Let’s be real—mom life is a wild ride. It’s equal parts amazing, exhausting, and an endless cycle of “Mom, where’s my…?” Between soccer practices, homework battles, dinner chaos, and the nightly “just one more story” negotiations, it’s no surprise moms often feel like they’re running on fumes. And seriously—why is the toilet paper roll always empty?!
But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. The best way to be the loving mom, partner, and friend you want to be is by taking care of yourself first.
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether it’s actually finishing a hot cup of coffee (before it turns into iced coffee by accident), sneaking in a quick workout, getting lost in a good book, or just taking five glorious, uninterrupted minutes to breathe, those little moments matter. They refill your tank, recharge your soul, and reconnect you with you.
So, mama—take the break, drink the coffee, and claim those small but mighty moments of self-care. You deserve it.
So, here’s your gentle reminder, mama: You matter. Your needs matter. Taking care of yourself doesn’t take away from your family—it gives them the best version of you.
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Get that pedicure!
Go all out and throw in the extra foot massage and manicure to go with it. Just because we put our children and families first doesn’t mean that we should neglect ourselves. You’ll feel so much better when you walk out of that nail salon. You deserve it.
Spend the entire day shopping for YOU!
I know, it is definitely easier said than done. I find it nearly impossible to go into a store and buy something for myself without feeling guilt for not spending that cash on my family. We have to stop this! We deserve to treat ourselves like the hardworking bad-asses we are! You deserve it.
Leave the laundry alone for the day!
It will be there tomorrow. Will it grow? Probably. Will it be slightly more work if you put it off? Likely. Will it be worth it to have an entire day without folding or hanging a single article of clothing or matching up one last sock? You bet it will. You deserve it.
Don’t you dare cook dinner.
It’s pizza night! Come on, even the healthiest and most dedicated families deserve a lazy night during the week. For me, my other half is always gone on Wednesday evenings so the kiddo and I have a pizza night! Mom gets to skip the dinner planning and executing, my little man gets pizza, and best of all? No dishes! Try it out, you deserve it.
Put those kids to bed on time (or early) and start that movie!
You know the one you have been meaning to watch forever but just never find the time? It’s time! Throw on your comfiest pajamas and grab your warmest blanket. This is YOUR time momma. You deserve it.
Add a glass of wine to your movie night for expert status!
The kids are fast asleep, you’re already skipping the laundry and have zero dishes… I can’t possibly think of a better time to indulge in that much-needed and HARD earned glass of Riesling… or Moscato… or Pinot Grigio…. you get my drift! Whatever you choose, you deserve it.
Take a long, hot, bubble bath… with the door locked!
I know, I know, us moms can hardly even PEE in peace, much less take a long bath. I get it. This is why it is a specific list item that I find to be incredibly important. Sure, you may need to arrange this with the hubby in advance or schedule it for JUUUUST after you drop the kids at school, but regardless of what goes into it, make this one happen! You deserve it.
Buy YOURSELF flowers!
Sure, it’s nice to receive flowers as a gift for a birthday or just to say “I Love You” but it’s also nice to just have flowers to look at in general. Something about their fresh scent and natural beauty has such a calming effect and can make the home seem so inviting. Who cares if you bought them for yourself? You deserve it.
Allow yourself a day at the salon!
I can’t think of many things that feel better than a fresh trim, blowout, and style to perk me up. Mom life is TOUGH stuff and it is so easy to lose sight of who we are as women. Let yourself feel beautiful and take an afternoon to be pampered while you sit on your butt for a change. You deserve it.
I sincerely hope that you will take this list to heart and treat yourself as a woman as well as a mom. It’s so easy to forget about ourselves, put ourselves last, or continuing to procrastinate our own well-being while putting everyone else first. Make a conscious effort to schedule time for YOU. Maybe you can’t make an entire day/weekend of it but maybe you can make a goal to do 1-2 of these things each week. You will feel the benefits immediately and begin to regain your sense of self, as more than just mom.
Check out this post with the FREE printable planner I created to keep you accountable for self care!
A healthy, happy, refreshed, and well-loved woman makes a damn good mom. I’d love to hear your ideas for other self-care activities in the comments!
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.
