Hey, Mama! You’re probably thinking, “Simple self-care? How’s that supposed to fit into my already packed week?” I get it—between family, work, and a never-ending list of responsibilities, self-care often feels like a luxury. But here’s a secret: it doesn’t have to be! In fact, making time for the little things that bring you joy can be straightforward and transformative, giving you the energy and confidence to show up as the best version of yourself.
This guide is all about simple, intentional self-care—the kind that feels realistic, refreshing, and oh-so-doable, even with a hectic schedule. Think of it as a routine that’s designed just for you. So, let’s dive into creating a plan that’s easy to stick with and full of activities that make you feel good.
Step 1: Make Your Happy List
Start by creating a list of all the little things that light you up, even if they take just a few minutes. Imagine what helps you feel relaxed, happy, and peaceful. These aren’t things that require a whole day off—they’re the small joys you can fit into a busy day. It might be as simple as sipping a cup of tea, reading a favorite book, or going for a short walk.
Your list might look something like this:
• Enjoying a quiet moment with coffee or tea
• Taking a 10-minute walk outside
• Reading a few pages of an inspiring book
• Listening to a favorite song or playlist
• Doing a quick stretch or breathing exercise
• Lighting a candle with a scent that makes you feel calm
• Journaling or writing down a few positive affirmations
• Watching a feel-good show for a few minutes
Take a few minutes to jot down what makes you happy—don’t rush this part. This is your list, full of simple self-care ideas that are specific to what makes you, well, you.
Step 2: Choose Your Three Daily or Weekly Self-Care Acts
Now that you have your list of happiness-boosters, the next step is to pick just three things each day or week to do for yourself. Think of them as small, doable “gifts” for yourself—just three little ways to prioritize you.
Maybe you pick:
• Enjoying that peaceful cup of tea first thing in the morning.
• Taking five minutes to listen to your favorite playlist in the car.
• Journaling a positive thought before bed.
Or perhaps:
• A morning stretch to wake up your body.
• Reading a page or two of an uplifting book.
• Ending the day with a calming skincare routine.
By choosing only three small actions, you’re making self-care feel achievable. You’re also helping yourself develop a simple self-care habit that’s easy to maintain and doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Step 3: Be Flexible with Yourself
Sometimes, even those three small things won’t happen in a day. And that’s okay! This is about progress, not perfection. If you miss a day or have to adjust, simply pick up where you left off. Give yourself grace because being kind to yourself is part of self-care too.
It might help to reflect each week on how you’re feeling and make tweaks to your list if needed. Some weeks, you might crave more downtime with a book, and other weeks, you might need more outdoor time to refresh. Your needs can shift, and your self-care routine can shift with them.
Why Simple Self-Care Matters
For busy moms like us, self-care isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifeline. These small moments of care don’t just keep us going; they help us feel more like ourselves. By building a habit of doing little things that bring you peace and joy, you’re prioritizing yourself. And when you feel good, that energy flows into every part of your life—your family, your work, and everything else you care about.
Expert Tip #1: Set a Self-Care Reminder
We’ve all been there—busy days turn into busy weeks, and before we know it, our self-care slips to the bottom of the list. One way to prevent this is to set gentle reminders for yourself. Use your phone’s alarm, a sticky note on the fridge, or even a recurring calendar event to remind you to take those few minutes for yourself.
For example, if you love a few moments with tea or stretching, set a reminder for “morning tea time” or “evening stretch” at the same time each day. Having these reminders can help you stay consistent without needing to remember each step. Over time, these little rituals become natural parts of your day, as automatic as brushing your teeth.
Expert Tip #2: Create a “Self-Care Basket
Sometimes the biggest barrier to self-care is convenience. Try putting together a small self-care basket with a few items that make you feel good and are easy to grab. Think of it as your go-to “mom recharge kit”—you can place it in a spot you often pass, like on a nightstand or a shelf in the living room.
Your basket could include a favorite book, a small journal, a cozy blanket, a scented candle, or a travel-sized lotion. When you have a spare moment, you don’t need to search for what you need—it’s all right there, making self-care a quick, enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to make a difference. With a “happy list” and a simple plan, you’re setting up a routine that’s easy, intentional, and completely yours. This kind of simple self-care is all about reconnecting with what brings you joy, even in the middle of a busy mom life. It’s about saying “yes” to a few small things that make you feel great, inside and out.
So, here’s to the little things—and here’s to you, making space for them in the beautiful, busy life you lead.