Self-Care for Busy Moms: How to Create a Routine That Works

Once you become a mom, self-care often feels like something we “should” do, but have a hard time getting around to. When you’re juggling a million things, the idea of carving out time to care for yourself sometimes feels, well… impossible.

But what if I told you that self-care doesn’t have to be a whole spa day? It doesn’t need to be a big, time-consuming ordeal. You can create a self-care routine that actually fits into your busy mom life—and trust me, when you do, everything else starts falling into place.

So grab your coffee (or your wine, no judgment), and let’s talk about how to build a self-care routine that works for YOU.

Why Self-Care is Crucial for Moms (And How It Makes You a Better, Happier Mom)

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles, and let’s face it, we often put ourselves last on the priority list. But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself—it’s about taking care of the one person who makes it all happen: YOU. If you’re running on empty, how can you show up as the energized, patient, and loving mom you want to be? That’s why self-care is essential, not just for your own well-being, but for the health of your whole family.

How Self-Care Impacts Your Mood, Productivity, and Relationships

When you take time for self-care, you’re not being selfish—you’re investing in your energy, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Moms who make self-care a priority tend to be more patient, focused, and better at managing stress. When you feel good physically and mentally, it shows up in your mood and interactions with your kids, spouse, and everyone else. And the best part? Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant to make a huge difference. It’s the small habits, like taking a walk or meditating for 5 minutes, that can shift your mindset and energy.

The Importance of Self-Care for Long-Term Health and Well-Being

Self-care is also critical for your long-term health—because, let’s be real, running on fumes can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even physical illness. When we neglect our own needs, it can catch up with us in ways that affect both our bodies and minds. By incorporating consistent self-care into your routine, you’re nourishing your body, strengthening your mind, and setting yourself up for a future where you’re thriving—not just surviving. It’s an investment in your well-being that pays off for everyone in your life.

How Prioritizing Yourself Actually Makes You a Better Mom

Taking care of yourself isn’t just about you—it’s about being the best mom you can be. The more you invest in your own well-being, the better you’re able to show up for your kids, your partner, and your community. When you’re mentally and physically healthy, you can give from a full cup, not an empty one. And that means more joy, more patience, and more love for your family. When you take care of yourself, you’re modeling the importance of self-care and setting an example for your kids that they’ll carry with them for life.

But as a mom it's so dang easy to let self-care slide and put it on the back burner. Enter routines – the secret sauce to making time for you no matter how busy you are or how easy it would be to just push it off until another time (ahem, or more like never).

Why Routines Are the Secret Sauce to Making Self-Care Easier

The secret to making self-care stick is not to “find time” for it—because, let’s be real, we’re not always going to have extra hours in our day. Instead, it’s about baking self-care into your daily rhythms, so it happens almost on autopilot. Routines help us go from “I’ll try to squeeze this in” to “This is just what I do.”

How Routines Take Self-Care from Effort to Automatic

When self-care becomes part of your routine, it stops feeling like something you have to "fit in." Instead, it’s just part of your daily life—like brushing your teeth or making your bed. Routines take the decision-making out of it. When it’s time for a quick workout, you don’t ask yourself, “Do I feel like it today?” because it’s already built into your day. The more you do something, the less effort it takes, and soon it becomes second nature. This helps remove the mental battle of whether or not you’re going to make time for self-care—it just happens.

Because let’s face it: if we had to decide every single day whether we were going to work out, meal prep, or even take a moment for ourselves, half the time we’d probably say, “Not today.” But with routines, you remove that decision-making process, and that’s the game-changer. Routines take the mental burden off your plate—you’re no longer spending precious energy deciding whether or not to do something. When your self-care is integrated into your rhythm, it’s easier to follow through without overthinking it.

Now that you know how powerful routines can be in making self-care easier, let’s dive into how to actually build a self-care routine that works for you—no matter how busy your life is.

Building a Self-Care Routine That Actually Works for You

Alright, so now that we know why self-care is so crucial and how routines make it easier, let’s talk about actually building a self-care routine that fits your life—not some Pinterest-perfect version of it. Let’s keep it simple, realistic, and most importantly, sustainable. A self-care routine isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating a flow that supports your well-being without adding more stress.

Start Small: The Power of Micro-Habits for Consistency

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of adding yet another “routine” to your already-packed day, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to overhaul your whole day to make self-care a priority. The key is starting small. Micro-habits are the little actions you can do consistently to make a big impact over time. These are tiny, doable habits that don’t feel overwhelming and are easy to slip into your existing schedule.

For example, instead of committing to a 30-minute workout every day (which might feel unrealistic right now), start with just 5 minutes of stretching or a quick 10-minute walk. Instead of aiming for an hour of journaling, start with one gratitude sentence every morning. These micro-habits are small, but they’re powerful because they add up. And the more you do them, the easier it becomes to build momentum and turn these small actions into lasting habits.

How to Integrate Self-Care into Your Busy Life

As busy moms, our days are packed, and it can feel impossible to carve out time for ourselves. But here’s the key: self-care doesn’t have to be squeezed in between everything else—it can be something you intentionally dedicate time to. It’s all about shifting where you allocate your time, even if it's just for 10-20 minutes each day.

Take a look at your current routine—where can you shift things around to make room for self-care? Maybe you spend 20 minutes scrolling through Instagram or watching Netflix at the end of the day. What if, instead, you set a timer for 10-20 minutes in the morning or evening and dedicated that time solely to your well-being? It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment, but by setting aside a specific time, you’re prioritizing yourself in a way that feels intentional and impactful.

For example, you could use that time for a quick workout, stretching, or even meditation. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just something that serves your mind and body. The beauty of setting a timer is that it takes the pressure off. You don’t need to feel like you have to do everything at once. You’re giving yourself a set time to focus on YOU, and once the timer goes off, you can move on to your next task without feeling like you missed out.

Creating this rhythm in your day doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about consistency over perfection. Once you start making self-care a part of your rhythm, it becomes easier, and before you know it, you’re looking forward to these dedicated moments for yourself..

Setting Yourself Up for Success: How to Make Your Routine Sustainable

Here’s the trick to making your self-care routine stick: set yourself up for success by keeping it simple and flexible. Life changes, and so do your needs, so your routine should be able to adapt. The more realistic and adaptable your routine is, the more likely you’ll be able to maintain it long-term.

Start with what feels doable: If you’re starting a self-care routine from scratch, don’t aim for perfection. Focus on building a foundation that works for your current season of life, and give yourself permission to adjust as needed.
Use triggers to remember: Tie your self-care habit to something you already do. For example, after brushing your teeth in the morning, do your 5-minute meditation. Or after putting the kids to bed, do a quick skin-care routine. These triggers act as reminders, making it easier to follow through.
Don’t beat yourself up: Life happens. Sometimes you won’t have time for a long walk or your morning journaling, and that’s okay. The key is to not let one missed day derail your whole routine. If you skip a day, just pick up where you left off without guilt.

Building a self-care routine that works for you isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about creating a set of habits that support your well-being, even on the busiest days. When you start small, integrate self-care into your day, and keep it adaptable, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

Now if self-care is not your strong suit or it’s been on the back burner for so long that you’re not sure what the heck to even prioritize when it comes to creating a self-care routine…I’ve got you covered. Here are some key things that can be helpful to incorporate into your self-care routine.

Essential Self-Care Practices Every Mom Should Try

Creating a self-care routine isn’t about indulging in luxury items that only happen once in a while; it’s about weaving small, intentional practices into your everyday life. These are the practices that, when added to your routine, will keep you feeling energized, grounded, and ready to take on the demands of motherhood. Let’s break it down with some actionable self-care practices that you can easily incorporate into your day-to-day routine.

Physical Self-Care: Moving Your Body and Nourishing Yourself

Taking care of your body is the foundation of self-care. You can’t show up for your family if you’re not feeling good physically. Here are some practical ways to prioritize physical self-care:

Exercise: Aim to get moving every day, even if it’s just for 10-20 minutes. Whether it’s a short workout, a quick walk, or a stretch session, moving your body daily boosts your energy and mood. Set aside a specific time each day to move—whether it’s first thing in the morning or during your lunch break.
Healthy Breakfast Routine: Start your day with a well-rounded breakfast that fuels your body for the day ahead. This could be as simple as oatmeal with fruit, scrambled eggs with spinach, or a smoothie. By establishing a breakfast routine, you set yourself up for success and nourish your body from the get-go.
Hydrate: Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up, and keep a water bottle handy throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial for your energy and overall well-being.

Mental & Emotional Self-Care: Strengthening Your Mindset

Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. Here are some tangible ways to nurture your mind:

Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each morning or evening to engage in mindfulness practices, like meditation, journaling, or writing a quick gratitude list. These practices help you center yourself, reduce stress, and start the day with a positive mindset.
Quiet Time: We’re constantly bombarded with input from social media, news, and other sources. Taking quiet time—even if it’s just for 5 minutes—helps you reconnect with your own thoughts and emotions. Use this time to sit in silence, breathe, or reflect.
Get Ready in the Morning: Taking the time to get ready, whether it’s doing your hair and makeup or just putting on clothes that make you feel good, boosts your confidence and helps you show up more energized for the day. When you look after your appearance, you feel better about yourself, which makes you more confident and present for your family.

Recharge Time: Rest, Recovery, and Outdoor Time

Rest and recovery are crucial for preventing burnout. Here are ways to make sure you’re taking time to recharge:

Rest and Sleep: Make sleep a priority by setting a consistent bedtime routine that helps you wind down. Rest is essential for maintaining physical and mental health, so ensure you’re getting enough sleep every night.
Outdoor Time: Spend some time outside each day, even if it’s just for a short walk or sitting in the sun for 10 minutes. Fresh air and sunlight are incredibly rejuvenating, and spending time outdoors has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress.
Hot Mom Walks: Incorporate a “Hot Mom Walk” into your daily routine. Whether it’s a morning walk, a post-dinner stroll, or a midday break, walking helps you get your steps in, boosts your mood, and gives you a little time for yourself.

Monthly Self-Care Practices to Reconnect and Recharge

It’s not just about the daily habits—monthly self-care rituals can also help you reconnect with yourself and your partner:

Monthly Pedicure: Treat yourself to a pedicure once a month. Whether you do it yourself or go to a salon, taking time for a little self-pampering goes a long way in boosting your confidence and well-being.
Date Night: Schedule a monthly date night with your spouse or partner. This is a great way to reconnect and make time for each other without the kids around. Whether it’s a night out or a quiet evening at home, making your relationship a priority is key to maintaining a healthy balance in your life.

Obviously these are just some general ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Think about the things that help you feel your best. Self-care doesn’t always feel self-indulgent in the moment (like when your legs are jelly from that workout or when you really don’t feel like sitting down to journal). But it's about doing the things that you know you need to do to feel your best and show up as your best self.

Mindset Shifts to Get the Most Out of Your Self-Care

The key to maximizing the benefits of your self-care routine isn’t just in the actions you take—it’s in the mindset you bring to them. Here are some essential mindset shifts that will help you fully engage in your self-care and get the most out of it, even on the days you feel like skipping.

Be Present: How to Fully Engage in Your Self-Care Moments

Self-care is meant to nurture you, and to get the most out of it, you need to be fully present. When you’re distracted, rushing, or mentally elsewhere, you’re not fully benefiting from your self-care routine. Whether you’re working out, doing your skincare routine, or enjoying a quiet moment, being present is the key to really feeling the positive effects.

Instead of thinking about the next thing on your to-do list, focus on what you're doing in the moment. When you’re moving your body, notice how it feels. When you’re doing something for your appearance, take in the sensation. Engaging your senses and being mindful of the experience makes your self-care moments feel more rewarding and helps you build a deeper connection with yourself.

Indulge in It: How to Romanticize Your Self-Care Routine

Self-care doesn’t have to be something you force yourself to do—it can be something you look forward to. Romanticize your routine by turning it into a pleasurable ritual rather than a task to tick off. Light a candle while doing your skincare, play your favorite music while getting ready, or make your morning workout feel like a mini celebration of what your body can do.

When you treat your self-care moments as indulgent, rather than a “should,” you’ll look forward to them more. This mindset shift makes self-care something you enjoy instead of something that feels like a chore.

"Because I Want To": Giving Yourself Permission to Prioritize Your Needs

You don’t need a reason to take time for yourself—"because I want to" is all the reason you need. Often, we feel guilty for taking time to care for ourselves, thinking we need to justify it or find a reason beyond just wanting to. Whether it’s getting a pedicure, reading for 10 minutes, or having a quiet cup of coffee—it’s okay to do it just because you want to. You deserve it, and you don’t need permission from anyone (including yourself) to prioritize your own needs.

Let go of the guilt. If something brings you joy or peace, that’s enough of a reason to do it. This shift in thinking frees you from constantly feeling like you need a valid excuse to focus on yourself. Wanting it is enough.

Doing It Even When You Don’t Feel Like It: Showing Up for Your Future Self

There will be days when you don’t feel like doing your workout or following through with your skincare routine. Maybe you’re tired, or you’d rather skip it and relax instead. But here’s the truth: sometimes, you need to do it anyway—not because it’s easy, but because it’s good for your future self.

Think about the version of you that feels strong, energized, and confident—the one who doesn’t have to talk herself into taking care of her body. That future you is worth showing up for. Even on the days when you don’t feel like it, taking action toward your goals will make you feel better afterward. It’s not about feeling motivated—it’s about being consistent.

You Can Have Both: Prioritize Yourself and Show Up for Your Family Too

Here’s the big mindset shift: you don’t have to choose between being a good mom and taking care of yourself. It’s not one or the other. Too often, we get caught in the idea that we have to pour all of ourselves into our families, leaving no room for us. But the truth is, when you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to show up for your family.

By practicing intentional thoughts like, “My needs are important too,” you remind yourself that you can do it all—you can show up as a loving, present mom and still prioritize your own well-being. Rewiring your brain to focus on this balance helps you feel less guilty and more empowered. When you fill your cup, you have more to give, and that makes you a better mom, wife, and person overall.

These mindset shifts help you move from guilt and overwhelm to feeling empowered and balanced. When you change the way you think about your self-care, it becomes something you want to do, even when life gets busy. You can take care of yourself and still be everything you

Ready to Uplevel Your Self-Care and Become a Queen of Routines?

Here’s the thing—routines + mindset = magic. Seriously. These two things are the game-changer. When you get them in sync, your self-care routine becomes effortless. No more stressing about “how” or “when” you’ll fit it in. It just happens. And that’s when everything falls into place. You’ll be that mom who takes care of herself and her family, who shows up as the best version of herself every damn day.

So, how do you get there? The ultimate form of self-care is eliminating the mom stress that’s holding you back. It’s about stepping into that mom vibe where you walk into every day (okay maybe not every day….but most days) feeling like you have your shit together. Not frazzled, not overwhelmed, not flying by the seat of your pants.

The secret to making this happen is combining routines with the right mindset. When you dial in both, you’ll boost your productivity, get more done in less time, and feel so much better overall. And when you do that? You free up more time and energy for all the fun self-care—bubble baths, lattes, those guilty-pleasure books—and more quality time with your kids.

This is where hooking your future self up comes in—getting your routines and mindset dialed in is the ultimate form of self-care. It’s what makes everything else easier and helps you show up as the confident, energized mom you want to be.

Grab Your Free Guide to Micro-Habits for Eliminating Mom Stress and Upleveling Your Life

That’s exactly where my free guide 5 Micro-Habits To Eliminate Mom Stress For Good comes in. It’s designed to help you start making those small, but powerful shifts that will eliminate your mom stress for good. By getting your routines and mindset dialed in, you’ll have more time and energy for the things that matter most—yourself, your family, and your goals.

Imagine walking into every day with more confidence, more energy, and less overwhelm. That’s the power of routines and mindset, and my free guide will show you exactly how to get started. Ready to uplevel your life and start feeling like that mom? Grab your free guide now and let’s make it happen!