How to Take Care of Yourself as a Working Mom

This post is all about how to take care of yourself as a working mom.

The struggle is real. As moms, we are quick to burn ourselves out under the weight of all the expectations placed on us. Between our jobs outside of the home and the job we cherish most, parenting, we are often running on fumes trying to get through the day successfully.

So what can we do to recharge by taking care of ourselves in an already busy day?

This post will provide ways how to take care of yourself with quick and easy tips to help you give yourself a little me time.

The Importance of Self-Care 

There is no honor in burning yourself out because it doesn’t allow you to enjoy your day. Self-care is crucial—not just to survive, but to thrive. It not only benefits you, but those around you feel it, too.

{Related Post: A Simplified Guide to Self-Care Practices for Working Mothers}

Why Self-Care Matters for Busy Working Moms 

Our mental and emotional health are vital to keeping our families going. Pushing this need aside has downfalls we don’t want to happen:

• If you neglect yourself, you will burn out. Then, you won’t be able to take care of those you love.
• Our kids are watching. While you may feel like you can tackle it all, you know it’s unhealthy, and you don’t want your kids taking on the same strategies that lead to burnout. You want them to learn how to find balance.
• When you are feeling reenergized, you actually get more done!

Quick Self-Care Practices for the Overwhelmed Mom 

This section will focus on simple self-care strategies that take little time but can have a big impact. Some are lifestyle changes and others, like number one, are strategies.

1. Mindful Moments (only a few minutes): Simply put, being mindful means that you are pulling yourself into the present moment. So much of our stress comes from thoughts about what future projects need to get done, so being intentional to stay in the moment allows your brain to take a break.

You can accomplish this by pausing and focusing on deep breathing. Try box breathing (inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four) to ground yourself,  or simply hone in on the scene at hand while trying to really enjoy all of the senses of that moment.

You can do this with or without the aid of apps like Insight Timer to pull you into the present.

2. Move (under five minutes or longer): Get up and go for a walk. Walks even as short as five minutes start to reduce stress and help you take on tasks with a new perspective. My favorite me-time is when I plan for a long walk early in the morning. The streets are quiet, but nature is not. Try it!

Other phenomenal ways to move include weight lifting and yoga. Select a movement that feels enjoyable and makes you feel like you’ve done something for yourself. 

{Related Post: 7 Guaranteed Benefits of Walking as an Exercise Explained}

3. Prioritize Healthy Eating and Hydration: Research shows that eating nourishing food and staying hydrated improves our energy levels and mood.

When we eat food that is good for us, our bodies operate better. What you eat and keeping yourself hydrated will help you have your body work with you, not against you! 

I have found that when I prioritize healthy eating, I am a different person with more energy and a better attitude!

The lasting impact is that you can take on the chaotic working mom schedule so much easier! 

4. Get to bed early: Many moms may feel like this is impossible, but I don’t believe it has to be. Set strong sleep habits for your entire family, and it should allow you to get to bed early. Instead of staying up late watching TV, try using that time to recharge so you can tackle tomorrow with more energy.

Create Boundaries

This is an integral component of taking care of yourself. Honestly, it is one that I and most moms struggle with because it’s in our nature to help others. With that said, being aware and taking small steps in this direction will be a game changer.

• Time Block: Set time aside specifically so that you will take care of yourself. Whether it’s time for a walk, a visit to the gym, or a relaxing bath. Find when you can INTENTIONALLY do something for yourself and commit.
• Say No More Often: It’s hard, I know. Letting someone down when they ask for something feels like you’re not doing enough, but you need to be realistic about what you can handle if you want to take stress off of your plate. There are some commitments that we can’t say no to, but there are some that we can. 
• Delegate When Possible: Don’t try to be a superhero. Isn’t there a saying that goes something like “If you’re trying to do everything, you wind up doing nothing”? Assign age-appropriate tasks to your kids and get your husband to chip in. 

Be Intentional With a Daily Self-Care Routine

Either begin or end your day (or both, if you’re lucky) by taking care of yourself. Choose to enjoy the act of washing your face and moisturizing or whatever makes you feel like you’re pampering yourself.

It doesn’t really matter how you do it, but when you choose to intentionally take care of yourself, you show yourself value. That simple task of showing yourself love will help steer the tone of how you tackle your day.

Take Care of Yourself Emotionally

Emotional check-in: There are days when it’s go go go and then it’s done. To take care of yourself, you should take a minute and define how you’re feeling. Take an emotional check-in moment. Simply pause and ask yourself: 'How am I feeling right now?

It can help you navigate the next moments of your day. You can do this through journaling or even by turning off the radio in the car on your drive home from work. 

{Related Post: How to Start Journaling for Beginners: A Self-Care Practice}

Make time for grownups: I love my kids and I love being around them, but adding adult time is important. During that time, you’re taking off the mom hat and relaxing with those who make laugh and feel heard. 

Taking Care of Yourself is a Long Game

Mom guilt may make you feel like prioritizing yourself is wrong, but you need to reframe it. It makes you feel better, but it also makes you show up better for those you love. 

Plus, it doesn’t require hours to be effective. It simply takes a different way to approach life. 

It’s true that trying something new can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to overhaul your routine overnight—start small, and make each act of self-care a non-negotiable part of your day. There really is no downside to adding yourself to your to-do list!

This post is all about how to care for yourself. 

{Related Post: Top 5 Health and Fitness Podcasts that You'll Love}