Self care is so important for everyone, but it’s especially important when you’re a mom. Every day you wake up early, some times with little to no sleep, cook, clean, take care of the kids and your entire house. You head off to work (or maybe you stay at home) and have to take care of the people and things there, too.
At the end of the day, you come home and you’re left feeling depleted. You ask yourself how in the world you’ll be able to have another day like the one you had, but then realize this is your reality. There is no end in sight, at least not for a few years.
If most days you’re left feeling like a shell of a human, then not taking care of yourself can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, anger, resentment, and most definitely burnt out. But, if you’re like most moms, you feel guilty about doing anything for yourself, especially if it involves spending money. Maybe you’re a stay at home mom and you feel like your “reward” was being able to quit your job and raise your babies. So, how could you possibly ask for the time or money to do something for yourself?
I know how hard it is to fit self care into your daily or even weekly routine. I also know how hard it is to spend money on things that make you feel good, too. So, I’ve created a list of self care ideas for moms that can be done at home and won’t break your budget!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclaimer, click here.
Self Care Idea # 1: Give Yourself a Facial
This is something I actually really look forward to. I use Beautycounter’s Charcoal Mask, but I’ve seen plenty of other masks I want to give a try at my local CVS. I like to think of this mask or facial as my reward for getting to the finish line. And by finish line, I mean getting my kids to sleep.
Days where I feel like I just need a little something to cheer me up, I’ll put the kids to bed, and put on my charcoal mask. In the 15 minutes it takes to dry, I’ll either fold a pile of laundry, clean my bathroom, or even lay on the bed (gasp!).
I know, I know. Why am I cleaning the bathroom or folding laundry if it’s self care? Self care for me also means getting things organized, clutter free, and clean, so that my mind can be at ease. It’s also multi-tasking! And, we all know that ain’t no body got time to waste time!
Self Care Idea # 2: Make a Cup of Tea
The other night my daughter was sick with a fever, and it landed us in bed at 7:30 on Friday night. At first, I was annoyed about getting in bed so early when I had other stuff to do, but my daughter needed me and I needed to put my needs aside. I used it as an opportunity to relax, and brought a cup of tea up to bed with me.
My favorite kind of tea is this loose leaf tea from Element called Anxiety Release. I mean, the name itself relaxes me. It helps to calm your racing mind and heart rate, and tastes great, too! If you don’t have anything to put your loose leaf tea in, I recommend a loose leaf tea straw like this one.
I usually don’t make a cup of tea until my kids are in bed and I don’t have anything else to do. It’s the best way for me to wind down at the end of a long day.
Self Care Idea # 3: Listen to a Podcast or Audiobook
Listening to Podcasts or Audiobooks are my JAM. I don’t really have a lot of time to read, and listening to a podcast or audiobook is the best, most convenient way to get some personal development in. My favorite time to listen to them is on my way to work or while doing the dishes or folding laundry (to take my mind of the task at hand).
Favorite Podcast
My FAVORITE podcast currently is RISE by Rachel Hollis. Rachel Hollis just gets me. So much of what she says just pierces through my soul, and I eat up everything she has to say. She brings on a TON of great guests, too, like Robin Arzon from Pelaton, and Brandon Burchard.
Current Audible Playlist
I’m currently listening to You Are a Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero via Audible. Jen Sincero is my kind of girl. I love her sense of humor and her potty mouth. I took this from her book bio on Amazon:
“…from a woman living in a converted garage with tumbleweeds blowing through her bank account to a woman who travels the world in style, Jen Sincero channels the inimitable sass and practicality that made You Are a Badass an indomitable best seller. She combines hilarious personal essays with bite-size, aha concepts that unlock earning potential and get real results.”
What I love about audio books is that you can listen to them any time, any where with Audible app. Listen when you’re walking the dog, doing the dishes, folding laundry, or working out. No more excuses for not having the time to “read” books!
Don’t have Audible? Start your FREE trial below!
While you’re at it, grab your hard copy or Audible version of You are a Badass at Making Money and start reading/ listening ASAP!
You can grab yours here:
Self Care Idea # 4: Do 30 Minutes of Exercise
30 minutes. That’s all you need. Wake up 30 minutes earlier than the kids, or go to bed 30 minutes later, but get your work out in.
Favorite Work Out Apps
Pelaton:
I recently discovered that Pelaton had an app, and now I am obsessed with running. It’s my new therapy. And this is coming from a girl who gets out of breath going up her steps, okay? But seriously, if you have a treadmill at home do yourself a favor and download the Pelaton App. It overs thousands of online classes for running, cycling, strength training, yoga, and more.
Don’t worry, you’ll get a chance to try before you buy with their 14-day free trial.
Beachbody on Demand:
I’m also a member of Beachbody on Demand where I can stream hundreds of different Beachbody work outs from home on my smart TV or phone!
There are a ton of different options now a days and ways to get a work out in without having to go to a gym. Don’t overthink it! Just get moving!
Self Care Idea # 5: Paint Your Nails
Girlfriend. There is nothing that makes me feel like a real life adult than having my nails done. But, the last time I actually had a professional manicure was in February before our trip to Disney!
Instead, I have supplies stocked at home to do my own nails. I even have a nail drill that I picked up at Happy Harry’s (shows you how long ago it was) that I LOVE! It looks like a nail drill that they use at the salon to help with your cuticles and buff your nails. This is what I use to prep my nails before I paint them. I linked a similar one down below that you can get off of Amazon!
Time Saving Tip – Press On Gel Nails!
Another hack I’ve recently discovered when it comes to painting your nails, is using press-on gel nails from ImPRESS. You can give yourself a professional looking manicure in about 10 minutes! They’re sturdy and last a long time! Here are two designs I’ve gotten so far that I loved! The best part, no nail glue required! Just prep, peel, and stick!
Get Yours Here:
Get Yours Here:
Self Care Idea # 6: Netflix & Chill
There is nothing I love more than crawling into bed after a long day, or even on a Friday night after I get the kids to bed, and turn on Netflix. I love a good documentary, especially when it’s something motivational and inspiring.
One of my favorites on Netflix:
- I Am Not Your Guru by Tony Robbins
Another documentary that I watched that’s on Amazon was Made for More by Rachel Hollis. Girl, do yourself a favor and watch this one!
Self Care Idea # 7: Journal
Take a few minutes a day and write in a journal. You can write about what you’re grateful for, what dreams you want to make happen, or what’s on your mind. If you’re practicing gratitude, I like to do it in the beginning of the day so it sets the tone for the day. If you’re writing what’s on your mind, I suggest doing a “brain dump” before bed. Get those worries and thoughts out of your head so you can sleep peacefully!
Self Care Idea # 9: Take a Shower & Listen to Meditation Music
Sometimes I like to bring my phone in the bathroom with me, turn on Pandora, and set the station to meditation music. And then, I stand with my head against the wall, close my eyes, and cry. Just kidding.
But, if I close my eyes long enough, and if my kids are banging on the door, I can pretend I’m at a spa or in a sauna.
Sometimes it’s all I need at the end of a long day to wash away my stress!
Self Care Idea # 10: Take Time to Plan Out Your Week
The most important type of self care for me is taking care of my mental health. If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. I’m happiest when things are organized and planned. This way, these thoughts and to-dos are out of my head and on paper and I don’t have to worry about them anymore.
If you want to check out my post about how using checklists has changed my life, you can click here.
I hope this post was able to give you some good self care ideas for moms that you can do at home on any budget. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup! Schedule some time each and every day (no matter how small) to do something for yourself.
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Did you like this list? What are some of your favorite self care ideas?
Dori says
Kristi – i am continuously impressed and proud of you. Thank you for being so thoughtful to put all this down in writing for All Those mothers out there who need some support!!
Kbahgat says
Thank you!
jazzysmama says
Your blog is beautiful! These are great tips, we mama’s need a reminder once in awhile to take care of ourselves.
Kbahgat says
Thank you! And thank you for reading 🙂
Samantha says
These are grEat! I try my best to do as much Self care as time permits bUt little things like a journal would go a long way!
Emily says
TheSe are such great self care ideas and sooo easy to fit into a crazy busy mama life!
Andrea says
After a long day of work and coming home to the kids and chores, it’s hard to think of me. I love the idea of a faCial, may have to sTart that. RECENTLY, for me, blogging has been my outlet.
Allie Burton says
LOVE THESE TIPS! lISTENING TO PODCASTS IS DEFINITELY MY WAY OF SELF CARE! IT GIVES ME A MOMENT AWAY TO RELAX AND FEEL LIKE I AM A PART OF AN ADULT CONVERSATION FOR ONCE!
Kbahgat says
Yes, and like you’re learning something new! I always recommend podcasts!
Lorena | www.lorenaylennox.com says
Beautiful list of self care ideas for mamas. We all truly deserve it!
Kbahgat says
That’s for sure! Thanks for reading!
Jessica says
I couldnt agree more AbOut how important self care is for us mamas. We have to take time for ourselves, if our cup is empty Then we have nothing to give to our family. I personally love a face mask + bubble bath. ThAnks for all these great ideas!
Kbahgat says
Yes, I need to do a face mask this week for sure!
Ruby says
As moms we are usually dead last in the care departmEnt, thanks for this mama. It s a great reminder to tAke care of Ourselves as well!
Erin says
Great ideas. Self care doesnt have to Ne complicated or expensive!