This Means Home

Being a mom is a full-time job (plus overtime). Between diaper changes, school drop-offs, work commitments, and dinner duty, it’s easy to push your own needs to the very bottom of the list. But here’s the truth: when you take care of yourself, you show up better for your family. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Here’s how you can fit self-care into your day, even when it feels impossible:

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1. Redefine What Self-Care Looks Like

You don’t need a spa day or a silent retreat (although those are lovely). Self-care can be:

Sipping hot coffee before the kids wake up.

Listening to worship music in the car.

Reading one verse from the Bible while you wait in the school pickup line.

Taking a 10-minute walk after dinner. It’s less about how long it takes and more about being intentional with the time you do have.

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2. Schedule It Like an Appointment

Put your self-care time on the calendar, just like you would a doctor’s visit or soccer practice. Maybe it’s 15 minutes of quiet in the morning, or a weekly solo grocery run that includes a treat from the coffee shop. If it’s written down, you’re more likely to protect it.

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3. Involve the Kids (Sometimes!)

Let your kids see you taking care of yourself. It models healthy habits! You could:

Do a quick stretch or yoga session together.

Have a “quiet reading hour” where everyone grabs a book.

Take them on a nature walk—and pause to soak it in yourself.

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4. Ask for Help

You don’t have to do it all. Let your spouse, a friend, or a grandparent take the kids for an hour so you can breathe. Or swap babysitting with another mom—you watch her kids one afternoon, and she returns the favor.

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5. Lean on Faith

When you’re tired, overwhelmed, or stretched thin, go back to the One who strengthens you. Start or end your day with a short prayer, or keep a devotional on your nightstand. God’s peace is the best kind of self-care.

> “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

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6. Let Go of Perfection

Your house doesn’t need to be spotless for you to take a break. The dishes will wait. Your well-being is more important than folding every load of laundry right away. Give yourself grace—you are doing enough.

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7. Celebrate the Small Wins

Did you paint your nails during nap time? Journal for five minutes? Laugh out loud today? That counts. Every act of self-care, no matter how small, is a step toward a more joyful, balanced version of yourself.

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Remember, mama: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. You are worthy of rest, joy, and a few quiet moments just for you.

Here is a Self Care Checklist and Daily Journal prompt

You can Download a PDF version of this checklist:

Weekly Self-Care Checklist for Moms

Daily Self-Care Goals:

☐ I drank enough water today

☐ I moved my body (walk, stretch, danced with kids)

☐ I ate something nourishing

☐ I took 10 minutes for myself

☐ I connected with God (prayer, verse, worship song)

☐ I gave myself grace

Bonus Self-Care Moments (Check as completed this week):

☐ Journaled for 5+ minutes

☐ Went outside for fresh air

☐ Took a break from social media

☐ Talked to a friend

☐ Did something creative (baking, drawing, decorating)

☐ Asked for help when I needed it

☐ Said no to something I didn’t need to take on

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Mini Self-Care Journal Page

Today’s Date: ____________

Mood Check:    (Circle one or add your own emoji)

One thing I’m grateful for today:

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One way I took care of myself today:

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A Bible verse that encourages me today:

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Prayer or thought I want to remember:

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