Why It’s Important To Take Time For Self Care As A Mother & Some Tips On How To Do It

-

 



Self-care is important for everyone, but let’s be honest some of us have a much harder time making it a priority. And sometimes, when life feels heavy and full of responsibilities, it’s easy to forget about it altogether.

That’s what happened to me when I became a mother. My kids’ well-being seemed so much more important than my own. And whenever I had a spare moment, I used it to care for others like my parents, my husband, my in-laws, or anyone else who needed me.

But that wasn’t sustainable. It wasn’t healthy. And I’ve only recently started to fully realize that.

So I wrote this post to remind other moms who feel the same way: taking care of yourself doesn’t become less important when you have kids. In fact, it becomes more important.

Why Self-Care Is Actually Essential for Moms

There are a million reasons why moms need self-care, but here’s the short version:

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

It’s hard to give your best to your family when you’re running on fumes. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you’re putting yourself above your loved ones it means you’re investing in your ability to care for them with more joy, patience, and energy.

When you feel better, everything flows better:

  • You’re more present and less likely to snap.

  • You have more energy for the small (and big) things.

  • You actually get to enjoy motherhood—not just survive it.

But here’s the most important reason:
The people who love you want you to be happy. Your happiness matters to your spouse, your kids, your friends. And it should matter to you too.

"But I Don’t Have Time for Self-Care..."

Believe me, I get it. Whether you stay at home or work outside the home, mom life is full. But here are a few ways you can gently carve out time for yourself even if life feels overwhelming.

1. Rethink the Chores

Delegate when you can. Lower your standards a bit. If you’re mopping daily, can you mop every other day? Not everything has to be done every single day.

2. Hack Mealtime

Try slow cooker meals, prep meals with leftovers in mind, or freeze ahead. Less time in the kitchen = more time for you.

3. Schedule Around Your Kids

If they’re on a consistent sleep schedule, wake up an hour before them or stay up an hour after. I did both when my girls were little, and that quiet time was gold.

4. Partner with Another Mom

Trade off hosting playdates so each of you gets time to yourself. Community helps—use it.

5. Use “Special Time” Activities

Pick a movie, show, toy box, or game your kids love and only bring it out when you need a breather. You get space, they get fun, it’s a win-win.

6. Hire Help (If You Can)

If your budget allows, get some support like a housekeeper, a sitter, even just a mother’s helper once a week. You don’t have to do it all alone.

So You Found a Little Time—Now What?

Here are five self-care ideas that don’t take a ton of time or money but can make a big difference:

📝 Journaling

Writing your thoughts down can be surprisingly healing. You can also use your journal to record sweet, everyday moments you want to remember.

🧘‍♀️ Exercise

Pick what works for you—yoga, walking, dancing in your living room. It’s not about perfection; it’s about feeling good in your body.

😴 Take a Nap

Sometimes the most radical act of self-care is...sleep. If you’re not getting enough at night, don’t feel guilty about catching a nap when you can.

🧘‍♀️ Meditation

Even just five minutes of stillness can reset your whole mood. There are free apps and YouTube videos if you need help getting started.

💬 Reconnect with Loved Ones

Motherhood can feel isolating. Reach out to someone you miss. Even a short phone call or coffee date can refill your soul.

Mama, You Deserve This

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. I wrote this because I wish someone had told me to take better care of myself when my girls were young. Maybe you needed to hear that too.

I always say: if this blog helps even one mama feel more seen and supported, then it’s worth it. 💛

If you have thoughts, questions, or just want to say hi then please leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Mother’s Guide To Surviving The Newborn Phase

-
Image
As a mother of two, I know all too well how challenging the newborn phase can be. Those first few weeks (or months!) are filled with love, exhaustion, and more diaper changes than you ever imagined. So I decided it was time to create a practical guide for new mothers—a guide that walks you through what to expect and how to make it through this unique season with your sanity intact. What to Expect in the Newborn Phase According to the World Health Organization, the newborn stage officially lasts until your baby is 28 days old. Many experts, however, extend that timeline to about 12 weeks, often calling it the fourth trimester . From a parent’s perspective, most find that things start to feel easier around the three- to four-month mark. But whether it’s one month or three, this stage often brings: Frequent feedings and diaper changes (sometimes what feels like all day, every day). Interrupted sleep —your baby may sleep a lot, but not in long stretches. Emotional ups and dow...
Read more

Simplifying My Blog: Why I Switched to Blogger

-
Image
I wanted to let you know that I’ve officially moved my blog from WordPress to Blogger. I really enjoyed using WordPress, but the hosting fees were getting a bit too high for me. Switching to Blogger helps me keep things simple and affordable so I can focus on what really matters — building a supportive community of moms. My goal with this blog has always been to create a space where moms can come together, share experiences, and encourage one another. While I do plan to share some Etsy finds and affiliate links here and there, making money isn’t the main reason I’m doing this. The real reward is connecting with all of you amazing moms out there. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I’m excited for what’s ahead!
Read more

Welcome to A Can Do Mom!

-
Image
Hi, I’m Becca — the mom behind A Can Do Mom ! I’m a Christian and lifelong nurturer who believes motherhood doesn’t have to mean losing yourself. I created this space to share encouragement, real-life tips, and honest conversations for moms who are doing their best (even when they feel like they’re barely holding it together). Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats — caregiver, teacher, nurse, advocate, and everything in between. I homeschooled my two daughters all the way through, and now that they’re both adults, I’ve stepped into a new season of motherhood. One of my daughters lives with anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. The other has epilepsy and severe food allergies. So when I say I understand the mental load of parenting, I really do. I started this blog to help other moms like me — women who are juggling big things, often without much support, and who still want to live with purpose, faith, and a little bit of peace. Whether I’m sharing parenting insights, home life tips, gentle discipl...
Read more