Hey mama, are you feeling burnt out and drained every day? Are you struggling to find time for yourself? Are you beginning to feel like you’re losing yourself in motherhood? I get it. 100%! I’m a stay-at-home mom of two little ones and simply put, it is A LOT.
When you’re a mom, it’s easy to fall into the routine of putting everyone else’s needs before yourself, leaving you running on empty… or caffeine. 😅 Raising kids is a 24/7 job, especially when you’re a stay-at-home mom.
Months back, I found myself dreading the day-to-day exhaustion and realized that I wasn’t prioritizing proper self-care like I used to. I decided to change that. Though, finding the energy, time, space, and mindset to do so did not (and some days, still does not) come easy. I’m sure you can relate.
This year, I have set out to fully embrace slow motherhood and I’m already experiencing many positive mindset shifts. With self-care, I’ve come to acknowledge that in this season of motherhood, self-care needs to be easy and low-maintenance for me. I’m talking about no fuss, no major change in schedule, and completely flexible ways to take care of myself. I want caring for myself to become natural again. The best way for me to do that is to learn to weave it into my wild everyday life as a stay-at-home mom.
Today I’m sharing some intentional things I try to do daily to take care of myself. These ideas are all ones I can easily do at home. I hope that you feel inspired to adapt some to your lifestyle or feel sparked to find your own daily self-care habits.
DAILY INTENTIONAL SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR STAY-AT-HOME MOMS
1. Create An Easy Morning Routine –
We love our slow mornings around here so my morning routine is relaxed and goes with the flow. After we’re all awake, we usually spend a good 5-10 minutes waking up and laughing together in my bed. Then we change diapers and head downstairs to make breakfast.
Before I even start prepping their breakfast, I make my morning coffee. Yes, it’s the first thing I do once we get downstairs. This mama needs her coffee and it’s not just for the caffeine, it’s for enjoyment. My morning coffee is like a tiny hug for my soul and it allows me to open myself up to the day.
Our morning routine gives my kids familiarity and structure, and it gives me a relaxed start to the day. This is helpful for my mental health. No rush, no overwhelm, no stress!
This is just what works for us! I’m sure your life looks different. The whole purpose of creating a morning routine is to have that natural flow for yourself to ease into the day. Do something small for yourself at the start of the day. Have a cup of coffee or a fresh cup of water. Start your day with intention – this is what matters.
2. Take A Shower / Get Ready –
One of the most common things I’ve seen other stay-at-home moms struggling with is finding time to shower or get ready. It has always broken my heart! A long shower and an hour-long get-ready process are not *usually* achievable when you’re a SAHM, but you can prioritize a quick shower and get-ready routine for yourself. Prioritize.
Listen, I get it. When I only had Taya, it was still somewhat easy for me to get my daily shower and continue with self-care habits. When I got promoted to the mama of 2… wow, that’s when I understood how hard it can be to simply shower each day.
A shower and doing whatever you need to do to feel good and refreshed is a necessity. You just have to make it happen. You have to prioritize it.
I usually try to get my shower in at night after my husband is home from work, either before or after the kids go to bed. If this isn’t a possibility for me, I try to grab a quick shower during Jace’s first nap and I utilize educational screentime for Taya. If Jace happens to wake while I’m showering, I will continue my shower until I’m finished.
Get out of your pajamas and into some fresh clothes. If you’re like me, that’s anything comfy!
3. Get Moving –
Exercising and getting your blood pumping is so good for your overall health but when you’re a SAHM, it can be hard to find time dedicated to exercise. This is something I’m currently working on myself. I have the FreeBeat spin bike and try to get at least a 15-minute ride 3 times a week. Get $100 off your FreeBeat with my code: SUMMER50!
For the day-to-day, I am being more intentional with stretching and movement. My kids always want me with them so I spend a lot of time on the floor with them. Instead of sitting there on my phone, I’m opting to stretch. Stretching awakens my body and relaxes me all at once. Taya usually wants to join which I absolutely love! I can also do simple exercises like crunches to get my body moving. Do I usually end up being a jungle gym? Yes, haha. But again, it comes back to intention and getting started.
Dancing is a fun and easy way to get your body moving and it allows the kids to join in. Throw on their favorite songs and get dancing! It boosts everyone’s mood which is always helpful for mom.
4. Soak Up The Sun –
Grab the kiddos and get outside! I once was told that when the kids are fussy and nothing is helping, put them in water or take them outside. It helps them reset. Mamas are the same way!
Stepping outside gives everyone a change of scenery and some fresh air. This is obviously harder to do in the winter but now that spring is upon us, I’m planning to get outside with the kids more. Park days, walks, or simply sitting on the back deck… getting outside allows you to breathe and get some vitamin D.
5. Take Time To Clean Up / Declutter –
You may be rolling your eyes at my suggestion that cleaning up makes for good self-care… but it is true, especially when done with intention! I don’t know about you but I can’t focus or think straight when there’s clutter around and it also sparks my anxiety. I simply cannot thrive when my home is a mess.
I do my best to tidy up throughout the day and invite my kids to help pick up their toys but some days, I only get a good 10-15 minutes to clean up. But those 10-15 minutes each day add up to having a generally tidy space. Even if the day gets busy and I can’t get to tidying up until after bedtime, I push through my exhaustion to at least clean up our living space. Every little bit helps my mental health.
Sometimes I think to myself, “Why even bother cleaning up and organizing when the kids are going to pull everything out again?” and I’m sure you’ve thought similarly yourself. It’s true – kids are going to pull everything out and make a mess but having a clutter-free space for even 30 minutes does wonders. Cleaning up gives me a sense of accomplishment and a restart. It also gives my children a reset, too. It’s a win-win overall.
PIN FOR LATER!
Mamas, make yourself a priority. Show yourself the love that you pour into others. Push yourself to learn how to fill up your own cup. Life with littles is busy and wild but you can take care of yourself at the same time. It takes intention and prioritizing but it is possible.
Connect with me on Instagram @summertelban to get a sneak peek into my everyday life as a mom of two.
Take care of yourself, mama. 💛
