How to create a self-care ritual as a busy mom (even if you only have 5 minutes)
You’ve finally carved out a rare pocket of time just for you, and suddenly you’re frozen. Should you wipe the counters? Catch up on emails? Tidy the kitchen? Or just scroll through your phone until the kids need something again?
I’ve been there. And I’ve learned (the hard way) that using this time to tackle the to-do list might feel productive, but it rarely leaves you feeling nourished. Instead, it drains your energy and reinforces the feeling that there’s never enough time for you.
Here’s the truth:
Making space for your own needs isn’t indulgent, it’s essential.
And the good news? You don’t need hours to reconnect with yourself. You just need intention.
Creating a self-care ritual as a mom isn’t about adding more to your plate, it’s about choosing to feed your spirit, your body, your joy, in simple ways that fit into your life right now.
Why self-care matters (especially for moms)
When we care for everyone else but constantly put ourselves last, resentment builds, energy runs low, and we lose touch with who we are beyond the role of “mom.”
But when we gift ourselves small moments of presence – whether it’s five quiet breaths or an hour-long bath – we come back to ourselves. We refill the well. And from that place, we’re able to show up more grounded, more present, and more us.
Think of self-care not as something to earn, but as something that sustains everything else. It doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. You just need a few mindful moments to reconnect.
Let’s explore some easy ideas based on how much time you actually have.
Self-care ideas based on the time you have
If you have 5 minutes:
Yes, just five minutes can make a difference.
Yoga-inspired:
- Lie down in Savasana and focus on your breath
- Come into Child’s Pose for a few breaths of grounding
- Do a gentle seated twist to release tension and massage your internal organs
Other ideas:
- Sing along to a feel-good song
- Walk around the block
- Massage your feet with oil or balm
- Jot down your thoughts in a journal (hello, brain dump!)
- File your nails or apply lip balm mindfully
If you have 15 minutes:
A little more time can offer a deeper reset.
Yoga-inspired:
- Flow through a short Sun Salutation or neck and shoulder release
- Use a foam roller or yoga blocks and bolster for gentle stretching
- Sit quietly with a guided meditation
Other ideas:
- Create a flower bouquet or doodle a mandala
- Dance to your favorite playlist
- Brew and sip a calming herbal tea
- Read a few pages of an inspiring book
- Use a scrub in the shower or apply a face mask
If you have less than 60 minutes:
This is a golden window. Use it to drop deeper into presence.
Yoga-inspired:
- Practice a full-body slow flow online
- Do restorative poses with props and calming music
- Follow a yoga nidra session to rest deeply
Other ideas:
- Knit, crochet, or do a creative hobby
- Repot a plant or start a small windowsill garden
- Cook a nourishing meal just for yourself
- Take a warm bath with salts and essential oils
- Listen to a soul-nourishing podcast
If you have more than an hour:
These longer stretches are rare—use them with intention and joy.
Yoga-inspired:
- Attend a local class or create a personal retreat at home
- Combine yoga with journaling
- Explore breathwork or a longer meditation practice
Other ideas:
- Join a pottery or painting class
- Go hiking or take a long nature walk
- Get a massage or book a salon appointment
- Create a manifestation or vision board
- Go to a wellness appointment you’ve been putting off
Make it yours
Before you choose what to do, take a moment to reflect:
- What lights you up, even for a moment?
- Do you feel better after movement or stillness?
- Indoors or outdoors—where do you feel more at ease?
- What time of day feels most natural for a pause?
- What type of activities bring you joy?
- What is the best way for you to express yourself?
- How can you explore and materialize your creativity?
- What can you do to move your body and release stagnant energy?
- What kind of therapy or practices can support you to improve or maintain your health?
- What tools can help your self-development and evolve emotionally and spiritually?
- What relaxation techniques are available to you?
- How do you take care of your body?
There’s no “perfect” self-care ritual—just the one that feels right for you, right now.
Your next step: Download my free toolkit
Want a simple way to start weaving yoga and self-care into your everyday life—even with a full schedule and a full heart?
Grab my free toolkit: How to integrate yoga into your daily life
It includes:
- A short yoga class you can do at home or at work
- A workbook with reflection prompts and affirmations
- A guided relaxation meditation
This toolkit is designed especially for busy moms like you who are ready to reconnect, restore, and reclaim time for themselves – without guilt.
Because your wellbeing matters. And your self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s your foundation.
