5 Practical Ways to Practice Self Care

Life happens. And you’re human. So, it makes complete sense that everyone now and then, we moms reach a breaking point. That’s where self care for busy moms comes in.

Self Care for Busy Moms

Take a Time Out

Instead of pushing through the stress and overwhelm, take a moment to pause. Tell the kids you need a time out and then just be with yourself for a minute.

I’ d had a particularly overwhelming when I realized I needed to just stop for a moment. In my search to calm down, I thought making tea the “old fashioned” way would be a simple way to slow down and be more present.

Practice Mindfulness

As you sit, start to notice your surroundings. The sounds, sights, smells…this mindfulness practice will bring you back into the moment and make you more aware of your needs.

In my case, each step of the making tea, from filling the tea pot with water to the click, click, click sound the gas burner makes to stirring in milk and sugar, awakened my senses and brought me into the present moment.

The simple act of having tea invited me to sit, feel, sip, savor; to slow down.

Listen to Your Body

My body was particularly tense. So after tea, I stretched all those tight muscles in my neck, shoulders, chest and back. It was almost as good as getting a massage. I felt so relaxed afterward that my plan to run errands that day gave way to getting the rest my body needed.

Our bodies are wonderful communicators, letting us know when we’re hungry, tired, stressed or overworked, so take note and rest, eat, play and relax as your body needs it.

Schedule Self Care in Your Day

As moms, we struggle to reconcile the everyday stresses of motherhood with the simpler, calmer lifestyle we crave. But if we make room for it, we can avoid or at least reduce overwhelm.

That means actually scheduling play and rest time into your day. Planning your day, using trackers, and keeping lists and memos is a great way to make time for self care.

Get started with this self care challenge that includes thirty one self care ideas. Many of them you can do in just five minutes. Perfect for busy moms. 

Declutter 

Physical clutter contributes to mental chaos and is a stressor we can easily control. I have proven that fact in my life over and over again. 

If you need help decluttering, I’ve created a complete guide to decluttering that will walk you through the process, step-by-step.

We also need to declutter our minds. Journaling is my favorite way to do that.

Meditating is also a very helpful tool for decluttering your mind. Despite popular belief, you don’t have to stop all your thoughts in order to meditate. Instead meditating allows you to notice your thoughts so your brain can then file them away.

Why Moms Should Take Time For Themselves

Self care as a mom is the most selfless thing you can do.

For one, I can tell you this with absolute certainty based on my time in the classroom, you are your kids biggest role model.

When you make time for self care, you’re modeling:

• good stewardship over your mind, body and soul
• your values and priorities in life
• what you believe about yourself and others
• how to counter a culture that idolizes busyness and stress
• how to implement healthy boundaries
• giving your best
• living a life balanced with work, rest and play

Self care as a mom means you’re making sure your cup is full so you can serve your family from a place of joy. Not only will you notice the difference, but so will your family.

Your influence will last a lifetime.

For even more self care for busy moms, check out:

• How to Start a Self-Care Routine

• The Art of Mindful Living
• Self Care Awareness for the Busy Mom