How to Make Time for Yourself as a Mother
Simple Shifts That Make Caring For Yourself Possible Again
Motherhood is a season of constant giving.
You give your time.
You give your energy.
You give your body, your focus, your heart.
When I became a first-time mom, I believed that investing 100% of myself into my child was exactly what I was supposed to do. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a devoted, full-time parent, I slowly began to notice something happening beneath the surface.
I was losing touch with myself.
I had less time for personal care.
Less energy for creative pursuits.
Less space to explore who I was outside of motherhood.
When I shared this with my therapist, he gently reminded me that seasons change. That my personal goals would still be there when this chapter softened. That right now, my primary role is to care for my family.
And while I agree with that truth, I’ve come to learn something else as well:
You can prioritize your children and care for yourself at the same time.
Not perfectly.
Not all at once.
But intentionally.
Why Self-Care Matters for Parents
Self-care is often misunderstood as something indulgent or optional. In reality, it is foundational.
Caring for yourself helps you:
- Regulate your emotions
- Reduce burnout
- Improve patience and resilience
- Show up more present and grounded
Children learn not only from what we say, but from what we model.
When we demonstrate rest, nourishment, and self-respect, we teach our children that their well-being matters too.
Self-care isn’t separate from parenting.
It supports it.
Understanding the Season You’re In
Some seasons are expansive.
Others are quiet, slow, and inward.
If you are caring for babies or young children, this may not be the time for large-scale personal reinvention. And that is okay.
I currently have a toddler and a newborn. Most days feel like survival mode. My focus right now is not on big milestones—it’s on small, steady practices that help me feel more like myself inside the life I’m living.
This is where micro self-care becomes powerful.
Small actions.
Low pressure.
High consistency.
The Difference Between Self-Care and Personal Care
Self-care is the intention:
“I deserve to be supported.”
Personal care is the action:
“How I express that belief daily.”
Together, they create a sustainable foundation.
When you feel more regulated and nourished:
- Your home feels calmer
- Your relationships feel steadier
- Your nervous system feels safer
This creates a ripple effect far beyond you.
How to Begin Making Time for Yourself
You do not need more hours in the day.
You need gentle structure and realistic expectations.
Here are a few ways to begin.
1. Choose 2–3 Non-Negotiable Practices
Select a few simple habits that help you feel supported.
Examples:
- Morning skincare
- Stretching
- Walking
- Journaling
- Quiet coffee or tea
- Evening shower
Keep the list short.
Consistency matters more than quantity.
2. Anchor Habits to Existing Routines
Attach self-care to things you already do.
- Skincare after brushing teeth
- Stretching while coffee brews
- Deep breathing before bed
This removes the need to “find time.”
3. Create an Energy-Based Self-Care Menu
Some days you’ll have more capacity than others.
Low Energy:
- Deep breathing
- Skincare
- Listening to calming music
Medium Energy:
- Stretching
- Walking
- Journaling
High Energy:
- Workout
- Longer shower
- Creative time
Let your energy guide you.
4. Release Guilt
You do not need to earn rest.
You do not need to reach exhaustion to deserve care.
Rest is a biological need, not a reward.
5. Start Small
One habit.
Five minutes.
One small promise to yourself.
This is enough.
A Gentle Reminder
You are not behind.
You are not failing.
You are not doing this wrong.
You are in a meaningful, demanding season of life.
Caring for yourself in small, consistent ways is one of the most loving things you can do—for yourself and for your family.
Download Your Free Self-Care Time Planner
To support you in building gentle routines, I’ve created a printable Self-Care Time Planner to help you:
- Identify your non-negotiables
- Create energy-based self-care options
- Map simple habits into your week
You can download it below and begin creating a rhythm that feels supportive and realistic.
👉 [Download the Self-Care Time Planner]