(Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful content like this!)
Being an at-home mom, whether you’re focused solely on raising your kids or balancing a career from home, can be incredibly rewarding—but also incredibly stressful. Since becoming an at-home mom in 2016, I’ve navigated the challenges of managing household duties, raising kids, and running a blog all from the same space. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be, and how important it is to have effective stress relief techniques to stay balanced and energized.
In this post, I’ll share some tried-and-true methods that have helped me manage stress over the years, and I hope they can offer you some relief as well. These techniques are tailored for busy at-home moms, whether you’re staying at home or working from home, so you can fit them into your packed schedule.
Effective Stress Relief Techniques for Busy At-Home Moms
1. Mindful Breathing
One of the simplest and most effective ways to calm your mind and body is through mindful breathing. As an at-home mom, the chaos of everyday life can sometimes feel overwhelming. I’ve found that when things get hectic—whether it’s managing a tantrum or trying to meet a deadline—taking a few moments to focus on my breath makes all the difference.
How to Do It: Take a seat in a quiet spot and close your eyes. Breathe in slowly through your nose, count to four, then exhale through your mouth for another count of four. Repeat this process a few times. You can do this anytime throughout your day, even in the middle of house chores.
2. Short Exercise Bursts
Exercise has always been a big stress reliever for me, but as an at-home mom, finding time for a full workout can be challenging. That’s where short bursts of movement come in. These mini-workouts help me release tension and boost my mood without taking up a lot of time.
What to Do: Set aside 5–10 minutes to stretch, do a quick yoga flow, or even dance to your favorite song. You’d be surprised how much better you feel after moving your body for just a few minutes. On days when you’re feeling really stressed, this is a quick way to reset.
3. Practicing Gratitude
When I first started practicing gratitude, I didn’t realize how much it could shift my mindset and relieve stress. As a busy at-home mom, it’s easy to focus on everything that needs to be done and what’s not going right. Taking a moment to reflect on what I’m grateful for—my family, my health, or even just a cup of coffee in the morning—helps me center myself and reduce stress.
How to Incorporate It: At the end of each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things; even small moments can make a big difference in your outlook.
4. Taking Regular Breaks
As an at-home mom, I’ve often found myself working non-stop, either around the house or on my blog. But over time, I’ve learned the importance of taking regular breaks throughout the day. It’s easy to push through, thinking there’s always more to do, but burnout becomes a real risk.
How to Do It: Set a timer for every hour or two and take a 5–10 minute break. Use this time to stretch, grab a snack, or step outside for some fresh air. These small pauses help prevent stress from building up over time.
5. Journaling
I’ve kept a journal for years, and it’s become one of my favorite ways to release stress. Sometimes, just getting all my thoughts and worries out on paper is enough to help me feel lighter. Journaling allows me to process what’s happening in my life, and it often helps me find clarity and solutions to what’s causing my stress.
How to Get Started: Set aside 10–15 minutes a few times a week to journal. Write about your day, your feelings, or anything that’s on your mind. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this is just for you.
6. Creating Boundaries
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned as a work-at-home mom is how important it is to set boundaries—both with work and with my family. Without clear boundaries, I often found myself feeling overwhelmed and stressed, constantly trying to be available for everyone at all times. By creating boundaries, I’ve been able to carve out time for myself and manage my stress more effectively.
How to Set Boundaries: Let your family know when you need quiet time or when you’re working. Designate specific times for work, chores, and personal time. Make it a point to stick to these boundaries so that you have space to recharge.
7. Decluttering
A cluttered environment can add to stress, and I’ve definitely experienced this as an at-home mom. Between the kids’ toys, laundry, and household items, things can get chaotic fast. Taking time to declutter and organize has a huge impact on my stress levels.
How to Start: Pick one area of your home that feels overwhelming. Set a timer for 15–30 minutes and tackle that space, getting rid of anything you don’t need. A clean, organized environment helps you feel more in control and less stressed.
8. Getting Enough Sleep
It might sound simple, but sleep is one of the most effective stress relief techniques. When my kids were younger, getting enough sleep was a real challenge, and I noticed how much more stressed I felt when I was tired. Prioritizing rest, even if it means taking a short nap during the day, has made a world of difference.
How to Improve Your Sleep: Create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid screen time before bed, and aim to go to sleep at the same time each night. Even if you can’t get a full 8 hours, consistent, quality sleep will help reduce stress.
Products to Help Manage Stress as an At-Home Mom
As an at-home mom since 2016, I’ve learned firsthand how stressful it can be to juggle the many responsibilities of both a stay-at-home and work-at-home mom. From daily chores to work deadlines and endless parenting duties, the stress can easily pile up. Over the years, I’ve discovered some great tools that have helped me manage stress better. In this post, I’m sharing a list of products that have personally worked for me in creating a stress-relief toolkit.
- Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
- Why it works: Aromatherapy can instantly create a calming environment. I use lavender or eucalyptus oil to relax after a long day.
- Shop on Amazon
- Weighted Blanket
- Why it works: This blanket provides deep pressure stimulation, which helps reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. It’s my go-to for those stressful nights.
- Shop on Amazon
- Yoga Mat
- Why it works: Daily yoga or stretching sessions help me center myself. It’s a simple, effective way to decompress physically and mentally.
- Shop on Amazon
- Mindfulness Meditation App Subscription
- Why it works: Meditation has been a game changer for managing stress. I use an app for guided sessions in the mornings or evenings, helping me stay grounded.
- Download apps like Headspace (https://www.headspace.com/) or Calm (https://www.calm.com/)
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Why it works: Blocking out the noise, even for just 10 minutes, lets me focus on breathing exercises or enjoy some calming music without distractions.
- Shop on Amazon
- Herbal Tea Set
- Why it works: Drinking a calming tea like chamomile or peppermint can be a small but powerful way to unwind. It’s part of my evening self-care ritual.
- Shop on Amazon
- Daily Planner for Time Management
- Why it works: Keeping my schedule organized reduces overwhelm. I write down my to-do list and prioritize tasks, which has been key to managing my stress levels.
- Shop on Amazon
- Massage Gun
- Why it works: After a busy day, I use this handheld massage gun to relieve tension in my muscles, especially after long hours of sitting or lifting kids.
- Shop on Amazon
- Blue Light Glasses
- Why it works: As a work-at-home mom, I spend a lot of time in front of the screen. These glasses help reduce eye strain and headaches, making screen time less stressful.
- Shop on Amazon
- Gratitude Journal
- Why it works: Writing down things I’m grateful for each day has helped shift my mindset from stress to appreciation. It’s a simple practice that makes a big difference.
- Shop on Amazon
These products have made a noticeable difference in my stress levels and overall well-being. Incorporating even one or two into your daily routine can help manage the pressures of being an at-home mom. I hope these suggestions help you on your journey to stress relief! If you’ve found other tools that work, I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments. Let’s support each other!
Prefer not to read? Check out our video!
Final Thoughts
As a busy at-home mom, managing stress is a daily challenge, but it’s not impossible. I’ve found that incorporating these simple techniques into my routine has made a big difference in how I handle the daily pressures of life. Remember, being a mom is a full-time job, but it’s just as important to take care of yourself so that you can care for your family.
By practicing mindfulness, taking breaks, exercising, and setting boundaries, you can reduce your stress levels and enjoy more peace in your daily life. Stress relief doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated; sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest impact.
If you have any stress relief techniques that have worked for you as an at-home mom, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
