Dear Busy Mama: You Need Self-Care (Yes, YOU)

Hey there, tired mama 💛

Let’s cut to the chase: you’re running on fumes.

Between snack requests, laundry piles, work (whether it's from home or out in the world), and the never-ending “Mom, where’s my…” questions—you’ve probably put yourself last. Again.

And I get it. I really do. Because I’ve been there too—scrolling Instagram at midnight with one eye open, wondering how everyone else seems to have it all together while I can’t remember the last time I drank water.

But here’s the truth, friend: you cannot pour from an empty cup.

And no, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s survival.

What Even Is Self-Care?

Spoiler alert: it's not always spa days or bubble baths (although we love those too). Real self-care is anything that helps you feel like a human again. It’s about meeting your own needs with the same love you give everyone else.

It’s boundaries. Breaks. Breathing room.
It’s a hot coffee. Clean hair. Five minutes with no one talking to you.

And yes—you deserve that. Every single day.

Quick + Realistic Self-Care Ideas for Busy Moms

Because let’s be real—we don’t have hours. We’re lucky if we get minutes. So here are some self-care wins you can sneak into real life, even with sticky fingers tugging at your shirt.

☕ 1. Sip Something Warm… While It’s Still Warm

Hide in the pantry if you must, but take 5 minutes to sit and drink that coffee or tea while it’s hot. No reheats. No interruptions. Just you and your mug.

🧖‍♀️ 2. Turn Your Shower Into a Spa

Add eucalyptus to your shower head or use a scented body scrub. Close your eyes. Breathe. Pretend the bathroom is a five-star resort… until someone knocks.

📱 3. Screen-Free Solo Time

Put your phone down and sit in stillness for 3 minutes. No scrolling, no podcasts, no updates. Just you. It’s weirdly powerful.

📚 4. Read a Chapter

Not the Goodnight Moon kind. I’m talking about your book. Keep one in your purse or next to the bed, and steal a chapter during nap time, pickup line, or post-bedtime.

🧘‍♀️ 5. Stretch or Breathe

Five deep breaths. One sun salutation. Neck rolls while the kids eat breakfast. It may not be yoga class, but your body (and mind) will thank you.

🧴 6. Skin Care = Soul Care

Even a 2-minute face wash and moisturizer can shift your mood. Bonus points for under-eye patches or a swipe of lip gloss that makes you feel alive again.

🎧 7. Queue the Vibe

Music is magic. Put on your favorite playlist while you clean, cook, or commute. Dance in the kitchen. Cry in the car. Whatever you need, let it out.

But How Do I Actually Make Time?

Great question. Here’s the trick: don’t wait for time—create it.

• Wake up 10 minutes earlier (I know...but hear me out)

• Delegate something—yes, the kids can put away their socks. I am so bad at this, but so important.

• Say “no” to that extra thing you don’t actually have capacity for. Also something I am working on.

• Put it on your calendar like you would a pediatrician appointment.

And let go of the guilt. You’re not a better mom when you’re burnt out. You’re a better mom when you’re cared for—by you.

Final Mom Thoughts

Mama, you are doing so much. And you are so worthy of care—not just when everything’s done, but especially when it’s not.

Take the shower. Drink the coffee. Close your eyes and breathe.

Because self-care doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to happen.

You’ve got this.
💛 From one tired (but trying) mama to another.