Today I’m sharing some self-care tips for busy mums. Being a mum is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, but it can also be one of the most challenging times too. Between juggling work, family, and household responsibilities, it can be tough to find time for that all-important self-care.
However, taking care of yourself is essential for your well-being and the well-being of your family. After all, the old saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”. Whether you’re looking for self-care tips for new mums, or those with years of experience, there’s plenty of options out there. To help you make the most of your time and prioritise your self-care, read some of the best self-care tips for busy mums we’ve featured below.
Contents
Self-care Tips For Busy Mums
Prioritise Your Sleep
One of the most important self-care tips for busy mums is to prioritise resting. The importance of sleep is seriously underrated. It is essential for good health, and as a busy mum, it’s easy to put your needs on the back burner. However, getting enough sleep is crucial for your physical and mental well-being.
Try to establish a consistent sleep routine, and aim for 7+ hours of sleep each night. If you struggle with this, try to plan a bedtime routine that encourages better sleep, such as avoiding electronic devices before bed and taking a warm bath instead. Making good sleep a priority will help you feel more rested, energised, and better equipped to handle the demands of your day.
Practice Mindfulness
We hear the term ‘mindfulness’ thrown around a lot when talking about mental well-being and self-care, but what actually is it? Well, mindfulness is simply the practice of being present in the moment, without judgement. It can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase feelings of well-being.
The good news is, this is one of the least time-consuming self-care tips for busy mums we are sharing today. Find a few moments each day to practise mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breathing. 2 Minutes before you get up or go to sleep might be all you can fit in, and that’s fine!
Schedule Time for Yourself
As a busy mum, it’s easy to put your own needs last on the never-ending to-do list. But as we spoke about earlier, taking care of yourself and your own needs is just as important as taking care of your family. Schedule some time each day for yourself, whether it’s a 10-minute walk outside, a relaxing bath, or reading a book, as this will help you recharge and feel more refreshed.
If you’re struggling to fit it in, try scheduling self-care time into your day the same way you would a doctor’s appointment. Put it on your calendar, ensure your family knows you’re going to be doing such and such at such a time, and stick to it as best you can. I used to read a book while lying on my daughter’s bedroom floor, waiting for her to sleep. Not ideal, but it worked.
Connect with Friends and Family
When it comes to self-care tips for busy mums, connecting and bonding with your friends and family is essential, in my book. Not only for social support, but for your emotional well-being as well.
Making time for your friends and family, whether over the phone or in person, can boost your self-esteem and remind you that you are loved and valued. It can also reinforce the notion that you are more than ‘just a mum’.
If you’re struggling to make friends in your area, especially since becoming a mum, look out for local support groups for mums or consider downloading an app for meeting like-minded mums.
Make Sure You Are Eating Well
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for physical and mental well-being. As a busy mum, it can be challenging to find the time to prepare healthy meals for yourself, but it’s important, so you should try to make it a priority.
Try to plan your meals in advance and make use of time-saving tools like a slow cooker or air fryer. Who says self-care tips for busy mums can’t be delicious?! Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Meal planning can save you money in the long-run too.
Ensure You Exercise Regularly
We all know that exercise is an excellent way to improve physical and mental well-being, yet for some reason, we usually find a reason to put it off. When it comes to self-care tips for busy mums, this one sounds the least appealing to many, but it doesn’t have to be horrible.
Even if you’re short on time, finding ways to fit exercise into your routine can really help you to feel better and reduce your stress levels. Consider taking a brisk walk during your lunch break, doing a quick yoga session at home, or taking a dance class with friends.
Make Time To Get Outside
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of mental well-being. Because of this, it is so important for busy mums to find ways to incorporate outdoor time into their lives. This can be achieved on your own, or as part of a family activity, for example, playing with the kids in the park, going for a walk, or doing some gardening.
Many people find this is the most enjoyable of the self-care tips for busy mums I’m sharing today. What do you think?
Final Thoughts on Self-Care Tips for Busy Mums
Self-care is absolutely essential for busy mums. Prioritising sleep, practising mindfulness, scheduling time for yourself, connecting with friends and family, eating well, exercising regularly, and getting outside are all excellent ways to take care of yourself and improve your overall well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s essential for being the best mum you can be.
This guest post was written by Tina from Mothergeek. She’s been blogging there for over 12 years now, so there’s plenty to catch up on.
