Self care gets talked about a lot, but most of the time it feels completely unrealistic. Long baths, spa days, quiet mornings with a coffee… it all sounds lovely, but when you’re a mum, those moments can be few and far between.
The reality is that self care doesn’t have to be big or time consuming to make a difference. In fact, the small, simple things you can fit into your day often have the biggest impact. It’s not about escaping your life, it’s about finding little ways to feel more like yourself within it. Life is busy, and nothing is ever picture perfect, so self care needs to work in the middle of that, not outside of it.
Rethinking What Self Care Really Means
One of the biggest shifts that can help is changing how you think about self care. It’s not just about pampering or treating yourself, although those things can be lovely when they happen.
Real self care is about looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing in a way that fits into your actual life. That might mean taking a few quiet minutes to yourself, doing something you enjoy, or simply slowing things down for a moment.
It doesn’t have to be planned or perfect. It just has to work for you.
Take Ten Minutes for Yourself
You don’t need a full afternoon to reset. Even ten minutes can make a noticeable difference if you use it in a way that feels meaningful.
That could be sitting down with a cup of tea while it’s still hot, stepping outside for some fresh air, or just taking a break from everything for a short while. It might not sound like much, but those small pauses add up. Giving yourself permission to take that time is often the hardest part, but it’s also the most important.
Do Something You Actually Enjoy
It sounds simple, but it’s something many mums forget. When your days are full of looking after everyone else, your own interests can easily slip to the bottom of the list.
Try to bring back something you enjoy, even if it’s just for a short time. That could be baking, reading, watching a favourite programme, or doing something creative.
If baking helps you unwind, having a look through some of my easy recipes, these can be a good place to start without adding pressure.
Step Away from the Noise
There’s always something demanding your attention, whether it’s your phone, the house, or a growing to do list. Taking a step back from that, even briefly, can help clear your head.
You don’t need to switch everything off for hours. Just putting your phone down for a little while or choosing not to multitask can create a bit of space. It’s a small change, but it can make you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Get Outside When You Can
Fresh air has a way of resetting everything. Even a short walk or a few minutes in the garden can lift your mood and give you a break from being indoors.
It doesn’t have to be a big outing. Something as simple as standing outside with a drink or taking a quick walk can help you feel a bit more balanced. According to the NHS, spending time outdoors and staying active can have a positive effect on both mental and physical wellbeing.
Let Go of Guilt
This is a big one. A lot of mums feel guilty for taking time for themselves, as if they should always be doing something for someone else.
But looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It actually helps you show up better for your family. When you feel more rested and balanced, everything else feels a bit easier too. Letting go of that guilt takes time, but it’s worth working on.
Lower the Pressure
Self care doesn’t need to be another thing on your to do list. It shouldn’t feel like something you have to do perfectly.
If all you manage is five quiet minutes or a quick sit down with a drink, that still counts. It’s about doing what you can, not what you think you should be doing. Keeping things simple makes it much more likely that you’ll stick with it.
Make It Part of Your Routine
It can help to build small moments of self care into your day so it becomes something you do naturally rather than something you have to plan.
That might be taking a break after the school run, having a quiet moment in the evening, or setting aside time at the weekend for something you enjoy. Over time, these little habits can make a big difference to how you feel.
Final Thoughts
Self care doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming to matter. The small things you do for yourself each day can have a real impact on your mood and wellbeing.
As a mum, it’s easy to put yourself last, but even a few minutes of time for yourself can help you feel more balanced and more like you.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding what works for you and making space for it in your life.
FAQs
- What is self care for mums?
- Self care for mums is about taking small moments to look after your mental and emotional wellbeing in a way that fits into everyday life.
- How can I practise self care with no time?
- Start with short breaks, even five to ten minutes, and focus on something that helps you relax or reset.
- Is it selfish to take time for myself?
- No, taking care of yourself helps you feel better and support your family more effectively.
- What are simple self care ideas at home?
- Having a quiet drink, getting fresh air, doing something you enjoy, or simply taking a short break can all count as self care.
