Self-care for busy moms: How to make time for yourself when you don't have any

Being a mom is a full-time job, with no holidays, no weekends off, and no designated break time. Balancing the responsibilities of parenthood can be overwhelming, and often results in moms neglecting their own self-care needs. However, taking care of yourself is crucial not only for your well-being but for your family's as well. Fortunately, there are ways to make time for yourself even when it feels like there is none.

Prioritize Self-care: Schedule it in

One effective way to prioritize self-care as a busy mom is to schedule it. With a packed schedule, it's easy to push aside things that seem less important, like taking a long bath or reading a book. But if you don't make time for yourself, you can quickly become burnt out and unable to care for those around you.

Instead of waiting for a free moment to magically appear, make self-care a non-negotiable item on your daily to-do list. Whether it's scheduling in a workout, a bubble bath, or even just ten minutes of quiet time, actually putting it on your schedule will make it more likely to happen. Not only will you hold yourself accountable, but you will also show your family that your self-care needs are just as important as everything else on your agenda.

So, grab your planner and pencil in some much-needed "me time". By doing this, you're taking a step towards a healthier, more balanced life.

Get creative with your self-care

Instead of just scheduling in the standard self-care activities like exercise or a spa treatment, consider getting creative with your self-care routine. This can include anything that you enjoy and find relaxing, such as writing in a journal, painting, knitting, or even taking an online cooking class. Incorporating activities that bring you joy can make self-care feel less like a chore and more like a treat.

By diversifying your self-care routine, you'll also be able to better tailor it to your needs on a given day. For example, you may feel like a yoga class on Monday but need a calming bath on Wednesday. Having a range of self-care activities to choose from means you can pick and choose based on your mood and energy levels.

Involve your kids

One way to involve your kids in your self-care routine is to exercise together. Taking a walk in the park or going for a family bike ride not only provides a good workout but also allows you to bond with your kids. Alternatively, you can have a family yoga or dance session at home. This can be a fun and light-hearted way to incorporate exercise into your self-care routine while also spending quality time with your family.

Another way to involve your kids in your self-care routine is to share hobbies. If you enjoy reading, encourage your kids to read with you. If you like knitting or crocheting, teach your kids how to do it too. Sharing hobbies not only gives you an opportunity to do something you enjoy but also allows you to bond with your kids and teach them new skills.

Finally, involving your kids in your self-care routine can be as simple as asking for help with household chores. Getting your kids involved with cooking, laundry, or cleaning can help you feel less overwhelmed and stressed. Plus, it teaches your kids important life skills and responsibility.

By involving your kids in your self-care routine, you're not only prioritizing your own needs but also creating lasting memories and bonding opportunities with your family.

Being a busy mom doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your own self-care. By prioritizing it, scheduling it, getting creative with it, and involving your kids, you can make sure that you're taking care of yourself even when you're short on time. Remember, taking care of yourself is not only important for your own well-being but also for being able to take care of your family. So, take a deep breath, make time for yourself, and keep in mind that self-care is not selfish, it's necessary.