Your son wakes up at 3 am because one of his stuffed animals fell behind the bed. Your daughter is up early at 5 am because she is congested and can’t go back to sleep.
You then start your day early with breakfast, now it’s time for virtual learning, then lunch. Next, the kids want to paint, and now it is time for dinner, baths, and bedtime. Your mom-routine never ends. So when do you find time for a self-care routine?
Every family member and friend is telling you how important it is to take time for yourself and start a self-care routine. Well, where in the world do you find this time, and what even is a self-care routine?
I can promise you, every momma has had these questions and concerns. Therefore, I went ahead and did the thinking for you. Not only are you going to get 31 different self-care ideas to fill the month, but also a plan to begin your self-care routine.
All you need to do is try these 31 different ways to practice self-care, choose which one to use each day, decide on the ones you like, and adjust the ones you don’t.
Like anything, once you get started and make it a priority, it will become second nature. So, let’s get started!
Here is your FREE self-care packet. Use the calendar to plan one of the 31 self-care ideas each day. Get 34 ideas to help you create your own mantra, or use one listed. See 37 new hobby ideas to get creative. Plus 2 more guides to start your self-care!
1. Dance Party
Have a dance party! For exercise, fun, or just because you love to dance! Play your favorite song, or play 10 songs, use all the time you have, and put in some headphones and dance. This enables you to shake out some energy or get energized. The endorphins fly and you will be in such a better mood the next time your son wants to play pirates.
2. Sleep, Sleep, Sleep
Take a day to sleep. Sleep late, sleep in the afternoon, go to bed early. Make sleep the priority today. Every person, and especially every momma, needs a day to hit the reset button. Unfortunately, it isn’t always as easy as a 5-minute meditation and sometimes your body needs a day of rest.
Every month has that one day where you physically and mentally are drained and you feel like you can’t do anything productive. Choose this self-care idea for that day and let me tell you, sleep can be incredibly productive. You will be amazed by how you feel the next day and even during the week. Allow yourself to reset and sleep, momma.
3. Volunteer or Donate
Choose a day this month and volunteer your time or donate to a cause you are passionate about. Research local organizations that are struggling at the moment and would benefit from what you can offer. Volunteering or donating does wonders for your soul and it can truly change your outlook on today, the week, or the month.
These self-care ideas are meant to be just for you. However, once you have found an organization you love to volunteer for, bring the family along. Get the kiddos inspired and show them what it means to give back to their community. Watch as your family’s mood shifts as well and you will have one happy household.
4. Retail Therapy
Sometimes, you just need to shop! Choose a day to go on a shopping spree. Not for your children, your husband, or anyone besides yourself. This day is not for running errands. You are only allowed to focus on yourself today.
Go to your favorite store, grab your favorite cheat-day lunch, get Starbucks while at target, this is all about you. Spend this day by yourself or with a close friend if you’d like. You will end the day on such a positive note and next time the kiddos are shopping with you, you will be able to enjoy it a little more, as I bet you missed them a little today.
5. Go Out (alone or with a friend)
Now, choose a different day to have a day or night out. Go eat dinner by yourself, I promise it isn’t that scary. Go to the movies. Bring a friend if you want, but you should still be able to focus on yourself.
Use this time to take a few hours for yourself focusing on what you enjoy. Come back home recharged and happy, ready to get back into your mom-routine.
6. No Social Media
You need a break. You need a break from seeing what Pinterest activities Kim did with her kids this weekend. You need a break from seeing how great Melissa is at virtual learning. Turn off social media, because we all know it is fake anyway.
Not only, is this break great for mental health, but you will also notice how much more time you have involved in the present moment. We spend so much time looking at our phones, that we forget to enjoy the little things. Take a day, just one day without social media, and after you realize how amazing it is, consider taking a week or longer!
7. Meditate
Although it may be a little uncomfortable at first, taking some time to meditate is incredibly beneficial. Find a day where you have 5, 10, 30, or 60 minutes and find a great beginner meditation video. Trust me, there are thousands to choose from.
Keep it simple and breathe to some calming sounds, or get advanced and find a master class on meditation techniques. Whatever style you choose, take this self-care idea and try it out just for one day and you will be so thankful you did!
8. Go on a Walk or Run
Pick this self-care idea for that day where it is 72 degrees, low humidity, with a slight overcast. Take some time to go on a walk or run alone to enjoy your own company. Walk around the block, or run a mile or more, whatever is best for you. This day is not to push your physical ability, but to enjoy the time outside with your thoughts.
You will be able to come back with a refreshed mind and clear head. You will be able to jump back into your mom-routine and be twice as productive as when you left.
9. Declutter
Organization or decluttering can be extremely therapeutic. If you have a day where the kids are at school, you can use those 8 hours to really knock out a big project. Or if you have 30 minutes while your kids are watching Cocomelon, sort through those emails.
Regardless, once you declutter the physical mess, you will feel as if your thoughts are also decluttered and much more organized. This will prove to you that you are one organized momma and you will conquer the rest of the day with top productivity.
10. Cook a Homemade Meal
Take some time to love the kitchen again. Use this self-care idea when you can be distraction-free. No kids in the kitchen eating ingredients or begging to help as you constantly wipe up spills. Find a recipe that you have been hoping to make, and just couldn’t find the time and get it done today. Then, choose to enjoy the finished product by yourself, or share your creation with your family.
What if you don’t even like cooking to begin with? Then, forget the homemade meal, that just sounds stressful. Instead, get inspired by amazing and realistic sources. My favorite is Tasty with easy to follow videos and yummy results. The purpose of the self-care idea is to find time alone to get creative, make something independently, and be proud of your creation.
11. Write a List of Your Achievements
You are one heck of a momma! And you should know it! You have a million reasons to be proud of yourself and it is ok to have self-pride. Choose one day to focus on listing the things you are proud of.
You are the one that gets up at 3 am to get your son more cold medicine. You are the one that gets your daughter dressed and ready for school. You are the one that ensures all the virtual learning is turned in. You are the one that gets the kids to soccer practice on time. You do so much every day that you should be proud of.
Included in the self-care packet is a sheet where you can list 10 things you are proud of. You can use this daily as a reminder to yourself how great of a momma you are, or use it weekly, monthly, or yearly to see all the amazing things you have accomplished. Regardless of how you choose to use it, the goal is for you to take pride in all the amazing things you do that keeps the family going.
12. Take the Leap
What is it that inspires you? What is it that you have been thinking of doing, but too hesitant to go for it? Choose a day to focus on a passion that has been sitting in the back of your mind and take the leap. If you didn’t have sweet crazy kiddos running around, what would you be focusing on?
Of course, you know having children changes things, most things, but it is still possible to pursue what you are passionate about. So, pick a day this month to focus on your passions and develop a plan to pursue them. Even you are allowed to dream.
13. Spa Day
Choose a day that is all about being pampered. Get a manicure, a pedicure, a massage, a facial, anything that you enjoy. Take a few hours out of the day while the kids are with a sitter or at school and have a spa day.
You take care of everyone all day, and now it is time to allow yourself to be taken care of. Afterward, you will feel refreshed and have a positive attitude to take on what the rest of the day has in store for you.
14. Go Outside
Find the perfect day to spend outside. Choose this day to focus all your activities on being outside. Take your computer outside, and work on the deck, lay by the pool, have a picnic, or don’t be afraid to bundle up and build a snowman. Regardless of what you choose to do, take some time to enjoy this beautiful world we often take for granted. Increased vitamin D equals increased physical and mental health.
15. Plant Something
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, choose a day where you can plant something. Find the perfect spot outside to plant those beautiful flowers or some tomatoes. Enjoy the process and love the outcome. The goal of this self-care idea is to decrease stress and be proud of your creation.
16. Read a Book or Magazine
Maybe it is a novel, maybe it is a monthly subscription to a magazine you never have the time to read. Whatever you enjoy, pick a day to take some time to finally sit down and read.
The laundry can wait another hour and the dishes will be fine overnight. Take the time to focus on your own interest and open your mind to new ideas. This will allow you to grow into a more creative and happier momma.
17. Go on a Road Trip
It is road trip day! Just for you and a friend if you’d like! Go on that girl’s trip you have been wanting so badly, go get inspired by what interests you! You will be so thankful you did.
Bring back with you your excitement and inspiration and find ways to incorporate it into your mom-routine. Did you go to a museum and discover new project ideas to do with the kids? Did you go wine tasting and find your new favorite adult activity? Whatever it is, enjoy it fully because you deserve it.
18. Eat Healthy
Today is a healthy day. Choose a day where you decide to eat all things healthy. Already do, because you are a supermom? Then take it a step further and eat all organic. Don’t try and force your family to do the same, remember these self-care ideas are just for you, no stress allowed!
You will discover awesome healthy substitutes in your everyday routine. You might love them so much it becomes a new favorite. Regardless, enjoy the benefits of healthy tasty food and take notice of your increased physical and mental health today.
19. Exercise
It is well known that exercise has many amazing benefits. Find a day where you are able to exercise alone. No 4-year-old attempting jumping jacks on the bed, and no 2-year-old on your lap while you are doing crunches. Just you, your music, and the fitness instructor on youtube.
You may be a supermom already and have an effective exercise routine. That is awesome! If so, use this day to try out something new or just enjoy your alone time. If you are new to exercise, don’t do anything stressful. Find the easiest beginner routine on youtube and do what makes you happy.
Here is my favorite beginner routine.
20. Make a Mantra
Work smarter, not harder. The glass is half full. Be the change you wish to see in the world. These are mantras. Mantra means a vehicle for the mind. What we say and think repeatedly affects our life.
A mantra is something you say over and over again. These change how our brains work and how we think. Unfortunately, you probably have some negative mantras such as “I am not good enough”, “I am a bad mom”, “I will never get better”.
Take a day and dedicate it to finding or creating a mantra for yourself. What do you want to focus on most? Self-love, empowerment, or happiness? In the self-care packet, you will find a list of 34 mantra ideas where you can choose one if it is perfect for you or get inspired to create your own.
21. Join a Group
Whether it is a church group, online group, or you create your own group. Use a day this month to find a group of people with similar passions, struggles, and/or interests. Use this group as a support system and get inspired by other’s ideas.
22. Find a New Hobby
Do you ever feel like you don’t do anything for yourself? Not talking about taking time to relax and practice self-care, but having something to look forward to and enjoy, besides motherhood. Maybe you need a new hobby.
It is important to keep your creativity and passions alive, even through parenting. Choose a day this month to find a new hobby for yourself. Something to look forward to doing in your spare time. Something that shows off that special skill you have. There are many different hobby ideas and you will find 37 ideas in the self-care packet.
23. Make Something
Anything! A recipe, a piece of music, a short film, a painting. Make something and enjoy the process. You may not be the best musician or painter, but enjoy the time to be creative. Find a day where you have some peace and quiet to allow your best work to shine. This time will allow you to use your creativity with your children and encourage them to express themselves in new ways.
24. Buy Yourself Flowers
Because you deserve it. No need to wait for your husband to get the hint because we know that may never happen. So treat yourself and buy those flowers you’ve been eyeballing at the grocery store or go to your favorite greenhouse.
However you choose, pick a day this month to go out and get your own flowers. You can display them in your home reminding you to practice self-care and that you are an amazing mother.
25. Take Pictures of What Matters to You Most
Choose a day where the only pictures you take are of the things that matter most. Of course your family, but what else matters to you? That handmade quilt you got at your bridal shower? The handwritten lasagna recipe from grandma? What are those things in your life you cherish the most?
This will help you focus on what is important in life. At the end of the day create an album for these things. Continue to add to the album or look back on it when needing to focus on the things that matter.
26. Indulge
Indulge in your favorite dessert, a moment of silence, music, or a long bath. Take time to indulge in something you really enjoy and something that is truly relaxing to you. This can be 5 minutes, or as long as you need. Find the time to get instant joy from something you love.
27. Binge-Watch Your Favorite Show or a New Show
We all have a show we are absolutely in love with. We feel as if we know the characters and can’t wait to see what happens next. Take a day or a night to binge-watch your favorite show.
Don’t have a favorite yet? Then watch that show everyone else has been talking about. Take time to just rest and relax watching something other than Paw-Patrol.
28. Enjoy Coffee In a New Coffee Shop
Almost every mom loves coffee, right? There is something about waking up and making the perfect cup of coffee to get your day going. Try to find a day this month where you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee in a new coffee shop.
There are great local spots that will make you want to stay all day between the smell of the coffee and the welcoming atmosphere. Take a book with you, or your computer to really focus on what you enjoy.
29. Make a List of What You Are Grateful For
Choose one day to focus on the things in your life that you are grateful for. There are so many things to be grateful for each day. To start, be grateful for waking up in the morning and getting another day to enjoy life. Be grateful for your children, your spouse, your family. Be grateful for the food you eat and the roof over your head. It is the small things that matter.
There is a sheet in the self-care packet where you can write 10 things you are grateful for. You can use this every day, week, month, or year. Use this to remind yourself of all the good in our life.
30. Write a Letter to a Friend
Take a day to focus on writing a letter to a family member or a good friend. Doesn’t matter how long or short. Taking the time to think about one person that you care for so much is great for your self-care and you also make someone else happy. It is a win-win.
The only mail most people get now of days is junk or bills. It will be exciting for your friend to get a handwritten letter and you will be excited for them to receive your letter. Maybe you will even get one in return.
31. Journal
The last self-care idea on this list is to journal. Some already journal daily or weekly. Some never have before. Start by going to the store and pick out your favorite design. There are many choices.
Don’t know what to write for your first journal? The good news is it doesn’t matter. This is just for you. This is your safe place to get your thoughts out on paper. Start by just talking about what happened today. Talk about how self-care is going. Talk about something you are frustrated about. You should just be proud of yourself that you are taking the time to listen to your own thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Putting It All Together
Now you have 31 different ways to practice self-care every day, 4 helpful guides, and a calendar to plan your self-care. You are ready to go!
Regardless of the midnight interruptions, early mornings, or stress of virtual learning, you can already have a plan in place to focus on your self-care and therefore be the best momma you can be.
Here is your FREE self-care packet. Use the calendar to plan one of the 31 self-care ideas each day. Get 34 ideas to help you create your own mantra, or use one listed. See 37 new hobby ideas to get creative. Plus 2 more guides to start your self-care!
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