Momming ain’t easy! That’s why it’s so important that we make time for ourselves. In this post, I’m sharing 25 self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms so you can get some downtime without having to find a babysitter.
With 3 kids, there are days that I am S-T-R-U-G-G-L-I-N-G! My husband works out of town a lot and we don’t have family nearby. I also can’t afford a babysitter to come hang out with my kids as often as I need to be practicing some form of self-care.
(I would honestly probably need someone else to move in to make that happen. 😂)
So I put together a list of easy self-care ideas so we moms can take a little break and destress even when we’re stuck at home with the kids all day.
Let’s get to it!
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Table of Contents
Why Moms Need to Make Time for Self-Care
It took me a long time to recognize how important self-care is for moms. With my first child, I was so caught up in being a good mother that I thought that meant I had to be “on” all the time.
That I had to be willing to play, entertain, or teach her at any given moment.
It was a little tiring, but I was making it. Then came child number two and I started to see the benefit of getting some me-time.
By the time child number 3 came along, self-care became less of a luxury and more of a necessity!
It’s so hard to be a good mom and take care of your kids if you don’t take care of yourself too.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
As moms we give to our kids all day long. And if we don’t take time to relax, unwind, and replenish ourselves, we start to get tired, exhausted, and burned out.
We definitely don’t show up our best for our children when we get to that point.
So it’s important to be a little proactive when it comes to self-care. That’s why I’ve put together this list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms.
So you have a go-to list of ideas to help you relax, destress, and unwind. Not only do you definitely deserve it, but you’re going to show up better as a mom when you get it.
Self-Care Tips for Stay At Home Moms
Before I dive into the list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms, I want to give you a few tips first. This is information on how to actually make time for self-care and how to relieve stress.
As moms, our to-do list is literally never-ending. Someone always needs something from you.
Which often makes it really hard to make yourself a priority. Here are a few things that have helped me better prioritize getting in that me-time.
Ask for Help
Tip number 1 is to ask for help. No matter how much Facebook and Instagram might suggest otherwise, we can’t do it all.
There is no way we can be good moms, wives, daughters, sisters, housekeepers, and friends all by ourselves. While also managing to try to eat healthy and get enough sleep at night.
We all need help getting everything done in our lives and sometimes that includes help making time for self-care. Maybe you ask your husband or your mom to watch the kids for a little while so you can get some time to relax.
Create a Regular Self-Care Routine
The best thing to do with this list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms is to make it a part of your regular routine. Like all things that are good for us, they work best when we’re consistent.
Don’t wait until you’re so stressed and overwhelmed that you find yourself constantly snapping at the kids and you feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities.
Take some time every day or even every week to get a little time to destress. It’ll be worth it in the long run.
Make a List of Easy Self Care Ideas
One of the things I like to keep is a list of self-care ideas. (Obviously, since you’re reading this one lol.) That way, when I’m ready for some me-time, I have some quick ideas at the ready.
Usually, I’m lucky if I can keep my kids distracted long enough for me to get an hour or so by myself. I’m not trying to waste my precious time wracking my brain for what I can do to relax.
I want every minute of that hour I have spent relaxing and unwinding.
Having a list ahead of time makes it easier to get the most out of my self-care time.
Schedule Your Self-Care
Another great tip for making time for self-care is to schedule it. Pick your favorites off this list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms, grab a calendar, and start filling in days.
As moms, it’s so easy for our time to get filled with other things. Whether it’s doctor appointments, sports practice, or helping with homework.
I mean honestly, when was the last time that you had a free hour or two with literally nothing to do? You probably can’t remember that far back. I certainly can’t!
That’s why you have to make sure that you put your self-care on the schedule. Otherwise, it will get added to the list of things you “want to make time for” but never actually get done.
Let Go of Being a “Perfect Mom”
One of the reasons most moms get burned out and overwhelmed is because they’re trying so hard to be the “perfect mom.” They want to do everything exactly right for their kids and never ever let them down.
I mean, it’s what you’re supposed to do if you love your kids, right?
Here’s the thing, not only are your kids going to love you even if you aren’t perfect, but perfect is impossible. There is no such thing as a perfect mom.
It’s totally unattainable and you’re liable to run yourself ragged trying to pursue it.
You (and your kids) are going to be much better off if you take a step back and try to balance being a good mom with doing things for yourself as well.
And a good place to start is making sure you take time away from engaging with your kids to relax a little on a regular basis.
Let Go of Guilt Over Taking Time for Yourself
This one used to be huge for me. I felt like I had to always be available for my kids.
Unless it was something necessary like chores or work, I should be ready and able to engage or help my kids all the time. And to be perfectly honest, it was pretty exhausting.
I found myself struggling to be the mom I wanted to be because I was always so tired and overwhelmed.
Your kids benefit way more from a mother who is more rested, patient, and engaged because she makes time for self-care, than a mother who is exhausted, irritable, and burned out because she never gets a minute to herself.
Remember, making time for yourself isn’t taking time away from your kids. It’s making sure you have the physical and mental energy, to be a better mom when you are with your kids.
Create a Good Bedtime Routine
Part of a good self-care routine means getting enough sleep each night. When we’re rested, we are way more ready to tackle another day of motherhood.
With all the stress and anxiety that sometimes goes along with parenting, it’s no surprise sometimes we have a hard time getting to bed at night.
Use some of the self-care suggestions listed below to help you create a good bedtime routine that lets you unwind and relax at the end of the day.
Create a Good Morning Routine
Having a good morning routine is also a great part of self-care for moms. How you start your day can have a big impact on how well the rest of it goes.
I like to start my day about an hour before my kids wake up. It allows me a little time to myself to do some of the things on this list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms while the house is quiet and no one needs me for anything yet.
It’s my little piece of calm before the craziness of our day starts.
25 Simple Self-Care Ideas for Stay At Home Moms
Here are some of my favorite self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms. These are things that you can do at home without having to hire a babysitter or drop the kids off.
These are ideas you can do right when you need some time for yourself. Whether it’s 15 minutes to just take a break, or an hour to really unwind.
These are things you can do immediately without waiting until your husband comes home to watch the kids. Just pop on the TV (or however else you distract your kids) and take some time to destress.
Get a Workout In
Exercise is by far my favorite self-care idea for stay-at-home moms. It’s good for your body, sets a great example for your kids, and there are so many ways to do it.
Exercise releases some great feel-good chemicals. A quick workout can have you feeling refreshed and ready to get back in the game.
I’m always way more ready to listen to the latest Roblox YouTube video my kids have watched after I’ve gotten my workout in.
Build a Support Network
A huge part of self-care is having a good support network. As moms, we need to talk to other people who understand our struggle.
I highly encourage you to find your tribe. Being able to text one of my friends and explain to them the ridiculousness of having to chase my son around the house because he won’t wear underwear for the 5th time that day helps relieve a lot of the stress and frustration.
Sometimes they have advice for whatever parenting drama I’m experiencing. Other times they just help me remember that I’m not alone and that it’ll get better one day.
(Re)Discover a New Hobby
Next on the list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms is to discover a new hobby. Or maybe even rediscover an old one.
Find something you like to do just for fun. Not because your kids are doing it or because it would benefit anyone other than yourself.
You deserve to do things just because they light you up. It’s a great way to step back from parenting for a little bit and focus on yourself.
Indulge in Some Personal Care
Take some time to pamper yourself. Do an at-home facial, paint your toes, color your hair.
Do something that helps you relax or feel pretty. A little break to take care of yourself can go a long way to helping you feel less stressed.
Get Enough Sleep
Another good form of self-care for moms is to make sure we get enough sleep at night. I haven’t met a mom yet that doesn’t struggle when they’re feeling tired and worn out.
Do your best to go to bed early enough to ensure you get enough rest each night. I, of course, recognize that depending on the phase of life you’re in, that might not be that much.
I’m pretty sure I’ve been sleep deprived in some form or fashion since I was pregnant with my first child over 12 years ago, but you know what I mean. Go to bed early enough to get as much sleep as you can.
Step Away for a Little Bit
Sometimes the best form of self-care for moms is to just step away for a bit. Let the baby cry for a few minutes.
Let your screaming toddler have their tantrum in a safe place while you walk into the other room and take a few deep breaths. I know it can be hard to walk away when you’re child is upset, but they’ll be ok for a few minutes.
And sometimes those few extra minutes are necessary for you to regroup and be coolheaded enough to handle whatever situation is happening.
It’s hard being a mom some days! So don’t feel bad if sometimes you just need to step away for a few minutes.
Catch Up on a Good Book
Reading is probably one of the easier self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms. You can sit in the same room with your kids while still getting some downtime.
Reading gives you the opportunity to spend time in a completely different world. Plus, with the ease of audiobooks and e-books, you never have to read the same book twice!
As an avid reader, this is a form of self-care I indulge in often. If left to my own devices, I could easily spend most of my day wrapped up in a book.
Get Outside
Next on the list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms is to get outside. Taking even a few minutes to get outside and get some fresh air can do wonders for helping you feel refreshed.
Some great benefits of getting outside are:
- Higher vitamin D levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce inflammation
- Relives stress, anxiety, and depression
You can pack everyone up and go for a walk, take the kids to the park, or even just step outside into your backyard.
Get Out of the House
Another great self-care idea is to just get out of the house. Pack up the kids and get a change of scenery.
When you’re home with the kids all day you can feel like the walls are closing in on you sometimes. Getting out of the house can really boost your mood and help everyone feel better.
You can meet up with some other mom friends, do some window shopping, or just go out for lunch or hit the park.
Journal
Writing in a journal is next on the list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms. Writing allows you to get all of your thoughts and emotions out of your head and onto the paper.
This helps you to get those feelings out in the open so you can address them and start to work through them. I use an app on my phone to journal every night before going to bed.
I usually recap my day and just write down whatever thoughts come up. Sometimes I surprise myself with the things I’m thinking about that I didn’t even realize.
Doing this often helps me sleep better because I don’t wake up during the night with my brain worrying about things.
You could also keep a gratitude journal. This can help you reflect back on your day and focus on the positives instead of the negatives. Head over to Mamma Teaches for a great free gratitude journal.
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Give Yourself a Foot Massage
Who doesn’t love a good foot massage? They are of course better if someone else is doing the rubbing, but something is better than nothing.
When you need a little break from the kids, break out the lotion and give your feet a good rub. Your feet will thank you and you’ll probably feel a bit more relaxed as you go about the rest of your day.
Use Some Essential Oils
Using essential oils is also a great suggestion for self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms. I have a couple of roll-on blends that I love to use when I find I need to relax a little.
You can try some blends that you roll on or you could use an essential oil defuser for your home. It only takes a few minutes to get it going, but it can go a long way toward helping you relax.
Meditate
Meditation is a wonderful form of self-care for stay-at-home moms. Even just adding in 5-10 minutes can help calm your mind all day.
Meditation is also great to help you take a step away from a frustrating or stressful moment so you can regroup.
I personally find just sitting quietly to be a bit difficult. My brain likes to run a million miles a minute.
What works great for me is doing guided meditations to music or focusing on mantras. Giving myself someone to walk me through the steps or a specific phrase to listen to helps me settle my mind down.
Stretch
Another easy way to get some me-time is just to stretch. We unknowingly carry so much stress in our bodies.
Taking some time to breathe and stretch can help our bodies slow down and unwind. Even just 15 minutes can help release a lot of tension in your body to help you feel more relaxed.
Declutter a Small Space
Seeing this on a list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms might seem a little confusing. Isn’t decluttering cleaning? Therefore a type of work and the last thing you want to do when you’re looking to relax?
I understand, this one took me a little while to wrap my head around too, but here’s the thing: seeing the messy and cluttered spaces in our home often contributes to our stress and anxiety.
It’s one more thing on the long list of never-ending tasks we need to take care of. So if you spend a little bit of time cleaning up a space, you’re clearing off one more task from your list.
It will be one less thing adding to the stress of your day.
Listen to a Podcast
Listening to podcasts is next on the list for self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms. You can download or stream your favorite podcast right to your phone.
They have podcasts for almost every subject under the sun. If you have a special interest, chances are someone else does too and they are podcasting about it.
Podcasts are great for self-care because you can spend some time catching up on news about your favorite topic without having to leave your house. I like to put a podcast on while I clean or whenever I do the dishes.
It’s turned what used to be “chores” into me-time. I never thought I would ever utter those words lol!
Make Healthy Eating Choices
You might e surprised to see eating healthy on a list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms, but hear me out. Anything you do to take care of yourself is a form of self-care.
Making healthy eating choices is an important part of taking care of your health. When you eat well, you have more energy and better mental clarity.
Both of which are things that help you tackle motherhood.
Take a Bubble Bath
It might sound cliche, but I still say this is a great self-care idea for moms. I mean, there is a reason it is mentioned so much!
Sitting in a nice hot bath with some wonderfully scented bubbles really is nice. It’s a great way to let your muscles relax so you can unwind.
If you are one of those people who feels like you don’t get clean after sitting in a bath, feel free to take a shower afterward. A bubble bath for self-care isn’t about getting clean.
It’s about 20 minutes of time to yourself where you can reset your mind.
Indulge in Your Creative Side
Taking the time to do something that stimulates your creative side is great for self-care. As moms, we tend to spend so much time going from task to task.
We don’t often get to stretch our brains and let them be creative.
Any time that you can find to build, create, or make something is going to leave you feeling more energized and alive. It’s also great because you can often connect to a skill or activity you used to do before kids.
It can be hard to remember those days when you are deep into motherhood!
Examples of creative outlets for self-care
- Knitting, crocheting, or sewing.
- Coloring or drawing.
- Painting.
- Grow a garden.
- Write a book or story.
Make a Playlist of Your Favorite Songs
Next on the list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms is listening to music. Music can lift your mood and send out all those wonderful feel-good chemicals.
You can create a list of your favorite songs and listen to them with some headphones while still taking care of your kids.
Listening to music I love is one of my go-to activities for self-care. When I am feeling rushed or stressed in the car, I put on my favorite playlist and I instantly relax.
I also love to put on some good music whenever I am cleaning or doing chores in the house.
The best part about creating a playlist is that you can add in only the songs that you like best. You can make different playlists for different moods too.
I have a playlist for music that makes me want to dance, love songs, current favorites, songs I like to sing to, etc.
Dress Up Nice Just for You
Dressing up and looking nice is a good way to practice self-care at home because it feels good! Dressing up doesn’t have to be strictly for a special occasion.
Take some time to try on your favorite clothes and wear them around the house. Even if you have nowhere to be, wearing clothes that make you look good usually makes you feel good too.
As a mom, it’s too easy to spend all of your days wearing yoga pants, a stained t-shirt, and messy hair. Or maybe it’s just too easy for me!
Either way, when I dress up nice, even if it’s just to take the kids to the museum or the park, I usually feel better about myself.
Binge-Watch Your Favorite TV Show
Binge-watching your favorite tv show is a great form of self-care. We don’t always recognize it as such, but if you get a chance to just zone out and relax without your kids asking you fifteen thousand questions, it qualifies as self-care!
Plus, getting sucked into our favorite show helps us unwind and relax. Two of the results we want most from self-care.
I will often watch tv on my phone or my laptop. This allows me to use headphones so I don’t have to worry about exposing my kids to adult content.
If I’m going to spend my time watching TV, I guarantee you it’s not going to be kid-appropriate. Getting sucked into some juicy reality TV is a nice break from watching Octonauts for the 50th time that week.
Create a Vision Board
Another fun suggestion for self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms is to create a vision board. Make a visual representation of any goals or plans that you are working toward.
Sometimes self-care means taking some time to focus on something that is important to you. Creating a vision board can be a fun way to motivate and inspire yourself toward your goal.
You can create a digital one or break out the craft supplies and make one that goes on the wall. Either way, you’ll get some downtime in the process.
Take an Online Course
One of my favorite self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms is to take an online course. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn?
Why not carve out some time each day or each week to work toward it. It can be career-related if you have plans of heading back to work one day.
Or it can simply be something just for fun like a cooking class or learning an instrument. You can find online courses for just about anything these days.
So if you find something that catches your attention, don’t be afraid to explore it.
Plan a Future Trip
Last on our list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms is to plan a future trip. Sometimes when you’re stuck in the struggle of the day-to-day it can be really nice to imagine doing something (some days anything) else.
That’s why planning a trip can be a nice way to destress. You can get excited about fun things you’ll be doing in the future.
Plus, it reminds you that whatever your day looks like today, it won’t last forever. One day in the future, you might be kicking back at the beach getting plenty of self-care time.
Final Thoughts on Self-Care Ideas for Stay At Home Moms
So that’s my list of 25 self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms. I hope this list and tips have helped you more easily make time for yourself.
Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the toughest jobs out there. You deserve to take some time for yourself to relax and destress.
Don’t forget to grab your free copy of my Self-Care Checklist. It will help make sure you make time for self-care on a regular basis.
What’s on your list of self-care ideas for stay-at-home moms? Comment below or email me at admin@atouchofhomeschooling.com. Follow me on Pinterest for more homeschool and parenting advice.
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Candice is a mom of 3 who has been homeschooling since 2013. She has an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Studies and cares deeply about helping other parents get the information and resources they need to help them homeschool their children with confidence.