What Does Self-Care Mean?
Self-care. You hear it everywhere these days. And maybe you think it’s a cliche.
But what does it really mean?
Is it weekend getaways and spa days (……probably not realistic all the time)?
A quiet cup of coffee before the kids wake up? Maybe. But self-care often goes a layer deeper.
For moms, it’s about showing up for yourself so that you can show up for your family.
Self-Care Defined
Self-care is taking care of yourself and doing small things that bring you rest and joy.
Self-care definitely looks differently from mom to mom.
For one mom, it could be spending more time with extended family - for another one, that sounds like the exact opposite of self-care.
For another, it’s 15 minutes of yoga while the baby naps.
For you, it might mean asking for help when things get overwhelming.
Why Self-Care Feels Hard
We as moms do a million different things every day.
We’re wiping butts, making appointments, working jobs, and trying to spend time with friends (ha!)
And then there’s the guilt.
We are usually so good at putting everyone else first.
Taking “me” time can feel selfish.
Saying no to others so that you can take care of yourself can be hard. But here’s the thing: it’s not selfish.
When you care for yourself, you’re actually giving your family a better version of you.
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Think about the airplane safety speech: you’re always told to put your oxygen mask on first.
Why? Because you can’t help others if you’re not okay yourself.
Self-care works the same way.
When you take care of your needs, you’re better able to meet the needs of your family.
Ideas for Simple Self-Care
If the idea of self-care feels overwhelming then try to start small. Here are some simple, realistic ideas to try:
Hydrate. Drink a glass of water before your coffee. Your body will thank you.
Breathe. Take five deep breaths when things feel chaotic.
Move. Go for a short walk or stretch for a few minutes.
Laugh. Watch a funny video or call a friend who always cracks you up.
Pause. Sit in your car for a minute before going into the house.
Ask for help. Delegate a chore or let someone watch the kids for an hour.
Sleep. Nap when the kids nap—or just lay down for a few minutes.
Say no. Protect your time by not overcommitting.
Each of these things might seem small, but they really add up.
The goal isn’t to overhaul your life overnight. It’s to find little ways to make yourself a priority every day.
Self-Care and Mental Health
Don’t wait until you’re at your breaking point to take care of yourself.
As a mom of four, I’ve been there and it’s not pretty!
Seek out help if you feel you need a little extra support during this season of motherhood.
You deserve to feel well —not just for your family, but for you too.
Celebrate the Wins
Every step you take toward self-care matters. Celebrate the small wins.
Did you drink enough water today? High five!
Did you set a boundary and say no? That’s huge and hard to do.
Self-care isn’t about escaping your life.
It’s about creating moments of peace and joy within it.
You’re doing an amazing job, mama. Keep going.
With love and solidarity,
Are you looking for additional support to thrive as a mom? Let’s connect!
As a therapist for moms, I will help you find solutions and immediate relief. Reach out for a free consultation today!
Related Articles:
20 Game-Changing Self-Care Ideas for Mothers
Self Care for Postpartum Mental Health
Sources:
Barkin, J., Wisner, K. The role of maternal self-care in new motherhood. Midwifery. 2013 Sept; 29(9): 1050-1055.
Nguyen, L. et al. Women’s holistic self-care behaviors during pregnancy and associations with psychological well-being: implications for maternal care facilities. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth volume 22, Article number: 631 (2022).
Making Time for You: The Importance of Self-Care for Busy Moms - Confessions of the Perfect Mom. https://www.confessionsoftheperfectmom.com/book-reviews/making-time-for-you-the-importance-of-self-care-for-busy-moms
Parents value advice from RSOs. https://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/parents-value-advice-from-rsos-2239/
Valentine's Day Self-Care Tips for Busy Parents. https://brightpathkids.com/family-blog/valentines-day-self-care-tips-for-parents?v=kc