Life can be stressful when you’re trying to balance work, motherhood, bills, errands, and a home that somehow always needs cleaning. Self-care can feel like a luxury you just don’t have time for. You might see influencers online soaking in bathtubs or taking weekend spa getaways and think, “That’s nice… must be nice.” But if you’re anything like me—a busy single mom doing all the things—those moments feel totally out of reach.
But here’s the secret no one talks about. Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or even take up a lot of time. Real self-care is about the little things you do every day that help you feel more human—less overwhelmed, more grounded, and more connected to yourself.
Whether you’re running a household, working long hours, or both, you deserve time to rest, refuel, and reset. That’s why I created this guide to simple, doable self-care routines that actually fit into real life (even if your “me-time” is just five minutes in the bathroom before someone yells your name).
So grab your coffee, take a breath, and let’s talk about self-care routines that feel good, not forced.
Morning Self-Care Routine (Start Your Day on Your Terms)
You don’t need to wake up at 5 a.m. to feel in control of your mornings. A simple 10–15 minute routine can help you feel more centered before the chaos kicks in—yes, even before the kids alarms, fighting over who gets the shower next, and “Mom, I can’t find my hoodie!”
The key is to give yourself a few quiet moments before the demands of the day take over. That little pocket of peace can totally change your energy—and your mindset.
Try this easy morning self-care routine:
- Wake up 10 minutes earlier than the rest of the house (if you can). Even just a few extra minutes can help you feel less reactive and more in control.
- Drink a full glass of water to rehydrate and wake up your system—add lemon for a little boost.
- Do one mindful thing: journal a few lines, read a daily motivational quote, pray, meditate, or just sit in silence with your coffee or tea.
- Set a simple intention for the day: “Today, I’ll be patient,” or “I will speak to myself with kindness.”
✨ Pro Tip: Lay out clothes (yours and the kids’), prep lunches, and clean up the kitchen the night before. These small habits can make your mornings feel more like a gentle start and less like a fire drill.
Remember, your morning routine doesn’t need to be long or complicated. It just needs to make you feel good.
Midday Self-Care Routine (Recharge While You Work)
Whether you’re working from home, in an office, managing errands, or chasing a to-do list that never seems to shrink, taking even a few moments to pause midday can make a huge difference.
Midday is often when the energy slump hits—right around the time you start running on caffeine and fumes. That’s your body telling you it’s time for a reset, not just another coffee refill.
Quick midday self-care ideas:
- Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Even just walking to the mailbox or standing on the porch can help clear your mind.
- Stretch it out. Do some neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, or a quick stretch to release tension that builds up when you’re on your feet or at a desk all morning.
- Eat lunch like it matters. Sit down (not in front of a screen!), take a few breaths, and give yourself permission to enjoy your food—yes, even if it’s leftovers.
- Listen to a feel-good playlist or podcast. Choose something that makes you laugh, motivates you, or just lifts your mood.
📱Bonus Tip: Set a phone reminder or alarm labeled “Check in with yourself.” When it goes off, ask: Have I eaten? Drank water? Moved my body? Taken a breath? That 60-second pause can shift your whole afternoon.
Evening Self-Care Routine (Unwind and Reset)
The goal? To release the day—not replay it. Prep your mind and body for a good night’s rest. Think of your evening routine as a way to say, “Okay, I did my best today. Now it’s time to relax.”
A calming nighttime routine for busy moms:
- Put your phone away 30–60 minutes before bed if possible. Scrolling may feel relaxing, but it actually overstimulates your brain and can disrupt your sleep.
- Take a hot shower or bath with calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile. It helps soothe tired muscles and signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.
- Do a brain dump in a notebook or notes app. Write down any to-dos, worries, or thoughts that are crowding your brain. It helps clear mental clutter so you can actually relax.
- Read a chapter of a book—something fun, light, or inspiring. No work, no pressure. Just joy.
- Try a short meditation or deep breathing exercise. Even 3–5 minutes can slow your heart rate and quiet your mind.
🛏️ Sleep tip: Create a bedtime routine you look forward to—soft lighting, cozy pajamas, a calming playlist, or even a cup of herbal tea. When your evening feels peaceful, your sleep usually follows suit.
This routine isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Give yourself permission to rest, even if the dishes are still in the sink.
Weekly Self-Care Rituals (Fill Your Cup)
In the middle of managing everyone else’s needs, it’s easy to lose sight of your own. That’s where weekly self-care rituals come in. These are the little joys that help you feel like you again—not just “mom,” “employee,” or “household CEO.”
You don’t need hours. You just need a bit of protected time—something to look forward to each week that’s just for you.
Ideas for weekly self-care:
- Grocery shop solo. Yes, this counts! Throw on a podcast, sip your coffee, and enjoy the peace.
- Take a class or do a hobby you’ve been putting off—yoga, painting, knitting, whatever fills you up.
- Plan a solo coffee date or walk. A change of scenery and a moment of stillness can reset your whole week.
- Do a mini spa night at home. Think: face mask, candles, relaxing music. Even 20 minutes makes a difference.
- Spend time doing something creative. Journaling, coloring, vision boarding, or even baking something just because.
💖 Reminder: These moments are not extras—they are essentials. When you schedule time for yourself, you’re telling your mind, body, and soul: I’m worth caring for.
Make your weekly ritual non-negotiable. Put it on your calendar like any other important appointment—and protect it like your sanity depends on it. Because sometimes, it really does.
Tips to Make Self-Care Stick
So, starting a self-care routine is simple. Sticking with it? That’s the real challenge. Especially when your days are unpredictable and full of people who need you (sometimes all at once). But building consistency doesn’t mean adding pressure or perfection. It’s about creating habits that work for your life, in this season, with your schedule.
Here are some simple ways to make self-care a regular part of your routine—without stress or guilt:
1. Keep it simple.
Don’t overcomplicate it. Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy, Instagram-worthy, or take hours. A 5-minute stretch, a cup of hot tea before bed, or two minutes of deep breathing absolutely counts. The key is consistency over intensity.
2. Stack it with habits you already have.
One of the easiest ways to create a new habit is to attach it to one that already exists. Sip water while you journal. Listen to a podcast while folding laundry. Do a short meditation after brushing your teeth. When self-care blends into your regular rhythm, it becomes second nature.
3. Schedule it like anything else.
If it’s not on the calendar, it often gets forgotten or pushed to the side. Treat your self-care like any other appointment. Block off time—even if it’s just 10 minutes—and keep to it. You wouldn’t skip a doctor’s appointment, right? This is care, too.
4. Let go of guilt.
This is a big one. You are allowed to rest. You are allowed to say no. And you are allowed to take care of yourself even when there are dishes in the sink or emails waiting. Nobody can’t pour from an empty cup—and you shouldn’t have to.
5. Stay flexible.
Some days will go smoothly, and others will totally derail your plans. That’s okay. Self-care isn’t all-or-nothing. If you miss your usual routine, adapt it or try again tomorrow. One skipped day doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means you’re human.
6. Make it feel good.
This might sound obvious, but self-care should be something you want to do—not something you dread. Don’t force yourself to journal if you hate writing. Don’t wake up early if sleep is what your body really needs. Choose things that fill you up, energize you, or bring you happiness.
7. Celebrate small wins.
Every time you show up for yourself—even in the smallest way—acknowledge it. Say it out loud. Give yourself a mental high five. These tiny moments build momentum and remind you that you can make space for yourself, even on the busiest days.
Building a sustainable self-care routine isn’t about doing it perfectly. It’s about doing it consistently—with grace, flexibility, and a whole lot of self-compassion. Start small. Keep showing up. And remember: You deserve the same care you give to everyone else.
Final Thoughts: Self-Care is Not Selfish
Here’s the bottom line: You don’t need a full day off, a silent retreat, or a new wardrobe to take better care of yourself. You just need a few intentional moments in your day that remind you—you matter too.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s how you stay strong. It’s how you recharge so you can keep showing up, not just for everyone else, but for yourself. And it doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
So if all you do today is drink your water, take a few deep breaths, and say something kind to yourself—that’s a win. If you manage to sneak in a face mask or a chapter of your favorite book, even better. And if you forget entirely and end up collapsing on the couch with laundry still in the basket? Tomorrow is a new day.
Start where you are. Use what you have. And most importantly—be gentle with yourself.
You’re doing amazing, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
💗 You deserve care, too.
Always,
Kerri
