Being a mom is a full-time job (plus overtime and no paid vacation). You spend your days juggling responsibilities—packing lunches, carpooling, answering work emails, managing tantrums, and making sure everyone is happy. But let’s be real: When was the last time you made yourself a priority?
Self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, taking time for yourself is the best thing you can do for your family. When you feel good—physically, emotionally, and mentally—you have more patience, energy, and love to give.
Austin is full of amazing self-care opportunities, whether it’s an early morning walk at Lady Bird Lake, a yoga session, or a quiet coffee break at a local café. Let’s break down how to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life—without the guilt.
Creating a Self-Care Routine That Actually Works for You
A self-care routine should feel good, not like another task on your to-do list. The trick is to make it work for you, not against you.
- Start small: Five minutes of deep breathing? A quick stretch? A solo walk? That counts! A self-care routine doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Start with what feels doable and let it grow naturally.
- Keep it flexible: Some days, you’ll have time for a spa day. Other days, it might be just a quiet cup of tea before the kids wake up. Both are valid. Self-care should fit into your life, not make you feel like you’re failing if you miss a day.
- Make it personal: What helps you recharge? Reading? Dancing in the kitchen? A long shower with zero interruptions? Prioritize what makes you feel good. The best self-care routine is the one that aligns with your needs and lifestyle, not someone else’s.
Challenge: Write down three self-care activities you love and schedule them into your week! Having a plan in place makes it much easier to follow through.
Morning Self-Care: Start Your Day with Intention
Let’s be real—mornings can be chaotic. Between waking up kids, packing lunches, and getting everyone out the door, it’s easy to start the day already feeling frazzled. But even five minutes of intentional self-care can shift your whole day.
What’s a good morning self-care routine?
A morning routine isn’t about adding another chore; it’s about starting your day in a way that supports your well-being.
- Before the kids wake up: Stretch, meditate, or sip coffee in silence. Give yourself a moment to wake up gently rather than diving straight into responsibilities.
- After school drop-off: Take a short walk or listen to your favorite podcast. This transition time can be used for something uplifting instead of rushing into work or chores.
- If mornings are wild: Find one thing you can do just for you—even if it’s just playing your favorite song while making breakfast. Small moments of joy add up
⏳ Quick win: Set your alarm five minutes earlier and use that time just for you—no laundry, no emails, no distractions. Those few minutes can set the tone for a calmer, more centered day.
Self-Care Schedule Cheat Sheet
A quick reference for busy moms to integrate self-care into their day.
Evening Self-Care: Unwind Like a Queen
By bedtime, you’re exhausted. After a full day of caring for everyone else, it’s tempting to collapse on the couch and scroll through social media. But how often does that leave you feeling more drained? Instead, try an evening routine that actually helps you relax.
What works?
- A warm bath with essential oils. This can help your muscles relax and signal to your body that it’s time to unwind.
- Turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed (goodbye, stress!). Blue light can mess with your sleep cycle, so putting devices away earlier can help you fall asleep faster.
- Journaling one good thing that happened today. This helps shift your mindset toward gratitude and positive reflection.
- A cup of herbal tea and a book that has nothing to do with parenting. Give your mind a break from thinking about responsibilities.
Quick win: Pick one thing to add to your evening routine that signals “me time.” Stick with it for a week! Even a small change can make a big difference in how rested and refreshed you feel.
Self-Care Activities Based on Your Mood
Not sure what you need? Match your self-care to how you’re feeling.
Daily Self-Care Habits: Tiny Acts That Add Up
You don’t need hours to practice self-care—small, consistent habits can make a big difference.
Simple ways to take care of yourself every day:
- Drink water before coffee. Staying hydrated helps with energy and focus.
- Take 10 deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. Just a few seconds of deep breathing can reset your nervous system.
- Eat at least one meal sitting down (not standing over the sink). Giving yourself permission to pause and enjoy food is a simple but powerful act of self-care.
- Step outside for five minutes of fresh air. A quick dose of sunshine and fresh air can boost your mood and energy.
One morning, I was rushing to get the kids ready for school. Between making lunches, searching for a missing shoe, and diffusing a meltdown over the “wrong” cereal, I suddenly realized—I hadn’t eaten breakfast. Or even had a sip of water. I was running on fumes, again.
That’s when it hit me: If I kept putting myself last, I’d eventually have nothing left to give. So, I made one tiny change—I started drinking a full glass of water before I touched my coffee. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was a start. And that one habit led to another—like eating an actual breakfast. Small steps add up, mama. Start with one thing today.
Quick win: Set a daily reminder on your phone to check in with yourself. Ask: “Have I done something for me today?” If not, take five minutes to do something small but meaningful.
Weekly Self-Care: A Date with Yourself
Life is busy, and it’s easy to forget to take time for yourself when you’re juggling responsibilities and commitments. But you deserve moments of joy and relaxation too! That’s why a weekly self-care date with yourself is a powerful way to recharge and nurture your well-being. It’s a commitment to your mental, emotional, and physical health—one that allows you to step back from the demands of daily life and truly care for you.
Pick one:
- Go out solo—grab coffee, go shopping, or sit at a park without entertaining anyone. Alone time is valuable and refreshing.
- Move your body—yoga, hiking, or dancing in your living room. Physical movement is one of the best ways to boost your mood and energy.
- Connect with friends—schedule a girls’ night or even just a phone call. Social connections are an important part of emotional well-being.
I used to feel so guilty about taking time for myself. The first time I booked a solo spa day at Milk + Honey, I almost canceled—because “I should be spending that money on the kids” or “there’s too much to do at home.”
But I forced myself to go. And you know what? It was amazing. I came home refreshed, happy, and patient instead of exhausted and resentful. I hugged my kids tighter, laughed more, and didn’t snap over the spilled juice on the floor. That’s when I realized: Taking care of myself makes me a better mom.
Quick win: Open your calendar and schedule a self-care date this week—treat it like an important appointment. Because it is!
Monthly Self-Care: A Check-In with Yourself
Life changes fast, and your self-care should evolve with it. Once a month, take a few minutes to reflect and check in with yourself. This simple practice can help you stay aligned with your needs and ensure you’re taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Reflection Questions to Guide Your Check-In:
- What’s working? Take note of the habits, routines, or activities that positively impact your life. What’s been bringing you joy, peace, or a sense of accomplishment? These are the things you want to lean into. (More of that!)
- What’s draining me? Identify the things, people, or habits that are depleting your energy. Are there areas where you’re overextending yourself or certain activities that are no longer serving you? (Less of that!)
- What do I need right now? Consider what your body, mind, and spirit are asking for now. Maybe you need more rest, a burst of creativity, or a new challenge. What would bring you the most balance? (Adjust accordingly.)
Austin Self-Care Ideas for Monthly Treats:
Having a few go-to self-care options that you know will nurture you is always helpful. Here are some ideas to treat yourself and recharge:
- A massage at Milk + Honey Spa: This spa is known for its serene atmosphere and top-notch treatments. Take an afternoon to unwind and let the stress melt away with a personalized massage.
- A solo brunch at Elizabeth Street Café: Enjoy a peaceful meal in a charming atmosphere, whether enjoying the beautiful patio or the cozy interior. It’s the perfect opportunity to savor delicious food and enjoy quiet time alone.
- A quiet walk at Zilker Botanical Garden: Reconnect with nature at this peaceful spot in Austin. Whether wandering through the Rose Garden or reflecting by the pond, this is a great way to clear your mind and refresh your spirit.
Quick win: Write down one self-care goal for next month and commit to it.
Mindfulness & Mental Clarity: Be Present, Mama
Mindfulness isn’t about sitting in silence for an hour (though that can be a lovely practice, too). It’s about being present in the moments you have, no matter how small. In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos of everything that needs to be done. But true peace comes when we learn to tune into the present moment with awareness and intention.
Simple ways to be more mindful:
- When playing with your kids, put your phone away and really be there.
- Take a deep breath before responding to frustration.
- Savor your morning coffee instead of gulping it down.
Quick win: Pick one mindful habit and practice it daily.
Digital Detox: Unplug to Recharge
Is your phone stressing you out more than it’s helping? If so, it might be time for a digital detox. In today’s world, we’re constantly connected—emails, social media, work messages, news updates. While technology can bring convenience, it can also overwhelm us, distract us, and even contribute to stress or burnout. A digital detox isn’t about completely abandoning technology, but rather creating intentional space where you disconnect to recharge, refocus, and restore balance.
Easy ways to unplug:
- Set “no-phone” hours (like during meals or before bed).
- Turn off unnecessary notifications.
- Delete one app that drains your energy.
Digital Detox Challenge (Pick One!)
Unplugging doesn’t have to be all or nothing—start small!
- Beginner: Put your phone away during meals.
- Intermediate: One screen-free evening per week.
- Advanced: A full 24-hour break from social media.
- Bonus: Try a weekend without screens (except for calls & emergencies).
Quick win: Try a one-hour digital detox today and see how you feel!
Time Management: Make Time for YOU
Self-care won’t happen unless you make space for it. It’s easy to get caught up in the demands of life—work, family, errands, and responsibilities—leaving little time for yourself. But the truth is, if you don’t make self-care a priority, it often gets pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. The key to living a balanced, fulfilled life is learning how to manage your time intentionally, so you can create the space you need to care for yourself and recharge.
Tips for fitting self-care into a busy schedule:
- Put self-care on your calendar—like any other appointment.
- Wake up 10 minutes earlier for quiet time.
- Swap one episode of TV for a self-care activity.
5-Minute Self-Care Ideas for Busy Moms
Short on time? You don’t need an hour to take care of yourself!
- Take five deep breaths before responding to stress.
- Step outside and let the sun hit your face for a minute.
- Drink a full glass of water before your next cup of coffee.
- Put on a song you love and dance for 5 minutes.
- Send a funny text to a friend to brighten your day.
Local Austin Self-Care Hot Spots
Austin is packed with places that help moms recharge. Top picks:
- Best spas: Lake Austin Spa Resort, Viva Day Spa
- Cozy cafés for alone time: Mozart’s Coffee, Merit Coffee
- Wellness studios: Lizard Yoga, SoulCycle
Essential Self-Care Tips for Moms: How to Prioritize Yourself and Recharge
self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially for busy moms who are constantly juggling responsibilities. By prioritizing even small moments of self-care throughout the day, you can recharge and bring more energy, patience, and joy to your family. Whether it’s a few minutes of quiet time in the morning, a relaxing evening routine, or committing to a weekly solo activity, integrating these practices into your life will help you become the best version of yourself.
Remember, taking care of you isn’t selfish—it’s essential for both your well-being and your family’s happiness. So, start small, be consistent, and give yourself permission to enjoy the process. You deserve it!
