1. Practice Mindful Breathing

Life pulls us in many directions as moms. We spend our days multi-tasking, trying to get everything done. However, stopping to take a few deep, mindful breaths every so often helps calm our nervous system. This allows us to approach tasks from a more centered, focused place. Set reminders on your phone to take a minute or two to just breathe. Notice the gentle rise and fall of your chest and belly. Regular mindful breathing sessions reduce stress and help us stay present.

2. Take Nature Walks

Being in nature is profoundly healing, helping to alleviate anxiety and depression. As often as possible during the week, take your kids out into nature. Go for family walks in the woods, through your neighborhood, or in a park. Tune into the sights and sounds around you rather than getting caught up in your endless to-do list. Bring along healthy snacks to enjoy together amidst the trees. Nature reconnects us with what matters most.

3. Practice Yoga

Yoga helps tone our bodies but also quiets our racing minds. The combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation makes yoga wonderfully restorative. Even 10-15 minutes of yoga first thing in the morning or before bedtime can make a big difference. When practicing yoga, be present with your body rather than judging yourself. Yoga helps alleviate stress and anxiety, boosting our overall well-being. Numerous apps offer customizable home yoga sessions based on time available and energy level.

4. Enjoy Bubble Baths

Few self-care practices feel more decadent than taking a long, peaceful bubble bath. As moms, we tend to put everyone else ahead of ourselves. However, allowing ourselves 20-30 minutes (lock the door!) to soak in bubbly bliss works magic. Light a few candles, put on calming music, grab a book or magazine, and indulge your senses. The warmth and comfort of a good bubble bath wash our stress down the drain. Emerge renewed and ready to continue giving your all.

5. Experiment with Ice Baths

Cold water immersion and ice baths have grown increasingly popular for reducing inflammation, boosting energy levels, and decreasing stress. The cold sends signals to your nervous system that help regulate bodily processes. Start with cold showers first before gradually working up to ice baths. And if you want to buy your own water chiller, Cold Plunge Facts has reviewed the best ones. Customizable products allow adjusting the temperature as your body acclimates. While shocking at first, fans of cold therapy swear by increased focus, productivity, and a sense of well-being.

6. Prioritize Quality Sleep

With our action-packed schedules as moms, quality sleep often remains elusive. However, sufficient sleep is crucial for both our mental and physical health. Combat the tendency to burn the candle at both ends by prioritizing rest. Turn off electronics an hour before bedtime and do relaxing activities like reading, journaling, gentle yoga, or taking an Epsom salt bath. Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. To help ward off middle-of-the-night anxiety, practice deep breathing as you settle into bed. Protect your sleep schedule whenever possible rather than letting it fall by the wayside. You’ll be far better equipped to care for your loved ones after restful sleep.

Being a mom often feels like a whirlwind, with little time left over for ourselves once we meet everyone else’s needs. However, regularly taking small pockets of time for self-care allows us to be the happiest, most present moms possible. Whether it’s mindful breathing, cozy bubble baths, nature walks, yoga sessions, or prioritizing sleep, caring for ourselves ultimately allows us to better care for our families. As the famous saying goes: “You can't pour from an empty cup.”