Are you looking for some self-care for stay-at-home moms?
Have you been a stay-at-home mom for so long that you’ve forgotten what it’s like to have some time to yourself?
Do you feel like you can never get away from your stay-at-home mom role and self-care feels like a luxury?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you!
Self-care is important for all moms, but especially stay-at-home moms who don’t get a break from their “job”.
It may feel like there’s never enough time in the day to take care of yourself, but I’m here to show you that it’s possible. All you need is a little bit of creative thinking and less than 30 minutes.
If that sounds like a dream come true, read on to find out how you can get down to some self-care business today!
Self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms
- Go outside
- Take a hot bath/ shower
- Quiet time
- Write in a journal
- Exercise
- Connect with family/ friends
- Take up a hobby
- Laugh
- Meditation
- Have some chocolate/ wine
- Stretch
- Take a nap
- Listen to music
- Read a book
- Take a nature break
- Aromatherapy
- Self-massage
- Listen to a podcast
- Get organized
- Take time to get ready in the morning
What is self-care and why is it important for stay-at-home moms?
Self-care is simply the act of taking care of oneself. You take care of yourself by doing things that bring you joy. Typically this includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising.
Why is self-care important for moms? Because self-care is what helps us to be our best selves.
When we take care of ourselves, we have more energy and patience to take care of our families. We’re also better able to handle the challenges that come our way when we’re feeling our best.
I am both a stay-at-home mom and a working mom because I have a part-time job.
It can be hard to carve out time for self-care when you’re juggling so many different roles, but it’s important to make it a priority.
I know that when I start to neglect to look after myself, I am more prone to snapping at my daughters. And it just seems as if a dark cloud looms over me and my family because I feel so burnt out.
When I intentionally make time for some self-care in a day, I feel better physically and mentally, which in turn makes me a happier mom.
20 self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms that are under 30 minutes each
I think self-care is so important for stay-at-home moms because they often put everyone else’s needs before their own. They are constantly giving and don’t always take the time to recharge their own batteries.
I know that time is precious when you’re a stay-at-home mom, so I’ve compiled a list of 20 self-care ideas that are all under 30 minutes.
Check out this list of self-care ideas if you have more time on your hands.
1. Get outside for a walk, run, or bike ride
Even just 10-15 minutes of fresh air and sunshine can help improve your mood and energy levels.
If your kids are too young to leave alone, bring them along! Stroller walks are a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while spending quality time with your little ones.
2. Take a relaxing bath
Add some soothing aromatherapy or add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathtub to help you relax. Light some candles, put on some soft music, and enjoy!
No bathtub? No problem! Just take a long shower and let the hot water relax your muscles and clear your mind. I really love this one after an especially long day.
3. Enjoy some quiet time
When I need some extra quiet time to myself, I make it a point to wake up an hour before everybody else in the house.
I sit in silence with my cup of tea and just breathe. It’s so nice to have that hour to myself before the craziness of the day starts.
4. Write in a journal
Writing can be therapeutic and is a great way to get all of your thoughts and feelings out.
Practice a “brain dump” before bedtime. Write down everything that’s on your mind in a journal. This will help clear your head and allow you to sleep more soundly.
5. Exercise
Even just a moderate amount of exercise can help improve your mood and increase energy levels.
I make it a point to exercise for 10 minutes every morning. I alternate between yoga and rebounding. Just 10 minutes is all it takes to make me feel better mentally and physically for the rest of the day.
6. Connect with friends and family members
Social interaction is crucial for our mental well-being, so make sure to stay connected with loved ones.
With our smartphones, it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with people. Send a quick text, give them a call, or video chat if you can. Just a few minutes of conversation can brighten your day.
7. Make time for hobbies and interests
When we make time for things we enjoy, it helps us feel more balanced and fulfilled.
If you can’t dedicate a large chunk of time to your interests, try to break it up into smaller chunks throughout the day. For example, if you love to paint, try painting for 15 minutes while your baby naps.
8. Laugh
Studies show that laughter can boost mood, reduce stress and even improve immunity.
A quick way to get in some laughs is to watch a favorite sitcom. “FRIENDS” is my go-to when I need a pick-me-up. You could also try listening to a comedy podcast or reading a funny book.
9. Practice meditation or mindfulness
Taking some time to focus on your breath and be in the present moment can help calm and center you.
It’s so easy to get distracted and frazzled when you’re a stay-at-home mom. If you find your mind racing, try a quick meditation or mindfulness exercise.
There are many mobile apps nowadays that can guide you through a short 5-10 minute meditation or breathing exercise.
10. Have some chocolate/ wine
Yes, I’m seriously suggesting that you have some chocolate or wine. But not just any chocolate or wine, dark chocolate and red wine have both been shown to have health benefits.
So go ahead and treat yourself! You deserve it.
And it’s never too early in the day for some chocolate and wine.
11. Stretch
Stretching is a great way to relieve tension and improve flexibility.
I like to do some light stretching whenever I feel tense or my muscles start to feel tight.
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just a few simple stretches will do the trick.
12. Take a nap
Naps are amazing. They can help improve mood, increase alertness and even reduce stress.
If you have the opportunity to take a nap, do it! I know it’s not always possible with young kids, but if you can swing it, go for it.
You might not be able to sleep for long, but even a 20-30 minute nap can make a world of difference.
13. Listen to music
Listening to music can help reduce stress, improve mood and even promote healing.
I like to put on some of my favorite tunes when I need a pick-me-up. And if the right beat comes along, I can’t help but dance around the house.
My girls have picked up on my love of music and now we have dance parties all the time. It’s a great way to bond and have some fun.
14. Read a good book
Getting lost in a good book can be a great way to relax and escape from the everyday stresses of life.
I try to read for at least 30 minutes every day. It’s a great way to wind down before bed and it helps me feel more well-rounded.
15. Take a nature break
Spend some time outside surrounded by nature, and take in the fresh air and beauty of your surroundings.
If you can, step outside for a few minutes each day to get some fresh air. Even if it’s just sitting on your porch or taking a walk around the block, it can make a world of difference.
16. Take a breath of essential oils
Aromatherapy can be very calming and relaxing, so try diffusing some lavender or chamomile essential oils.
If you don’t have a diffuser, you can put a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and inhale deeply. I love doing this when I feel particularly stressed. It feels like all my worries are melting away.
17. Practice self-massage
Did you know that our hands have pressure points that can help relieve stress and tension?
I like to massage my hands and wrists when I’m feeling stressed. It’s a quick and easy way to help myself feel more relaxed.
Using a scented lotion or oil can make self-massage even more enjoyable.
18. Listen to a self-help podcast
I’m a big fan of self-help podcasts. They’re a great way to learn about different topics related to self-care and personal growth.
Listening to a self-help podcast is a great way to get some motivation and inspiration. And it’s something you can do while you’re doing other things, like dishes or driving in the car.
My personal favorite is listening to parenting podcasts, like Janet Lansbury’s Unruffled.
19. Get organized
For me, getting organized is a form of self-care. It helps me feel more in control and less stressed.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try decluttering your home or your desk at work. Even just taking a few minutes to organize can make a world of difference.
Just remember to set a timer for 20-30 minutes so you don’t get too carried away.
20. Take time to get ready in the morning
I know it sounds crazy, but taking the time to get ready in the morning is a form of self-care for me.
It helps me feel more put together and less stressed when I start my day.
So even if it means getting up a little earlier, take the time to do your hair and makeup, or whatever else makes you feel good about yourself.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t have enough time in a day to be a good mom AND take care of yourself, you’re not alone.
But self-care is important for moms because it helps us be the best versions of ourselves. We need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our families.
Read this for more reasons why moms need to spend time for themselves.
I hope these self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms help you take care of yourself so you can be the best mom you can be. All the ideas here are less than 30 minutes each. There’s no more excuse for not having time for self-care!
What are your favorite self-care activities? I’d love to hear about them in the comments!
