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Hey Mama, let’s chat about self-care for stay-at-home moms.

First, how are you feeling? Are you hanging in there? Surviving? Thriving in the chaos? Whenever someone asks me how I’m doing, I say, “Surviving.” Because that is what I’m doing, I am surviving.

There are days I am uncertain I will make it through. Those are the days I rely on these self-care tips for stay-at-home moms the most to boost my energy levels and decrease mom burnout.

Let’s Face it. Motherhood is TOUGH

Motherhood is a beast of a job whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home mom. It requires an epic amount of energy, patience, compassion, and empathy. Most of us go into motherhood without truly knowing what to expect—the exhaustion and stress alone are enough for most people to walk out on any other job.

But we tough it out because we love our children.

As moms, we learn to put others’ needs ahead of our own. From the moment we get a positive test result, we become second to the little nugget growing within. We focus on our health to provide a healthy environment for our baby more than ourselves.

But if you don’t take the time to care for yourself, you can’t properly care for anyone else.

So, let go of the Mom Guilt and dive into these self-care tips.

Self-Care Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms

1. Get dressed, mama.
   
   It is so easy to fall into a pattern of sweatpants and pajamas when you are home with your kids.
   
   But the first step in self-care is to put on real clothes. Jeans, shorts, a cute dress – it doesn’t matter. Get your butt out of bed and put on some clean clothes.
   
   I promise you will feel significantly better already.
   
   
2. Wake up before the kids.
   
   I am not a morning person, but I discovered that waking up an hour before my kids makes a HUGE difference. It gives you time to be at peace before the chaos starts.
   
   What you choose to do with that time is up to you (I have tips), but the quiet will help you mentally and emotionally prepare for the day.
   
   The days I successfully get out of bed before my children are when I am truly at my best. I am patient, far more empathetic, and quick to laugh if I am not immediately met with chaos.
   
   So, set your alarm for an hour before your kids typically wake. Take advantage of the calm before the storm.
   
   
3. Make Some Mom Friends
   
   
   
   Mom Dating is tough. But 100% worth the effort. Build a village filled with women who know what you are experiencing.
   
   You can meet other moms at church, exercise classes (Mommy and Me classes are huge for this), the playground, or join a Mom Group (the PTA is great if you have school-age children).
   
   They even have dating apps for moms. After having my first daughter, I met a few moms through the app Mush, and I still chat with them – it’s been seven years.
   
   My point is to get out there and make friends. The more mom friends you have, the easier it is to get through motherhood. You don’t need a zillion friends, but a few quality moms with similar priorities make a huge difference.
   
   
4. Exercise and Eat Good Food
   
   Starting your day with an exercise routine is most beneficial – you’ll feel more energized, positive, and ready to take on the day. However, if you don’t have time first thing in the morning, you can always throw in 20 minutes of exercise during nap time or right before bed.
   
   Move your body daily—walk, take a spin class, do yoga, Pilates, try High Fitness, etc. Mommy and Me classes are great, as well.
   
   Also, be sure to eat well! Be mindful. Don’t overload on sugar.
   
   
5. Take Breaks
   
   Breaks are crucial when raising little ones. We all have long, exhausting days as moms. Some of you spend your day at work, then come home to cook, clean, and put the kids to bed. Some of you are home with your kids all day and don’t truly have a break until after the kids fall asleep.
   
   It’s hard to be a mom, which is why it is so IMPORTANT to take breaks.
   
   If you’re coming home from a busy day at work, sit and breathe for a minute or two before going inside. Call it a “soft reset.”  But take the time to recharge before attending to your family.
   
   If you’re a stay-at-home mom, find time throughout the day to pause. Nap or quiet time is the easiest, but you can also take moments to reset when your kids are outside playing or in another bedroom.
   
   Remove yourself from the situation. If you have an infant, set her down in her crib and step away to breathe. Take a walk when Dad gets home or take that yoga class you’ve been dying to attend.
   
   
6. Find a Hobby
   
   Hobbies are a great way to re-establish your sense of self. They are geared specifically toward your mental, physical, or emotional health and provide an excellent escape from a busy mom life.
   
   Here are a few ideas: painting, drawing, gardening, knitting, crocheting, writing, a sporting activity (kickball, slow-pitch softball, etc.), meditation, cooking, or baking.
   
   If you find a hobby that is great for exercise, go for it!
   
   
7. Build a Village & Ask for Help
   
   
   
   Last, but certainly not least: Ask for help!
   
   Don’t feel guilty about not being able to accomplish everything by yourself. It’s impossible without a village behind you. Set up your support network of friends, relatives, and other moms and utilize it.
   
   If you need help getting your house re-organized, set up an exchange with your mom-friends and take turns tackling each other’s houses.
   
   Need someone to watch the kids so you can shower? Ask for help.
   
   It is far easier to offer help than ask for it, but as busy moms, we need to move past the weight of mom guilt—and the fear that often coincides with it—and ask for help.