Nine ways to make time for yourself
Let me guess: you’re juggling a million things—feeding little humans, managing a home, keeping up with work or personal projects, trying to remember what “me time” even means… and somehow, people keep telling you to just take care of yourself like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
Here’s the truth: you’re not lazy, unmotivated, or bad at time management. You’re busy. You’re doing your best. And you’re probably feeling like there’s simply not enough time in the day for anything extra—including, sadly, you.
But what if I told you that taking time for yourself isn’t about adding one more thing to your to-do list? What if it’s about gently shifting your priorities—just a little—to remind yourself that you matter too?
Let’s start by getting honest about why carving out me-time (and maybe even a few minutes of yoga) can feel impossible.
The real reasons we think we don’t have time
So many mums I speak to say the same thing: “I want to take care of myself, but I just don’t have time.”
Here are some common beliefs that hold us back:
- “It’s not the right time.” (Spoiler: the perfect moment doesn’t exist.)
- “I have too much to do.” (You probably do, but you still deserve a break.)
- “I’ll do it later.” (Later usually means never when you’re running on empty.)
We show up for everyone else—our kids, our partners, our bosses—but when it comes to our own well-being, we push it to the bottom of the list.
But here’s something to think about: Would you cancel your child’s doctor’s appointment?
Would you miss an important meeting at work?
Then why cancel on yourself?
Taking time for you isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s how you recharge, stay healthy, and keep showing up in the ways that matter most.
Let’s shift from “I can’t” to “how can I?”
9 real-life ways to make time for yourself
These ideas are bite-sized, doable, and mom-tested. Try one, or a few, and see how it feels.
1. Go to bed or wake up 15–30 minutes earlier
It might feel hard at first, but those extra quiet moments in the morning or evening can become a sacred pocket of calm.
Learn easy strategies to improve the quality of your sleep here.
2. Cut back on screen time
Be honest – how many minutes (or hours) disappear into scrolling, watching, or Googling random things? Swap just 10 minutes for a quick yoga stretch or guided meditation.
3. Rethink household chores
You don’t have to do it all. Delegate. Share tasks. Hire help if it’s available to you. You deserve support.
4. Plan ahead
Use a family calendar to block off your time, too – not just the dentist appointments and soccer practices. Protect your moments like any other commitment.
5. Establish routines for your kids
A predictable rhythm with meals and bedtime can give everyone more peace – and might even open up regular time for you.
6. Swap childcare with another mom
Take turns! Even just 30 minutes of solo time while someone else watches your little one is golden. Check out this blogpost about practicing yoga with kids at home.
7. Use your commute creatively
Listen to a podcast, breathe deeply, or do a short visualization. If you’re on public transport, take advantage of that “passive” time.
8. Set healthy boundaries
Say no to things (and people) that drain you. Your energy is precious – spend it wisely.
9. Schedule it. Literally.
Put self-care, yoga, or quiet time on your calendar and treat it like any other appointment. If it’s not scheduled, it likely won’t happen.
You deserve this
Remember: making time for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s smart. When you show up for yourself, you show up better for everything and everyone else. And it doesn’t have to be big or perfect—it just has to be intentional.
So whether it’s five minutes of mindful breathing or a short yoga stretch in your pajamas, it counts. It matters. You matter.
Ready to start creating space for you?
If you’re craving more support in making self-care a part of your everyday life (without guilt or overwhelm), I’ve got something for you: How to integrate yoga into your daily life – a toolkit with a short home practice, reflection prompts, and a guided relaxation to help you start right where you are.
Because you don’t need more hours in your day. You just need to remember that you deserve to take up space in your own life.
