2026 is finally here and ready to get rocking! I know that by the end of the year, parents can feel pretty maxed out. But the beginning of a new year is a natural time to reset and start fresh, which can feel so invigorating!
Once you’re back into your regular routine, it’s easy to get burned out quickly by busy schedules. Soon you find yourself rushing around again, doing school drop-offs, meeting work deadlines, and managing household tasks. Meanwhile, date nights and time for yourself to take a back seat.
With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you're probably already deep into planning mode—shopping for cute classroom valentines for your kids, getting out your Valentine's Day books from storage, and thinking about gifts for the whole family. But this year, I'm challenging you to add one more name to your Valentine's list: YOU. Because showing yourself some love isn't just nice—it's necessary.
As parents, we tend to put ourselves last. So this year, or this next month anyway, I want to challenge you to find some time to put yourself first!
If you’re struggling with finding the time for self care, I highly recommend scheduling some self-care activities into your calendar. This is actually what I do when it comes to making time for fun. If I don’t make the time for it and fit it into my calendar, it doesn’t happen.
Self-care can look different for everyone. The good news is, even small acts of self-care can make a big difference.
To help you get started, I’m sharing some of my favorite self care ideas for parents.
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5-Minute Self-Care Wins for Moms Who Have Zero Time
- Take 3 deep breaths before getting out of your car after school pickup
- Light a favorite candle while folding laundry
- Listen to one favorite song with your coffee
- Apply hand cream while waiting for dinner to cook
- Sit in your closet for 2 minutes of quiet (we've all been there!) 🤣
Rest & Recharge
Slowing down and resting can be really hard to do when you’re used to being busy. But there’s a lot of research showing that rest actually helps us be more productive!
You can snooze or zone out however you like. Just make sure you’re able to turn your brain off a bit! Here are a few self care ideas for how you can prioritize rest and take care of yourself.
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Take a quick nap or lay down with a weighted blanket or a weighted eye mask
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Read a book or magazine (here’s an easy read I love)
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Do a guided meditation and pick a positive affirmation to focus on
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Grab some bath salts, a face mask, and nail polish for a spa day at home
- Ease tension with a foam roller or massage ball (a massage gun can also work wonders!)
Tip: If you find it challenging to turn your brain off, try a more mindful activity that allows you to get into a state of flow. Try working on a puzzle, doing something crafty, coloring, or painting.
Move Your Body
On the flip side, moving your body is also important! This doesn’t mean you have to wake up early to get to the gym or do any intense workouts. Any type of movement is good for your physical health and mental health, even if you only have five minutes.
Here are a few self care ideas for fitting physical activity into your day-to-day routine.
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Take 5-10 minutes to stretch or do a simple yoga routine (a yoga mat might be a good motivator)
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Walk around your neighborhood or local park — you can even bring your coffee with you!
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Build strength with weights, resistance bands, or pilates
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Play a few songs you like and have a quick dance party in your living room
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Check your local studio for fitness classes — or try an inexpensive program like Les Mills (my favorite classes are BodyBalance and Body Combat)
Tip: If you find it hard to get motivated, write down your “why” or how you want to feel afterward. For example, maybe you want to have more energy to play with your kids or you want to feel more calm and grounded. I want to set a good example for my kids, so I love showing them that working in a variety of exercises, like walking the dog, lifting weights at the gym, and even gardening are ways that I can keep my body moving.
Go easy on yourself and remember to have fun! For extra accountability, get your family involved, join a group class, or subscribe to a workout program.
Connect & Fill Your Cup
Last on the list of self care ideas is all about connecting — with friends and family, with nature, with yourself, and with your spouse. We all know that social connections are good for our mental health and emotional well-being. But did you know that healthy relationships can also strengthen your immune system?
This is why having a solid support system and filling your own cup are so important. Here are a few ideas to help you make it happen!
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Check in with a friend or family member — or send a handwritten card (grab some pretty stationery or cards with fun greetings to inspire you)
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Go outside and connect with nature, whether that means going on a scenic hike or stepping into your backyard
Side note! Have you heard of the practice of grounding? Grounding was first introduced to me last year and it is a practice of having skin contact with the Earth’s surface, and therefore its electrical energy. Yes, I know that sounds out there. But some studies suggest that simply standing barefoot on grass, sand, soil, or in the water can make you feel more relaxed and boost your mood. So walk around your yard barefoot and garden without gloves. It might just be the ticket to brighten your day!
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Journal to get your thoughts and feelings out of your head — grab a gratitude journal or one with writing prompts if you need help
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Go on a solo adventure where you do one or more of your favorite activities
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Schedule a date night every month — get date night activity cards if you need ideas!
Valentine's Day is coming up, which makes it the perfect time to prioritize connection! Whether you're planning a romantic evening out or a cozy night in, make it happen. Check out my Valentine's Day gift guide for date night ideas and couple's gifts that encourage quality time together. And if your kids are exchanging classroom valentines, get them involved in the process—it's a great way to connect as a family while teaching kindness and gratitude.
Tip: Parenting can feel lonely if your support system isn’t around. Consider joining a group online to find others with your shared interests or who are on the same parenting journey as you. You can also check out Meetup to find local groups and activities. I am involved with the Mom’s group at my church. I have been eternally grateful for this group of women who uplift and support each other. Your people are out there. It does require you to put yourself out there, but the work to go out and meet them will be worth it.
More Self Care Ideas & Tips
It may sound silly, but making it a goal to take care of yourself can help you prioritize it. So write it down, look at it everyday, and share it with others. Remind yourself that self care is crucial to your health and happiness — and it’ll help you be a better parent, too.
If you need more self care tips, I’ll leave you with a few ideas so it feels more doable.
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Make a list of all the self care ideas that sound enjoyable to you from the list above, including any hobbies or activities you want to get back into
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Create a self care plan by choosing one idea from each category — rest, move, and connect
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Look at the week ahead and schedule a self care activity that fits into your calendar
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Keep it simple and set aside 10 minutes a day for self care or pick one longer activity to commit to
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See if there’s anything you can say no to (or “not right now”) so you have more time for self care
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Avoid devices when possible so you can focus on self care instead of getting distracted by notifications, emails, and social media
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Try habit stacking — write in a gratitude journal while drinking your morning coffee, schedule a 5-minute break when you check your calendar, or stretch while watching your favorite show
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Join a group to keep you on track, like a book club, workout group, or an art class
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Get your family involved — go on a nature walk, have a spa night, or wind down together at the end of the day with a quiet activity
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Create weekly rituals, like “Sunday snooze” where you pick a restful activity from your self care ideas, or start a new tradition this Valentine's Day where you treat yourself to something special every month—whether that's flowers, a new book, or an at-home spa treatment"
Frequently Asked Questions About Self-Care for Moms
How can I find time for self-care with a busy schedule?
Schedule it like an appointment. Even short windows (5–15 minutes) add up. Prioritize what you value — a quick stretch, a playlist walk, a quiet cup of coffee — and put it on your calendar. Try habit stacking by pairing self-care with something you already do, like stretching while watching your show or journaling with your morning coffee. Remember, you don't need a whole spa day to practice self-care.
What are the best quick self-care activities for moms?
The best self-care activities are ones you'll actually do. My favorites include taking a 10-minute walk, enjoying your coffee while it's still hot (revolutionary!), doing a 5-minute meditation, taking a shower after kids are in bed (and adding a shower steamer of course), or reading a chapter of a book.
Is self-care selfish when I have kids?
Absolutely not! Self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary. When you take care of yourself, you're modeling healthy behavior for your kids and showing them that everyone deserves to prioritize their wellbeing. Plus, you can't pour from an empty cup. A well-rested, less-stressed mom is better able to show up for her family.
What are some budget-friendly self-care ideas?
Self-care doesn't have to be expensive! Try free activities like taking a walk, doing yoga at home with free YouTube videos, reading a book, taking a long bath with items you already have, journaling, or simply going to bed 30 minutes earlier. The best self-care is often free or low-cost.
What if I feel guilty taking time for myself?
It’s normal! Try reframing: self-care helps everyone in your family because you show up as your best self and will likely be more present. Start with small, even 10 minutes a day makes a difference. Remember that you're teaching your kids that self-care is important—that's a valuable lesson.
What self-care habits are easy for moms with little free time?
Quick breaths before bed, stretching while the kids play, journaling with morning coffee, or a mini dance break — tiny habits that still reset your mindset.
Final Thoughts
Ready to make self-care a priority? Start small—pick just ONE idea from this list and commit to it this week. Trust me, your future self will thank you. And if you try any of these self-care ideas, I'd love to hear about it! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @my.kids.made.me.buy.it so I can cheer you on!
