Self-Care is a helpful way we can de-stress, calm our thoughts, and bring ourselves back into the present. As a mom, it is easy to get overloaded with tasks and become overwhelmed. We can become physically exhausted, experience racing thoughts, increasing stress levels, etc.
By practicing self-care ideas for stressed moms, we can bring ourselves back to the present moment so we can experience life more fully and be our best.
In this post, I will share 63 self-care ideas for stressed moms that you can use to unwind, as you relieve stress and anxiety. I will also have a free printable for you to keep on hand and refer to it as much as you need. Make self-care a priority and part of your daily routine to keep you happy and at peace. Your family will thank you for this!
I will also include an free printable self-care worksheet to keep for reference and as a reminder. It is much easier when we can refer to a list of ideas rather than rack our brain on the spot.
Out With The Old
Self-Care is in some ways new to me and other ways not. I thought self-care ideas for stressed moms included massages, pedicures, vacations, and bubble baths. I would often refer to these strategies when I was beyond burned out, as a rescue attempt. While I think they are great ways that help me relax and reduce stress, they are also impractical for implementing frequently.
Another self-care strategy I would turn to when stressed was cleaning. I find cleaning and seeing progress happen before my eyes gratifying. However, after many years, I realized that this form of self-care was dangerous for me. After hours of work, it would leave me physically drained.
How Beneficial Are Your Self-Care Routines?
Recognizing your self-care habits and what they are doing for you is important. The next time you use an act of self-care ask yourself these questions:
Is this something practical I can do each day?
Does it leave me feeling refreshed and rested?
Are my thoughts calm during this routine?
If you answered yes to each question you are on the right track. Sometimes the routine simply needs an adjustment. For example, if you are painting your nails or stargazing and all the while reflecting on your mistakes of the day and how you are failing at being a good parent, you are not going to get the best results. However, if you use the time to be mindful and enjoy the moment, you might find certain self-care routines more relaxing and beneficial. By exploring a variety of self-care ideas you can find what helps fill you up the fastest.
When Self-Care Feels Like A Chore
We all feel the need to check off the to-dos of the day. We often will put self-care far down on the list or not on the list at all. We can become our own worst boss, often demanding the impossible and depriving ourselves of the loving care we deserve.
If we continue to deny self-care as something we truly need or treat it as just another check mark, we will miss out on all the benefits it can provide. The more we put into it, the more we will get out of it. Finding a regular and suitable self-care routine helps to become your best self. When we have a working system in place it will become precious time that you cherish.
63 Self-Care Ideas For Stressed Moms
Here are 63 self-care ideas for stressed moms. Don’t worry about jotting it all down. I will share a free printable self care worksheet for reference. These ideas will help you explore a variety of ways to relax and refresh your mind and spirit:
Take a bath
Taking a bath can be a great way to relax and get some quiet time for yourself. You might have to lock the door though to avoid expected interruptions. *wink*
Watch the clouds
Sometimes we need to be reminded that the world is so much bigger than our problems. Find a comfy spot to lie and look up and watch the rolling clouds drift by.
Read a Book
Reading a good book can do wonders with reducing stress as well as leaving you inspired.
Write in a journal
Journaling can be a therapeutic process that will reduce stress and helps organize your thoughts. For more information on how journaling can improve your mental health click here.
Get a Pedicure
Sometimes you just need to treat yourself. A relaxing pedicure at a salon or even a fresh coat of paint at home sweet home can do the job.
Breathe Deep
Taking deep breaths is an easy and fast way to bring your stress levels down. Don’t let your thoughts take the wheel, but focus only on your deep breathing.
Go for a Walk
Take a mindful walk while practicing how to become fully present.
Take a Nap
A short nap about 20- 30 minutes can help you relax and feel more alert after you wake up.
Listen to Music
Music can be a quick and easy way to elevate your mood.
Drink Cucumber Water
Sometimes in the busyness of being a mom, we can get distracted from the simplest self-care tasks such as staying hydrated. Infuse some cucumber in ice water for a refreshing drink with a bit of flavor to get back into the important habit of drinking enough water.
Call a Friend
Need some adult conversation? Calling a friend is a great way to stay connected. They might even be experiencing the same struggles as you, and you can lift each other up or plan a date to reduce stress together.
Light a Candle
It’s the simple things in life. Lighting a candle to help set a more tranquil mood.
Sunbathe
A bit of sun can be a great way to elevate your mood, increase Vitamin D, and help with depression.
Explore Memory Box
When is the last time you sat down to look through your memory box and explore those family albums? Taking a trip back to memory lane can help remind you of some amazing times you have had and the great things you have accomplished.
Go for a Swim
Swimming is a total body workout that can be a fun form of exercise and help reduce stress.
Self-Care Kit
This beautiful and FREE 12 page self-care kit includes several ways to practicing self-care including journal prompts, affirmation lists, mood tracker, and more!
Walk Barefoot
Take a stroll on the cool grass barefoot.
Take a Trip
Oh, wouldn’t it be nice! I admit this one can be more difficult to accomplish. But sometimes we need to get out of the house more than just a walk or a trip to the grocery store. If you are blessed with family or a sweet husband who will watch the kids while you go off for your own silent retreat, it can be hugely beneficial. If that’s not an option, take the family with you for a day getaway. Find somewhere you can go and let the kids run free while you can relax and enjoy a new view.
Go see a Movie
If you can’t go out due to lockdown, stay home instead. Cuddle on the couch with your spouse with a large cozy blanket and a tub of popcorn and watch something neither of you has seen before.
Affirmations
Sometimes when we are stressed, we can be unkind to ourselves. Add some recent affirmations to your affirmation list? Don’t have one yet? Don’t worry, I include it in this Best Self-Care Kit for Stressed Moms.
Practice Gratitude
Practicing Gratitude can help us recognize the blessings we have instead of focusing on the negatives, which we all often do.
Watch A Funny Video
You’re welcome.
Watch Favorite Comedy
Do you have a favorite comedian or comedy show? A little of laughter can go a long way.
Date Night
Date Nights are important! My husband and I have found it more difficult during the lockdown to implement with restaurants closed. Sometimes we will put on a movie for the kids in the other room so we can have some quiet time together.
Alone Time
If you desperately need alone time, put the kids to bed a little earlier than normal. I find audio stories like Adventures in Odyssey to be an entertaining way to get the older kids to agree.
Paint a Picture
Painting can promote stress relief, creativity, and optimism.
Visit Your Favorite Store
Getting cabin fever while stuck in lockdown? Taking a stroll through your favorite store might be the ticket to getting out of the house.
Buy Yourself Flowers
A bouquet of sweet-smelling flowers can remind yourself that you are special. Put them in a commonplace for the entire family to enjoy.
Meditation
A short meditation can do wonders for helping you calm down, release overwhelming thoughts and worries, and coming back into living in the present moment.
Kind Deed
Is there someone you know in need of something that you can provide? Can you think of a way you could bless a stranger? Helping others is rewarding can increase our happiness and encourage optimism.
Create a Vision Board
Sometimes we get lost and don’t really know where we are going. Creating a vision board can be a great way to gain clarity and find purpose in your life.
Keep a Prayer Journal
Keep a journal to keep all your prayer intentions in. As God answers your prayers be sure to cross them out so you can recognize His work.
Power Pose
The way we hold our body can impact how we feel. If we stand tall, chin up, with hands-on our hips it will signal our brains that we feel great, and then our brains can send signals back confirming it.
Watch the Sunset
Slow down time by watching the sunset. Not only do you get out and get some fresh air, but it can leave you feeling inspired.
Listen to the Birds
Rise early and bring your morning routine out to the back patio and listen to the beautiful birds sing. What a great way to start the day with optimism and peace.
Exercise
A consistent exercise routine is important for keeping your body healthy and happy. When working out, use affirmations such as ‘My body loves this’ and be your own cheerleader.
Study a New Skill
If you are fighting boredom, finding a new skill to study can be an engaging way to re-spark your life and challenge yourself. This is also a splendid example for the kids to see that education is a life-long process.
Listen to an Audiobook
Listening to audiobooks can make reading that important book easier if you still want to be on your feet while working on your self-improvement.
Lay in the Grass
Lying down on the grass can reduce stress, calm emotions, and quiet anxious thoughts. Use this time to practice becoming more aware of the present moment.
Paint your Nails
This minor act of self-care can help you reduce stress, and it takes less than 20 minutes. Pick your favorite color to help brighten your mood.
Organize a drawer
If you’re like me and take pleasure in organizing and cleaning, but also know your limits, then go small. Organizing just one small drawer in the house can give you the benefit of accomplishment without getting carried away.
Get a Massage
Getting a massage can be a beneficial way to unwind and reduce stress. For a list of benefits, click here.
Have a Facial
Put on some spa music and give yourself a facial. Not only will this melt away the stress, but you will look refreshed too.
Use a Body Scrub
This is one of my fav’s! I have created a body scrub ritual for myself whenever I have a big day ahead of me. I love to use my body scrub the night before. My skin feels so smooth and even new afterward. You can even make a self-care spa night out of it and treat yourself to the works.
Break From Social Media
Social media can be a huge time waster as well as induce stress and anxiety. Take a break from social media by turning off your phone or avoiding social media for a few hours or even a weekend if possible.
Dance!
Put on your favorite song loud and just dance and move freely. This can be a great mood booster.
Put on Headphones
I don’t know about you, but with five kids in the house, things can get noisy. If it is safe to do so, put on your headphones and listen to your favorite music.
Give it all to God
It is important to remember that when we have done all we can we let God do the rest!
Fake Smile until it is Real
Elevate your mood by taking a minute to smile, even if you don’t feel like it. Smiling can trigger some endorphins that tell your mind you are happy. It works!
Diffuse Essential Oils
Diffusing your favorite essential oils can be a great way to de-stress and boost your mood. Check out a few different ways you can use essential oils for self-care here.
Lather up with Lotion
Treat yourself by pampering your skin with a relaxing scented lotion all while lifting your mood.
Pet an Animal
Petting an animal is a good way to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety.
Read a Story to the Kids
If the kids are a getting wild and you are all out of sorts, find a short story to read to the kids to bring everything back together.
Take a Cool or Hot Shower
Feel fresh and clean by taking a nice cool or hot shower according to your preference. Focus on the sounds and sensations of the water as it melts your stress away.
Watch a Ted Talk
Instead of mindlessly scrolling your Facebook feed, feel good about yourself by learning something new. Ted Talks can be both exciting and rewarding.
Read
Reading a good inspirational book or a collection of quotes can feed your souls and uplift your spirit.
Stargaze
Take a step outside and get some much-needed silence as well as witness some awe-inspiring beauty before hitting the pillow.
Brew a Cup of Coffee
Get more out of your coffee or tea sipping experience by enjoying each sip. Check out this post on how to be mindful with your cup of coffee.
Be Mindful in a Task
This can be done in anything you do whether it is folding laundry, doing dishes, or eating a meal. By being present and not letting your thoughts take precedence, you can take a mental break any time of the day.
Play a Board Game
Playing a board game is yet another way to raise those endorphins. If you are needing to spend some quality time with the kids, it’s a great way to bond and have some fun. Choose light fun cooperative games.
Plan a Morning Routine
If your mornings are all out of sorts, it can put a damper on an entire day. By planning a solid morning routine, our day we can continue our day focused and productive and feel good about what we’ve already accomplished.
Read Jokes
Having a good laugh can be a great boost to your mood.
Donate to Charity
Giving to others is a great way to bring happiness. There are many benefits that we get out of giving, including increasing our happiness while decreasing our stress levels.
Give Yourself a Hug
Sometimes we just need to let ourselves know we care. Wrap your arms around yourself and give yurself a big hug. You are worth it!
Conclusion
We can often get sucked into prioritizing our to-do lists and caring for our family and dismiss the importance of self-care. By learning what self-care routines work best for you, you can get into the habit of taking some preventative care and becoming a calmer and more peaceful mom. You will also be able to provide tools to your children to do the same.
If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate self-care into your daily routine check out 7 daily self-care tips for stressed moms.
Practice it, model it, achieve it!
Here is the free printable self care worksheet: 63 Self-Care Ideas For Stressed Moms. Subscribe to have the file sent to your inbox for an immediate downloadable PDF file and stay tuned for more incredible self-improvement for moms freebies. Take some time to yourself and discover what works best for you to melt away the stress.
Author: Tiphany Janik
Self-Care Coach For Moms
Are you a stressed-out mom? If so, grab this free 12-page self-care kit here to help you de-stress in 2023. I’ve been stressed out, burned out, and basically wanted out. The tools and strategies I share in this kit and throughout Best Self Mom have helped me revolutionize my self-care and bring out my best self. If you are ready to show up for your family like never before, let’s chat!
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46 Responses
These are such powerful tips! I absolutely love these ideas for self-care and I’m not even a mom! We all could use these wonderful ideas to reconnect and re-centre ourselves! Thank you so much for the great read!
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it and find them useful.
Such a great list of self-care ideas – my favourites are definitely taking a mindful walk and hanging around pets. I find both of these so relaxing. It’s grounding being outside in the fresh air. And animals have a way of boosting my mood, even on the worst days.
Thank you Heather. I have a little bunny who always cheers me up.
I’m impressed with the great ideas organized into sections. This is a great tool for anyone to integrate into their life. Thank you for the time and work you’ve put into this.
Thank you Kelly!
Self-care really can feel like a chore, that is something I really struggle with!
I hear you. It’s especially difficult for me when I need it the most. I hate taking a break from something I just want to finish, but if I don’t, I pay for it in the form of anxiety later.
Practicing self-care is SO important, especially as a Mama because it can easily get ‘lost’ in the day. I love gardening and sitting watching the kids play while having a cup of tea in the sunshine! X
That sounds picturesque!
I love these ideas! Self-care is so important. I try very hard to be sure to get in several each day. Painting, meditating, and petting my puppies are my favorites!
That is great Lisa! I don’t think many people realize how much better they would feel if they did it more often let alone each day.
Love this list of ideas! Sometimes I get bored of my usual self-care activities, so it’s super helpful to have a big list to choose from! Thanks so much 🙂
I’m glad you found them useful!
These are such great tips! Especially now when the massage parlor and the racialist I used to go to are closed due to the pandemic, it is so important to find other ways to get done me time in.
Yes, we have to get more creative with self-care during these times.
I love all these self-care ideas for a stressed mom like me! lol I miss having my alone time! It’s been a while and I know I need it so badly. These are such good reminders! Thank you!
I’m with you! If you don’t have help to do a little getaway (quarantine is also limiting), see if you can carve out some me time for yourself at home even if you have to do it little bits at a time.
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