Simple and Quick Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms Who Need a Break

Being a mom is a full-time job—on top of all the other responsibilities you juggle daily.

Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, endless laundry piles, and making sure everyone is fed (even if that means sneaking in a snack for yourself at midnight), it’s easy to put yourself last.

But here’s the truth: You deserve care too. And self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming.

In fact, the best self-care practices are the ones that fit seamlessly into your already packed schedule.

If you’re craving a little more balance but don’t have hours to spare, here are my five simple self-care practices to help you recharge—guilt-free and without adding extra stress to your busy mom life.

1. Start Your Morning with 5 Minutes of Stillness

Mornings are usually a whirlwind of getting kids ready, packing lunches, and making sure everyone gets out the door on time.

But what if you could start your day with just five minutes of peace before the chaos begins?

Try This:

• Wake up five minutes earlier and just sit in silence.

  
  

• Take deep breaths, sip your coffee slowly, or repeat a calming mantra like, “Today, I choose peace over perfection.”

  
  

• No phone, no emails—just a moment for yourself before the world starts demanding your energy.

These five minutes can help set the tone for a calmer, more intentional day.

2. The 60-Second Reset: Breathe, Stretch, Release

Some days, self-care needs to happen on the go. When you feel overwhelmed, a quick reset can bring you back to center.

Try This:

• Take three deep breaths, inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, and exhaling for four.

  
  

• Stand up and do a simple stretch—reach for the sky, roll your shoulders, or touch your toes.

  
  

• If you’re sitting at your desk or in the car, just drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and exhale deeply.

This one-minute check-in can instantly help lower stress levels and prevent tension from building up in your body.

3. Keep a “Happy List” for Quick Mood Boosts

Let’s be honest—some days feel like a never-ending loop of responsibilities. That’s when having a go-to list of small joys can be a game-changer.

Try This:

• Make a list of five things that instantly lift your mood—your favorite song, a funny meme, a few pages of a book, or a quick walk outside.

• When you feel drained, pull from your list and give yourself 3-5 minutes of joy.

Self-care doesn’t always mean doing something big. Sometimes, it’s just about sprinkling tiny moments of happiness into your day.

4. Swap Screen Time for “Me Time”

Scrolling through social media or watching TV at night is tempting, but does it really help you unwind? Instead of losing time to screens, use just 10 minutes to do something truly restorative.

Try This Instead:

• Read. A few pages of a book or listen to a short podcast episode.

  
  

• Journal for five minutes. Write down a few thoughts or something you're grateful for.

  
  

• Do a simple nighttime routine. Light a candle, apply a face mask, or just stretch in bed.

Even a small change in your evening habits can help you sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed.

5. Ask for Help (And Actually Accept It!)

This one is easier said than done, but it’s one of the most powerful self-care practices. Moms often carry the weight of everything, but you don’t have to do it all alone.

Try This:

• If a friend or partner asks if they can help, say yes—whether it’s watching the kids for an hour or handling dinner.

  
  

• Delegate small tasks to your children (yes, even toddlers can help with simple things).

  
  

• Give yourself permission to take a break without feeling guilty—you’re not a machine, and you don’t need to “earn” rest.

The best self-care is sometimes just allowing yourself to receive support.

Moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need to recharge. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. The more you fill your own cup, the more energy, love, and patience you’ll have for your family.

Which one of these self-care tips resonates with you?

Let’s chat in the comments! And if you found this helpful, share it with another mom who needs a little extra love today.

See you at the next post! 💛