30 Self-Care Tips for Moms to Stay Motivated All Day Long

Feelin’ fine and in bed by nine!

Advice

News flash: You can’t fill up someone else’s cup if yours is empty. That’s why self-care for moms is so incredibly important! If you’re looking for self-care ideas for women that go beyond face masks and spa days, then you’re in the right place. Finding the motivation to work on yourself when it feels like your to-do list is miles long can be tough, which is why we’ve gathered our top tips to prioritize you. Mostly, it’s the little things you treat yourself to between life’s busy moments that can help keep you feeling charged up throughout the day. For instance, have you had a glass of water today? Congrats! That’s prime self-care right there–you’re already a pro!

These motivation tips may seem obvious, but when was the last time you blasted your favorite song and danced it all out, or organized your camera roll and deleted all of those screenshots? See what we’re saying? Sometimes all you need is a little nudge!

Pro tip: If you’re anything like us, you’ll understand when we say our entire lives are on our phones. So, count this as a bonus motivational tip: Print your favorite photos from your camera roll each month. This frees up SO much space without sacrificing any precious memories. Monthbooks and Monthly Minis subscriptions are the way to go to save everyday memories. Or, go all out and print your big milestones in your own custom premium Layflat photo book and use it as a stylish coffee table book. Treat yourself—in the name of self-care of course! Here are our 30 top motivation tips to use in your everyday life that require little to no effort.

Daily affirmations

Speak it to believe it, baby! You’re chock full of magic but it’s easy to forget all the awesome things you do (and bring to the table!) when life gives you lemons. Remind yourself of your power and confidence by simply speaking it out loud. Need some inspo to get going? Check out some motivation quotes for moms like these.

Catch some rays

This may seem obvious but, go outside! Get some air, see the sky, gaze at some greenery and just take it all in. This one is especially for the WFH crew, we see you.

Catch some ZZZs

There is nothing better than a good night’s sleep. Make sleep a priority and set hard boundaries around bedtime for yourself. Try skipping your late-night scrolling session on TikTok before bed to give your brain time to get in sleepy mode.

Print your favorite photos

Get your photos off your phone and into your home. Turn your favorite memories into photo books you can share with family and friends for years to come. Looking back at happy memories is a guaranteed serotonin boost.

Start a photo book collection

We mentioned this earlier but stress it again, stay on top of your camera roll by printing your fave memories every month. You’ll get a gorgeous photo book delivered to your doorstep each month, plus you’re styling your house with minimal effort when you leave them on display. We love a good mail day, it’s self-care.

Put your phone down

Don’t get caught living your life from screen to screen. It’s totally cool if you like to unwind by scrolling, but don’t let it take up all your time! Use some of that time for something you enjoy like cooking or finally cracking open that book that’s been sitting on your dresser.

Location, location, location… of your water

The Earth is made up of mostly water and so are you! Drink up and stay hydrated. If it’s hard to drink more than a few glasses each day, try flavoring your water with fruit or your sweetener of choice. Make sure your water bottle is always handy because if it’s outta sight, it’s outta mind. And opt for a bigger bottle that you don’t have to refill—that way there’s no excuse not to take some sips.

Treat Yourself

This one is our favorite, hands down. Sign up for that subscription you’ve been eyeing, join that yoga class your friend always mentions, or just buy the bag already! Whatever it is you’ve been thinking about splurging on, you deserve it.

Craft something

Feeling artsy? Make something! Pick up painting (or just get some paints and canvas from the dollar store and find a Bob Ross video on YouTube) or the less messy alternative, modern-day scrapbooking. If you’re looking for some crafts to do with the kids, follow us on TikTok for easy, cheap DIY projects for the whole family!

Write it out

Getting things out of your head and onto a page has a special way of putting things into perspective. Whether you like to journal or just get your ideas out, writing is a healthy way to take a load off. And who doesn’t love a cute journal?

Get cooking

Make your favorite meal or try a new recipe. Cooking, or even baking, can be a therapeutic activity. Put some nice background music on or your fave TV show. Bonus points if you get someone else to do the dishes after.

Catch up with friends and fam

Whether that’s at a coffee shop in person or on FaceTime, it’s an instant mood booster to talk to the ones you love. To keep your conversations going, opt for new and improved text apps like the free messaging app HeyFam, to more easily share photos and chat things out in themed rooms.

Turn your brain off

Just sit in silence and think about…nothing. It’s actually not as easy as it sounds but once you master it, it’ll become your new favorite practice. Here are some helpful meditation tips to get you started.

Reflect

Sometimes it’s just fun thinking about our favorite memories. Look through old pictures and try to recall their stories. Making time to reflect can lead to feelings of gratitude and clarity, plus can help you sort through what you want to prioritize in the future.

Make your favorite mid-day drink

Get your favorite glass and make a fancy iced coffee or Diet Coke on the rocks. It’s the little pick-me-up you didn’t know you needed.

Put on some jams

Girl, put your records on…but seriously, put your records on, or your AirPods or whatever you use! There’s a reason why movies and TV shows use music to set the mood for different scenes. Put on your favorite uplifting tunes of choice and enjoy being the main character.

Get into a good show

Speaking of the main character, who doesn’t love a good binge-watch? Sometimes it’s good to give your mind a break and sink into some quality reality TV—and if anyone gives you flack, you can remind them it’s self-care.

Tidy up

A necessary evil. Unless of course, you like to clean, then go you! But we can all agree that being in a tidy space makes us happy. Oftentimes, our space can be a reflection for our mental state. If taking a few minutes to organize lifts a weight off your shoulders, go for it.

Update your space

You don’t have to go into full-blown reno mode, but upgrading your space with small, subtle updates can have a positive effect on your mood. Try adding some plants, whether real or artificial, to cozy up your living space. Consider removable wallpaper if you’re looking for a bigger impact with little commitment!

Read a good book

Another great way to give your mind a break, that’s a bit more studious than binge-watching or scrolling, is reading a book. Whether it’s a new one or a well-read pal, grab your favorite blanket and sit in your favorite corner of the couch and get swept away on a literary journey.

Go for a walk

It can be as short or as long as you want! Put on a podcast and get those steps in, soak up the sunshine and breathe the fresh air as you embrace that boost of energy.

Get ready for the day

We know you’re a busy bee, and sometimes you end up in the same sweatpants for three days straight. It happens to the best of us. Put on your fave outfit or loungewear, style your hair, and get done up for the day—just for yourself.

Light a candle

It’s literally called aromatherapy. Certain scents have the power to calm and soothe us. Plus, they look cute in your space. Bonus points if you hop in a relaxing bath, too.

Get unready

You put in the effort to get ready and now it’s time to get unready. Take off your makeup, slay that skincare routine, and make your favorite sleepy-time elixir. Been saving your face mask for something special? Today’s the day!

Put on your comfys

If you’re at home, especially if you’re chasing after your little ones all day, you’re gonna wanna be in comfy clothes. So, put on your comfiest and coziest and enjoy! Bonus points if you slip on a pair of fuzzy socks or slippers.

Buy yourself flowers

Yes, like the Miley Cyrus song, you too can buy yourself flowers. Saw an extra stunning bouquet at your local grocery store? Treat yourself! It’s self-care.

Lay on the floor

It’s okay, you can laugh at this one. But we’re serious. Just lay flat on your back for five minutes and feel your back tension release. Having a firmer surface to lay on may ease any back pain. It’s actually pretty nice.

Shake it off

Just take a second to stand up and shake out your arms and legs if you can. Not only does it release stress, but it improves your circulation too. The more you know! Bonus points if you put on *that* Taylor Swift song.

Stretch

Big stretch! Whether you call it yoga or just stretching in your bed, the choice is yours. Stretching your muscles not only feels good physically but can also help release mental stress, too.

Breathe

If you made it this far, congratulations! You made it to our most important tip—just breathe. Practice deep breathing exercises or take a deep breath every now and then. Deep breathing releases calming chemicals in your brain, and we all could use a little calm throughout our day.

Finding the motivation to work on yourself doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task, sometimes self-care for moms is just cleaning out your camera roll and treating yourself to monthly photo books. Or, finally getting around to making that vacation photo book. So, drink your water, stretch, buy the flowers, and go carpe that diem—remember these motivational tips and you got this!