Practical Self Care Strategies for Busy Moms

Being a mother is challenging. Between sleepless nights, school drop-offs, meal prep, and emotional support for their children, mothers rarely get a moment to themselves. Balancing personal well-being with the seemingly endless responsibility of mothering can feel impossible, but with intentional strategies, it can be achievable.

Understanding the Importance of Self-Care

If you feel guilty for making time for yourself, ask yourself why. Every human being needs at least some down time or rest. There could be many reasons why you might feel guilty or selfish for taking time for yourself. It could be helpful to be curious about where these beliefs come from.  Parenthood tends to be impacted by different internal and external influences.  Things such as your own relationship with your parents, societal and cultural pressures around norms and expectations around parenting, as well as one’s own personal beliefs and ideas around what it means to be a parent, can be influential. It can be complex to unpack all that is tied into ideas around parenting and this is a place where therapy can be a helpful.

When you as a mother allow space for your own mental and emotional needs it can allow you to be more emotional available for your children. Another consideration is that prioritizing your mental and emotional health is a way to model healthy habits for your children. For example, when children see their mother engaging in self-care and modeling that behavior, they can learn that making time for their own well being is meaningful.

Shifting Mindset Around Self-Care

Here are some suggestions to try to incorporate.  If you find that these suggestions don’t work for you, that’s okay. The idea is just to consider some ways you could make time for yourself in a way that feels appropriate to your situation and circumstances. 

Integrate Self-Care into Daily Routines
Not all self-care requires extra time. Sometimes Self-Care is just noticing yourself as you do all that you do in your day. Turn daily activities into mindful moments. While cooking dinner, play music that speaks to your mood. During bath time, take deep breaths and get yourself comfortable. Small practices can incorporate ways for you to have space for your needs too.

Ask for Help
Finding logistical and emotional support can make all the difference.

Logistically, see if there are ways you have someone care for your children while you take some time for yourself. Whether it’s your partner, a relative, a trusted friend, a babysitter, a childcare provider or agency, asking for support can give you much needed space for yourself. Even if it is a once and awhile treat, see if you can find ways to ask for help.

Emotionally, reach out to someone you trust to talk about your struggles, the successes, and the things on your mind. Normalize having feelings and find safe spaces to share your feelings.

Connect with Other Parents
Having community and sharing experiences with other mothers can provide emotional support and practical tips. Mom groups, play groups, support groups or attending community gatherings can remind you that you are not alone in motherhood. Even if the group doesn’t speak to you, maybe you can find one or two people you resonate with and that you can build a connection with.

Reach out for Therapy

There is sometimes the belief that therapy is only for when someone is crisis, however therapy can be a tool to enrich your life and self reflection. It can be a place to think about what comes up for you, where you can review past beliefs that are not serving you anymore and to be intentional about what you want to move forward with. For the parts of you that have feelings around reaching out for therapy, remind them that there is no shame in needing support and that none of us can do it alone.

It can be hard in the practicality of your life to schedule things, especially time for yourself, so it’s important to be flexible and gentle with yourself.  Even reading this blog and being curious about what you can do for Self-Care is already a step in that direction.

Caring for the Caregiver

By integrating small, meaningful practices, asking for help, and setting boundaries, mothers can make room for their needs. If you’re a mother struggling to find balance or just would like a space just for you, please reach out. Shohreh Schmuecker, LMFT, a California licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, offers therapy for mothers in a supportive space to explore your emotions, manage stress, and build sustainable self-care strategies. Online therapy is available for clients living in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California, making it easy to get support from the comfort of your home. Reach out today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced motherhood journey.

Ready to get started?

This blog is for general information purposes only. It is not meant for a substitution for medical or mental health advice or treatment. Please see a licensed professional for medical or mental health advice and/or recommendations specific to your needs.