10 Easy and Practical Self-Care Ideas for Moms

As a mom, self-care often feels like a luxury rather than a necessity. Between work, family responsibilities, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time for yourself can be a challenge.

 

And when you do get a moment to breathe, the last thing you want to do is waste it trying to decide what self-care activity to do.

 

That’s why I’ve put together this list of simple, effective self-care ideas for moms. Whether you have five minutes or an entire afternoon (rare, I know!), these ideas will help you recharge and feel more like yourself again.

 

 

 

10 Self-Care Ideas for Moms

 

 

 

1. Start a Gratitude Journal

A gratitude journal is an easy and rewarding way to incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Taking just a few minutes each day to write down things you’re grateful for can shift your mindset and bring more positivity into your life.

 

I personally love using Good Days Start with Gratitude because it’s short and sweet—just enough to reflect without feeling overwhelming. If you prefer more space for deeper reflection, consider options like:

• The 5-Minute Gratitude Journal

• 52-Week Mental Health Journal

• Daily Gratitude Journal

Bonus tip: A gratitude journal makes a thoughtful and inexpensive gift for friends, family, or coworkers!

 

2. Get Outside and Go for a Walk

Walking is one of the easiest ways to practice self-care. Fresh air, movement, and a change of scenery can do wonders for your mood.

If you have a park or trails nearby, make your walk feel even more special by exploring new routes. I highly recommend the AllTrails app, which helps you find trails based on your location, difficulty level, and estimated completion time.

 

 

3. Treat Yourself to a Mani/Pedi

A manicure or pedicure can be a simple yet effective way for moms to practice self-care. If you don’t get your nails done regularly, make it a special treat. If you already go often, consider trying something new, like a facial or massage, for an extra dose of relaxation.

 

 

4. Enjoy a Coffee Date—With Yourself

There’s something incredibly soothing about sitting in a cozy coffee shop, sipping a warm cup of coffee, and simply being present in the moment. In fact, it’s one of my favorite self-care ideas for moms on this list.

 

Maybe you stop on the way home from school drop-off or carve out some time one Saturday morning. Whenever it happens, enjoy some quality time with yourself at a local coffee shop. Savor your favorite drink, people-watch, or browse Pinterest mindlessly—guilt-free.

 

If you have extra time, bring a book or your laptop and savor the moment without thinking about your to-do list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Tap Into Your Creative Side

Tapping into creativity can be an incredible self-care idea for moms—helping you slow down, focus, and take a break from the daily chaos. Creativity in any form is a fantastic way to relieve stress and recharge. Whether it’s painting, drawing, knitting, or journaling, creative activities provide a great mental escape.

 

If you’re not naturally artistic (like me!), try mindful lettering. I’ve been loving Lisa Funk’s Daily Mindful Lettering books, which help you practice lettering while focusing on self-affirmations. It’s a great way to slow down and be present.

 

 

6. Upgrade Your Shower with a Shower Steamer

If you’re not a bath person (I get it—baths feel like so much work), shower steamers are a fantastic alternative. They’re like bath bombs for your shower, releasing calming scents to help you unwind while you go about your routine.

 

Look for scents like lavender or chamomile for relaxation, eucalyptus for congestion relief, or citrus for an energizing boost. The best part? They require zero extra effort—just place one in the corner of your shower and let the steam do the work.

 

Bonus tip: Certain scents can even help with congestion and sinus issues—perfect for when you need self-care while battling a cold.

 

 

7. Read a Book (Even Just a Few Pages!)

Reading is an excellent way to escape daily stress and focus on something enjoyable. Whether it’s fiction, personal development, or even the Bible, reading can help you relax and recharge.

 

If you’re looking for a comforting and cozy read, why not pick up a book set in a coffee shop? There’s something extra soothing about reading a story filled with warm drinks, charming cafés, and the inviting hum of coffee culture. I’ve put together a list of books set in coffee shops that are perfect for your next self-care reading session.

 

And if you’re tight on time, even 10 minutes before bed or during your morning coffee can make a difference.

 

 

8. Listen to Music

Music has a powerful way of influencing our mood and energy levels, yet it’s an underrated self-care idea for moms. Create a playlist that makes you feel happy, nostalgic, or inspired, and listen to it while driving, cooking, or cleaning.

 

One of my favorite quotes from Sarah Dessen’s Just Listen is:

“Because a song can take you back instantly to a moment, or a place, or even a person.  No matter what else has changed in you or the world, that one song stays the same, just like that moment.  Which is pretty amazing, when you actually think about it.”

Just Listen, Sarah Dessen

So put on your favorite tunes, sing along, and let the music work its magic. Whether it’s a throwback playlist, calming instrumentals, or high-energy dance hits, a little music can instantly lift your spirits.

 

 

9. Write a Letter to Your Past Self

Journaling is therapeutic, and writing a letter to your past self is a powerful way to reflect on how far you’ve come. I was inspired by Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self, a book featuring letters from different authors (including J.K. Rowling!).

 

This exercise is especially meaningful if you’ve struggled with postpartum depression, self-doubt, or major life changes. It’s a great way to celebrate your growth and remind yourself of your strength. If you want to see an example, I wrote my own letter to my past self in this blog post.

 

 

10. Create a Self-Care Kit

Having a self-care kit on hand makes it easier to carve out moments of relaxation. Fill it with small items that bring you comfort, like your favorite tea, a scented candle, a cozy pair of socks, or a face mask. You can also include a good book, a gratitude journal, or a stress-relief essential oil roller.

 

Keep your kit somewhere easy to reach so that whenever you have a spare moment, you can indulge in a little self-care without overthinking it.

 

 

 

 

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming.

 

Even small moments of intentional care—whether it’s a quick journal entry, a walk outside, or grabbing your self-care kit—can make a big difference in your well-being. The key is to find what feels right for you and make it a part of your routine.

 

Which of these self-care ideas for moms speaks to you the most? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!