As an at-home mom, balancing the demands of both home life and (for some) work life is a daily challenge. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or juggling the responsibilities of working from home, one thing is certain: “me time” is vital to your well-being. From my own experience, being an at-home mom since 2016, I’ve learned that prioritizing even a few moments of self-care each day can make all the difference in staying balanced and grounded.
As at-home mom—whether you’re fully focused on caring for your family or balancing a home-based job while managing household duties—your days are full of responsibilities. From sunrise to bedtime, someone always needs your attention. But in the middle of it all, there’s one person who often gets left out: you.
I know this firsthand. As a work-at-home mom, my days are a whirlwind of preparing meals, keeping the house running, homeschooling help, blogging, and managing social media. I’m also emotionally available to my children and husband while trying to stay grounded in my personal faith and well-being. It’s fulfilling, yes—but it can also be exhausting. That’s why I had to learn (the hard way) the value of “me time.”
Understanding Me time for at-home moms
Why Every At-Home Moms Needs Me Time
Me time isn’t selfish—it’s self-care. When you take time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself, you’re able to show up better for your family. You become more patient, creative, and emotionally present.
Here’s why every at-home mom needs intentional me time:
- Boost Your Energy and Creativity: Whether it’s journaling, walking, praying, or painting—me time fuels you to bring new energy into your home and work.
- Mental and Emotional Reset: Constantly multitasking without pause leads to burnout. Even 15 quiet minutes can help you regroup and breathe deeply.
- Reconnect with Your Identity: You’re a mom, yes—but you’re also a unique woman with passions, talents, and dreams. Me time reminds you of who you are beyond motherhood.
- Model Healthy Boundaries for Your Kids: When your children see you setting time for yourself, they learn it’s okay to prioritize personal well-being.
- Reduced Burnout
As a mom, it’s easy to feel burned out when every moment of the day is filled with tasks and caregiving. Taking time for yourself prevents that feeling of being overwhelmed and helps maintain balance. - Improved Mental Health
Whether it’s journaling, practicing mindfulness, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment, having time to focus on yourself improves your mental clarity and emotional well-being. - Better Productivity
When I take time to recharge, I’m more focused and productive throughout the day. It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually make you more efficient when tackling your to-do list.
How to Make “Me Time” Happen
You might think, “There’s no way I can fit in extra time for myself!” I’ve been there. But after some trial and error, I found that setting aside just 15–30 minutes a day for self-care or relaxation was achievable. Here’s how:
- Wake Up Early or Stay Up Late
I often wake up a little earlier than my kids to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or engage in activities like reading, meditation, or light stretching. Alternatively, you can wind down at night with a few moments to yourself before bed. - Incorporate Self-Care into Daily Routines
Sometimes, self-care doesn’t have to be extra; it can be incorporated into your daily routine. Whether it’s a long shower, an uninterrupted lunch, or a quick workout while the kids nap, find ways to nourish yourself throughout the day. Block out time in your planner and treat it like an important appointment. Because it is! - Delegate Tasks
Another valuable lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s your partner, a family member, or hiring a babysitter for a few hours, delegating can free up time for you to recharge. - Nap Time = Mom Time: Instead of using your child’s nap to tackle chores, take that hour for a cup of tea, a book, or a quick nap of your own.
- Create Tech-Free Evenings: Once the kids are asleep, avoid screens. Light a candle, listen to calming music, and unwind.
Ideas for Your Daily “Me Time”
Not sure where to start? Here are a few simple activities that can make a big difference in how you feel:
- Quiet Reading Time
Pick up a book you’ve been wanting to read or dive into something inspiring. Even just 15 minutes of reading can help you escape and unwind. - Yoga or Meditation
Stretching or practicing mindfulness for a few minutes can bring calmness to your busy day. - Creative Outlets
Whether it’s painting, crafting, or journaling, engaging in a creative activity helps release stress and brings joy. - Outdoor Walk
A simple walk around your neighborhood or park can do wonders for your mood and energy levels.
What Me Time Looks Like for Me
For me, me time is often simple:
- A mindful walk in the morning sun
- A hot cup of tea in the garden
- Listening to an audiobook while folding laundry
- Reading a self-improvement book in bed
- Doing a quick 15-minute journal session
These small practices help me reconnect with myself and keep burnout at bay.
Self-Care Essentials for At-Home Moms
As an at-home mom who has been balancing the demands of family life since 2016, I know firsthand how easy it is to overlook self-care. Both stay-at-home and work-at-home moms face daily challenges, and taking a few moments to focus on yourself is vital for mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Over time, I’ve come across some great self-care essentials that have helped me stay grounded and refreshed. Below is a list of my favorite self-care items that you can easily find on Amazon to make “me-time” a regular part of your routine.
- Essential Oil Diffuser
- After long days of managing a home, creating a calming atmosphere is key. I love using my essential oil diffuser with lavender or eucalyptus oils to unwind in the evenings. It makes the house smell amazing and instantly helps me relax.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Plush Bathrobe
- Every mom deserves a cozy moment of luxury, and for me, that comes in the form of a plush bathrobe. Wrapping up in a soft robe after a shower or bath is one of the small pleasures I look forward to after a busy day.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Yoga Mat
- Whether you’re fitting in a quick 10-minute stretch or a full workout session, a good yoga mat is a must-have. As a work-at-home mom, I use mine to take short breaks throughout the day and release tension in my body.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- These headphones are a game-changer, especially for work-at-home moms who need to focus or stay-at-home moms who just need a quiet moment. I use them during my work sessions or when I want to tune out and meditate.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Self-Care Journal
- Taking time to reflect and set intentions helps me stay mindful and balanced. I use a self-care journal to jot down thoughts, gratitude, and small daily goals. It’s been an essential tool in my self-care journey.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Herbal Tea Variety Pack
- Sometimes, all you need is a quiet moment with a cup of tea. I keep a stash of herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint, which help me unwind in the evening or during a break in the day.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Face Masks
- A quick face mask session can do wonders for your skin and mental health. I love using hydrating masks when I’m having a self-care moment—whether in the middle of a workday or after the kids are asleep.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Weighted Blanket
- When I really need to relax, a weighted blanket provides that deep pressure and comfort that helps me sleep better. It’s one of my favorite self-care investments, especially after long, stressful days.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Aromatherapy Shower Steamers
- For those of us who don’t always have time for a bath, shower steamers provide a quick and luxurious escape. Infused with essential oils, they help me turn an everyday shower into a calming experience.
- Check it out on Amazon
- Massage Gun
- After long days of running errands or working from home, muscle tension builds up. This massage gun has been a lifesaver for me, helping to relieve tightness and soreness after hours of being on my feet.
- Check it out on Amazon
As an at-home mom, whether you’re working or focusing solely on family, it’s important to prioritize your own needs. These self-care items have made a significant difference in my daily life, helping me stay grounded and refreshed. Incorporating self-care doesn’t have to be complicated—these Amazon finds are perfect for making time for yourself, even on the busiest days.
Final Thoughts
As a mother who has experienced the ups and downs of being an at-home mom, I cannot stress enough the importance of scheduling time for yourself every day. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. By incorporating “me time” into your routine, you’ll feel more fulfilled, energized, and ready to tackle all the demands of your role.
Remember, no matter how busy your schedule is, self-care is key to your overall happiness and health. So, make it a priority to schedule those precious moments each day and watch how it transforms not only your well-being but also your effectiveness as a mom.
Download Free: [MomCare Daily Self-Care Checklist]
Start prioritizing you with this simple printable to guide your daily self-care habits.
