crocheting or taking an art class and go for it!
Declutter One Area of Your House
If the idea of this makes you hyperventilate, just start with one small area like a drawer. Don’t try to tackle a whole room.
Sometimes self-care is cleaning out the kitchen drawer that ends up being the catch-all for e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
Or maybe you just need to clean off the kitchen counters. Doesn’t it seem like a magnet for all the things?
Taking a few minutes out of your day to declutter a small space is like a breath of fresh air once the job is done.
Dance It Out!
Turn on some music and feel the beat! This is a great stress reliever and you’re getting some exercise in. It’s a win-win!
Put on Some Music
Not in the mood for dancing? Put on some music anyway. Maybe a little instrumental music plays in the background while you’re doing housework.
Get Your Laugh On
One of the best ways to relieve stress is by laughing. Find something funny on tv or the internet and laugh until you cry.
Cuddle with a Pet
Grab your pet and give it some lovin.
Color
I’m so glad adult coloring is a thing now. I think I enjoy it more now than as a kid. It gives a feeling of satisfaction and it has a calming affect.
Bake Your Favorite Food
Bake your favorite cookies or bread. Whatever makes you feel good inside, bake it.
Look at the Stars
One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to look at the stars and watch for falling stars.
Any chance I could get to make a wish I would go for it. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a falling star. It’s about time to go looking for some wishes. How about you?
Sit on a Swing
Swings have this magical thing about them.
Whether it’s a porch swing that’s for two, a tire swing, or one of those at the park, they transport you back in time to feeling like a younger version of yourself.
You feel childlike and free from worries. Give it a try and tell me how you felt!
Rock in a Rocking Chair
No swing nearby? Then a rocking chair will do, too. It’s that soothing motion of back and forth that has such a calming affect.
Rock those worries away, Momma!
Watch Home Videos
Some of the best ways to get in a good laugh (or cry) is to watch old home videos.
Spend some time reminiscing about the good ol’ days and you’ll start to feel grateful for the beautiful life you have.
Reminisce with Photos
Reflecting on your past with photos is a great way to remember how far you’ve come and all that you have to be thankful for.
Look through past photos and remind yourself of how strong and resilient you are. You are a brave and resourceful woman!
Do Some People Watching
This is not meant to sound creepy. But there’s something relaxing about sitting and watching others go about their business.
Maybe it’s watching the neighborhood kids playing in their backyard or a friendly neighbor walking her dog.
Whatever the case may be, take a small break from your own world and look around you.
Appreciate humanity in its simplest form; the act of playing in children, or your neighbor getting some exercise in by walking a pet.
Take a Hot Shower
Taking a hot shower is a great way to unwind from the stresses of the day.
It’s also a great way to wake up in the mornings and prepare your mind and body for the day ahead.
Talk it Out What’s Bothering You
As women we take on way more things than we should.
We take on more household responsibilities, more work responsibilities, and more guilt because we are not doing a perfect job at managing ALL THE THINGS.
Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint what it is that’s bothering us because there’s so much going on in our lives. That’s why it’s important that we talk it out what’s bothering us so we can truly pinpoint the problem and the solution.
Listen to Sounds of Nature
Nowadays all we have to do is type up “sounds of nature” and we can listen to birds singing, rainfall, or the sounds of the forest.
If getting outside and listening to the real thing is not possible because neighbor Joe decided to mow again for the fifth day in a row, then listening to it by phone will still sound like the real thing and help you to relax.
Lay in a Hammock
Another great way to be in nature but be totally relaxed… until the three year old finds you.
Watch Bob Ross Paint
With Bob Ross’s soothing voice and ease of using a paintbrush, he instantly puts you into a trance where all you can do is just focus on his voice and the beautiful picture he is painting.
Even my three year old loves Bob Ross, so he’s toddler approved!
Play a Musical Instrument
Play a musical instrument even if it’s a toy instrument. It will lighten your mood and has a way of releasing endorphins to help you feel better.
Paint or Draw
Painting could be spray painting an outdoor bench, flower pot, or anything that needs a pop of color.
Drawing not your favorite? Create a design with painting tape on your driveway and color it in with sidewalk chalk.
Better yet, create the design then have your kids color it in. This will give you a few moments to sit back and relax.
Crochet/Knit
For some this is a way to relax while being creative.
For others, like me, this is a way to stress out and get really frustrated. But that’s probably because I don’t practice enough.
It is rewarding when the project is done and gives a boost of confidence that you can do hard things.
Get Grounded – Walk Barefoot Outside
If you’ve never heard of the term grounding, here’s a good article explaining what it is.
Grounding is a way to reconnect with God and His creation. Everything has a vibration and connecting with the earth’s vibration helps us to reduce stress, inflammation, and other health issues.
There are different techniques for grounding such as walking barefoot outside, lying in the grass, taking a hike in the woods, hugging a tree, standing in the rain, wading in a river, or swimming in the ocean.
Give it a try and see if you can feel a difference afterwards.
Reorganize a Space
Got five minutes? Start with your sock drawer and finally get rid of those mismatched socks that have been hanging around waiting for their long lost companion for way too long.
Or maybe it’s time to reorganize the pantry. If you’ve got kids, it’s likely you have empty boxes in your pantry that once held granola bars or fruit snacks.
Getting rid of what’s not needed will provide extra space and a fresh start for the next grocery pick up day.
Clean Out Your Clothes
I regularly go through my clothes and get rid of items that I haven’t worn in a year or more.
But one thing I recently heard that you should do is first take ALL your clothes out of your closet so that you can see an empty closet and feel how good it feels to have that cleaned out.
Then go through each piece of clothing to decide if you should keep it or not.
I always seem to like my clothes even more when I do this process because I know what I have in my closet makes me feel good to wear and I’m excited to pick out something pretty the next day.
Sing
Sing it out, girl! Feeling like you need to release some pint up frustration? Put on some good ol’ Kelly Clarkson or Adele and let it all hang out.
Or bring on some worship time while you clean the floors.
Whatever music you need, I’m sure your soul could use a break from Blippie and Daniel Tiger songs.
It’s your turn to pick the music, Momma!
Have a Girls Night In
Not feasible for you to have a girls night out? Then make it a girls night in!
When my husband used to work nights, my friend would come over after the kids were in bed and we would have girl time. Since her husband was home with their kids, she was able to come over for a few hours.
So much better than having to get dressed up, figure out where to eat, and what to do afterwards.
Bird Watch
This may sound like a really old person thing to say, but bird watching is now one of my favorite things to do.
It has a very calming affect watching these little creatures bounce around on the ground looking for food and watching them interact with one another.
Set 3 Month Goals/Plan It Out
There’s nothing more powerful than having some goals and a plan on how to reach those goals.
If you are needing a guide for this, I highly recommend Mia Moran at Plan Simple. She has the best planning worksheets that I’ve ever found and the way she teaches on how to plan is like a breath of fresh air.
She makes planning doable. She makes you look forward to working on your goals and not just staying stuck in the dreaming phase.
So set you some goals, Momma, and then make out a plan on how you will reach these 3 month goals. Make sure you check out Mia. She’s the best.
Give Yourself a Mani/Pedi
Have you looked at your nails lately?
Who has the time to spend at the nail salon when you’ve got little ones to take care of day in and day out? Not to mention the cost of having someone else do your nails.
Why not take some time to pamper yourself after a long bath and give your nails some love?
Retail stores have the cheap version of Color Street nails if you’re looking for something other than nail polish. And they stay on much longer than nail polish.
You will feel so much better about yourself by spending a little bit of time adding some color to your nails.
Take an Online Course – Learn a New Skill
Oh my goodness. The world is at your fingertips. Whatever you can think up that you want to learn, there’s a course for that.
And now, you can learn it on your own time, in your own home, and for peanuts compared to a college course. There are several different sites that host courses, but my two favorite platforms for courses are Udemy and Teachable.
And That’s a Wrap!
We’ve finally reached the end of the 61 self-care ideas for moms. I hope you are inspired to try something new. And I hope I’ve triggered your memory of something you used to love to do but forgot all about.
Have other ideas for self-care? Let me hear them! Let me know in the comments what your favorite momME time ideas are!
Don’t forget to download this list of ideas and hang it on your fridge. I’ve also included some affirmations in the printable that are just for you!
