Finding Moments of Calm: Self-Care Tips for Moms on the Go
Being a mom is a full-time job. Whether you’re running around managing household tasks, juggling work, or tending to the emotional needs of your little ones, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of daily life and forget about taking care of yourself. But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you don’t prioritize your own health, you won’t be able to show up as your best self for your kids.
I get it—you’re busy. Between school runs, playdates, work, and everything in between, the idea of carving out “me time” can feel impossible. But the truth is, even small moments of self-care can make a huge difference in how you feel. If you’re a mom on the go, here are some practical self-care tips to help you find moments of calm throughout your day.
1. Start Your Day with a Few Minutes of Quiet
We all know that mornings can be chaotic—after getting kids dressed, making breakfast, and getting out the door on time, you feel like you’ve already lived an entire day. But even if your mornings are rushed, taking just 5-10 minutes for yourself before everyone else wakes or after everyone is dropped off up can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. You don’t need to do anything complicated. Here are some simple ideas:
Meditate: Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Focus on your breathing or positive affirmations.
Journaling: Write down a few thoughts about what you’re grateful for, your intentions for the day, or just anything that’s on your mind.
Stretch: Gentle stretches can help release tension from your body and help you feel more centered.
Even a small moment of quiet in the morning can help you feel more grounded as the day unfolds.
2. Practice Mindful Moments Throughout the Day
Being a mom on the go often means you’re constantly multitasking—thinking about the next thing while trying to manage the current moment. It’s easy to feel like you’re never fully present. But one of the best ways to lower stress and promote calm is by practicing mindfulness.
Mindfulness is about being in the moment, without judgment or distraction. You don’t need to set aside a chunk of time for this; you can integrate it into your daily routine. Here are a few ways to do that:
Mindful eating: Take a few extra minutes to savor your meals. Notice the flavors, textures, and smells. It’s easy to scarf down food while running errands, but taking time to truly enjoy your meal can feel like a mini vacation.
Deep breathing: When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths. Focus on the air entering and leaving your body. This can help calm your nervous system in just a minute or two.
Mindful listening: If you’re in a conversation, truly listen to the person you’re talking to without distractions. It can make your interactions more meaningful and give you a moment of connection.
Mindfulness doesn’t require a lot of time, but it can help you feel more relaxed and present throughout your busy day.
3. Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them)
Moms often put everyone else’s needs before their own, which can lead to burnout. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean you’re being selfish; it’s a necessary part of self-care. It’s okay to say no when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and it’s important to make time for yourself—even if that’s just 15 minutes to unwind.
If you’re someone who finds it hard to say no, start small - maybe it’s declining an invitation to a playdate or turning off your phone for a little while. Setting boundaries will help you conserve your energy and reduce the feeling of being pulled in a million different directions.
4. Make Time for Physical Activity
Exercise is one of the best ways to combat stress and boost your mood. But I know, it can feel like there’s just no time for it. The good news is, exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for an hour. You can find creative ways to fit in physical activity during your day:
Walk: Take a brisk 15-minute walk with your baby in the stroller, or go for a walk after dinner to clear your mind.
Dance: Put on your favorite song and dance around with your kids. Not only is it fun, but it also gives you a good workout!
Stretch: Even a quick stretch in the morning or before bed can help release tension and make you feel more relaxed.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. Even small amounts of movement can make a big difference in how you feel.
5. Get Outside, Even for a Few Minutes
Spending time outdoors is proven to reduce stress and improve mood. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block, sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee, or letting your kids play outside while you watch, taking a moment to connect with nature can help you feel more calm and refreshed.
If you’re able to, try to spend a few minutes outside every day. You’d be surprised how much a little fresh air and sunshine can do for your mental health. Even on the busiest days, a short break outdoors can give you the reset you need.
6. Connect with Other Moms
Motherhood can feel isolating, especially if you’re a stay-at-home mom or you don’t have a lot of parent friends in the area. But having a support system is essential for your well-being. Talking to other moms who understand what you’re going through can help you feel seen and heard.
Make time for regular phone calls, coffee dates, or even group chats with other moms. Sharing your struggles, victories, and experiences can give you a sense of connection and remind you that you’re not alone. It can also be a great source of emotional support when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
7. Let Go of Perfectionism
As moms, we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect—whether it’s keeping the house spotless, making home-cooked meals, or always being “on” for our kids. But perfectionism can lead to burnout and anxiety.
Give yourself permission to let go of the need to do everything perfectly. It’s okay if the laundry isn’t folded or if you order takeout instead of cooking. The goal is to do what you can, when you can, and give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.
8. Unplug and Recharge
Constantly being plugged in can increase stress levels. Social media, work emails, and news updates can overwhelm your mind and leave you feeling drained. Try setting aside specific times during the day to unplug. Turn off your phone for 30 minutes, or designate tech-free zones in your home. This will help you recharge and avoid feeling overwhelmed by external pressures.
9. Seek Professional Help If Needed
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the stress, overwhelm, and exhaustion can feel too heavy to manage on your own. And that’s okay. Postpartum therapy is another powerful form of self-care. Just like taking time to rest or setting boundaries, talking to a therapist gives you the space to process your feelings, explore coping strategies, and develop tools to navigate the challenges of motherhood. It’s a way to invest in yourself so you can continue showing up for your family with strength and compassion.
At Sarah Duran Psychotherapy, I work with moms just like you—women who are juggling so much and need a space where they can feel heard and understood. You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re ready to explore how therapy can help, I’d love to support you.
Self-care is Not Selfish
As a mom, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. When you take the time to care for your own mental and physical health, you’re able to show up as the best version of yourself for your kids and your family. Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming; it’s about finding small moments of calm and making them a priority. Whether it’s through mindfulness, setting boundaries, or simply getting outside for a few minutes, there are plenty of ways to care for yourself on the go.
Remember, you deserve these moments of peace. Taking care of yourself benefits not just you, but your entire family. So go ahead, find those little pockets of calm throughout your day—you’ve got this!
Start Making Self-care a Priority Today
Motherhood doesn’t have to mean putting yourself last. Whether it’s finding small moments of calm or seeking postpartum therapy, taking care of yourself is one of the best gifts you can give to both yourself and your family. If you’re ready to explore how therapy can help you feel more balanced and empowered, reach out to Sarah Duran Psychotherapy today.
Meet with your postpartum therapist
Let’s take that first step toward creating space for your well-being. You deserve it!
Other Counseling Services at Sarah Duran Psychotherapy
Postpartum Anxiety and Depression counseling is not the only service we offer at our Houston counseling clinic. We understand that families like yours are multifaceted and may have other concerns you would like to address. Other therapy services Sarah Duran Psychotherapy provides include treatment of reproductive trauma (including infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma) and play therapy.
