50 Totally Guilt Free Self Care Ideas For Moms

You’re probably looking for self care ideas for moms because you’re stressed to the max AND keep hearing about various moms indulging in “self-care” AND don’t feel like you know how to fit it into your already busy schedule.

Don’t worry girl, I’ve been there myself and have your back.

I’ve Googled guilt-free self care ideas for moms and the typical go out and do this and that didn’t work for me.

I have four children ranging from ages 1 – 13 so my daily schedule is always packed between chores, parenting, being the “fun mom“, loving partner, and furmom things can get stressful.

The self care ideas for moms that I’m sharing today, I constantly use each month to make sure I make time for myself so I can excel at all of my daily roles.

Here are 50 self care ideas for moms that will leave you feeling guilt free.

#1 Have a Spa Day or Night at Home

Going to the spa can be expensive. 

However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t pamper yourself at home. By making a small investment you can get all of the items you need to plan a relaxing spa day (or night) at home. 

For example, some good skincare items to consider adding to your spa night include the Brandefy Skin Superfood Cleanser and the Glow Skin Beta Clarity AHA Clarifying Peel. 

This is something that you can do with a few girlfriends or you can enjoy it alone. 

Read Also: How to Plan a Relaxing Spa Day at Home

#2 Play Video Games

Video games are one of my personal favorite self care ideas for moms.  

Before I used to be more of a Need For Speed type of girl, but now I’ve upgraded to virtual reality. 

If you haven’t gotten a Quest 2 yet, you definitely should. There’s so much to do in the virtual world from working out to experiencing travel. 

Or if you need something more relaxing, then you should try Online Solitaire. Playing this game helps relieve a lot of daily stress and keeps the mind sharp.

#3 Go to The Nail Salon

Getting a manicure or pedicure is a great way to get an hour or so to yourself and feel pretty.

I look forward to my nail salon visits…it’s just something about fresh polish and an eyebrow wax that instantly improves my mood. 

Even if you’re not into fake nails (like me) you can do a gel manicure and pedicure once a month to pamper yourself AND it’ll last for at least 2 weeks so you don’t have to feel guilty about spending the money. 

#4 Purchase Something For You 

Shopping can be very therapeutic, especially when shopping for yourself. 

However, as moms, it’s common for us to feel guilty about purchasing things for ourselves without getting the kids anything. 

If shopping is the thing that you like to do for self-care I’m here to tell you it’s okay. 

Whether it’s getting a new pair of leggings a few times a month (like me), splurging on a Curlsmith Defrizzion Dryer and XXL Diffuser, or even getting some Love CBD Intimacy Spray to unleash your inner sex goddess GO FOR IT. 

Sometimes purchasing something for yourself is all you need to turn a bad week around and put you in a better mood. 

#5 Workout 

Working out can become somewhat of an addiction once you get into a consistent routine. 

However, getting started with a fitness routine is the hard part. It’s easy to find excuses not to do it or do other things to avoid it. 

If working out more has been a goal of yours, make it part of your self-care. You’ll feel great after working out AND you’ll reap multiple health benefits. 

The best part is you don’t have to go to the gym or spend a lot of money creating a home gym so you’re able to work out at home. 

Read Also: How to Start Working Out at Home

#6 Get a New Outfit

If you’re like me, your kid’s closets are running over and you have clothing items in yours that you’ve had for years. 

While there’s nothing wrong with this (of course) purchasing a new outfit can improve your mood even if you don’t know where you’ll wear it yet.  

#7 Take a Nap

Taking a nap may seem so basic, but once you become a parent and you’re running off of limited sleep each day being able to sleep uninterrupted during the day sounds like a distant dream.

In my opinion, taking a nap is the ultimate form of self-care (or gift that anyone can give me for that matter lol). 

Did you know that you can even incorporate self-care into your bedtime routine?

#8 Watch TV or a Movie

Have you fallen behind on your favorite shows or is there a movie that you’ve been wanting to see, but can’t seem to find the time for?

When you take time out for yourself, spend a few hours watching TV or a movie. 

Need some recommendations? I like to binge the 90-Day Series, Carl Weber’s Shows and Smothered/ I Love a Mama’s Boy. 

#9 Do Nothing For a Day

Who says self care ideas for moms have to be limited to a few hours?

Make a whole day out of doing nothing. Don’t feel bad about using sick days at work or vacation time just to have a day for yourself. 

These days we tend to have the mentality that we have to be workaholics all of the time when the generations before us fought so we could have vacation time and sick days…use them. 

#10 Have Your Groceries Delivered 

Do you hate going to the grocery store?

Thanks to advancements in the grocery industry, now you don’t have to. 

Simply order your groceries online, find a coupon code for free delivery, and wait for your groceries to arrive. 

Plus, with all of the time you’re saving from not commuting to the grocery store and standing in the checkout line, you can spend time doing something else that you enjoy. 

Never ordered groceries online before? 

I suggest that you try Walmart Grocery Delivery. 

I’ve been using their services for a few years now and can’t recommend them enough. 

#11 Have a Cocktail

Self-care can be as simple as having a cocktail (or glass of wine). 

The next time you feel like you need to unwind, try making a new cocktail recipe at home. Pinterest has a ton of ideas to help you get your creativity going. 

#12 Go on a Date

Working, parenting, and doing chores day in and day out can put a strain on your relationship. 

Try to fit in one date night per month with your partner, or if you’re single, one date night per month with yourself. 

I know being a parent makes going on dates a little tricky. So, instead of a date night, you can have a day date, which can take place while the kids are in school so you can avoid having to pay money to a sitter. 

See Also: Date Ideas In Virginia Beach

#13 Get Your Hair Done

There’s nothing wrong with doing your own hair. However, it’s great when you’re able to have someone else do it so you don’t have to worry about fussing with it. 

For me, since I’ve been on my natural hair journey for a while, it’s great to even just have someone else do a hot oil treatment and flat iron on occasion. 

#14 Eat Without Feeling Guilty

If you’re on a weight loss journey it can feel like you have to deny yourself certain foods (I’ve been there). 

You don’t though. It’s okay to enjoy some of your favorite foods on occasion without feeling guilty. 

For me, my personal favorite guilty-free self-care meal is Pho. 

#15 Unplug From Technology

One of the best gifts anyone can give themselves is unplugging from technology. 

However, as someone who works full-time online, I understand what a challenge this can be. 

Even if you just unplug on Sundays or each night once the workday is over, you’ll be able to reap positive benefits. 

See Also: How Google Helped Me Get My Family’s Digital Wellbeing in Check 

#16 Get a Massage

Massages are one of the ultimate forms of relaxation and they come with health benefits too.

You can go to a massage parlor or if money’s tight you can go to a massage school and be a test subject for students taking their clinical OR you can have your partner give you a massage. 

#17 See a Chiropractor

Chiropractors provide so many benefits outside of alignment. 

I started seeing a chiropractor a few years ago, for lower back pain, and I was surprised at all of the health benefits…especially that it is also a natural way to manage migraines.

This is a visit that I always look forward to as I leave out feeling like a new person. 

#18 Color

Coloring isn’t just for kids.

With so many adult coloring book options available, there is one that is a match for you. 

Coloring is therapeutic, it’s a great way to unload your mind, and it allows you to express your creative side. 

#19 Work on Your Passion Project

Do you like to sew, write, build, etc?

Set a schedule for spending time working on your passion project. 

When you’re doing something that you love, the time will pass by, you won’t be stressed, and who knows you may even be able to generate some income from it. 

#20 Spend Time Alone

If you have young kids, there’s a good chance your house is never quiet.

One of the best self-care ideas for moms is to spend some time sitting alone in a dark room in absolute silence. 

#21 Write 

Whether it’s journaling, making a goal list, or a bucket list…do some writing. 

Writing is another therapeutic way to relax. 

When you’re writing about something that you’re interested in the time just flies by and it’s amazing to see how you’re able to string along different words to make a masterpiece. 

If you need a journal recommendation, I highly recommend The Glow Up Journal.

#22 Do Yoga

Yoga isn’t the easiest thing to do.

However, it’s a great form of self-care. 

It comes with some great health benefits, helps you clear your mind, and helps with balance and posture. 

Plus, there are so many free online videos that can help you get started from home so you don’t have to spend money paying for a yoga class if you don’t want to. 

#23 Take a Group Fitness Class

Group fitness classes are about more than working out.

As a mom, you may not get much adult interaction (I’m talking to you fellow SAHMs and WAHMs), and group fitness classes are a great way to interact with other adults. 

If you’re not sure about what fitness class you would enjoy, try out a few different ones. Usually, they offer a few classes for free or you can find affordable trial packages on Groupon. 

See Also: Tips For Group Workout Anxiety

#24 Take a Long Shower

Having a long shower is very rare once you enter parenthood. 

You’ll hear Phantom crying and calling out for Mom if you attempt to shower while the kids are awake. 

So, whenever you have the chance to take a long, hot shower enjoy it. 

It’s a great way to reset your mind. 

#25 Read a Book

While we’re always encouraging our kids to read as much as possible; when was the last time you had a chance to put your nose into a good book? 

Reading is another great form of self-care for moms as it allows our minds to travel to different places and escape our current reality even if just for a half-hour. You can read anything from non-fiction to romance books and enjoy some time for yourself. 

#26 Go Out in Nature

Getting out for some fresh air can always do you some good. 

Head out to your local walking or hiking trail and spend a few hours taking in the scenery and smelling the fresh air. 

#27 Listen to Music

We all know that music is good for the soul. 

Listen to your favorite genre for 30 minutes or so and let the music run through your veins. 

Also, feel free to dance like no one’s watching if the mood strikes. 

#28 Listen to a Podcast

There are podcasts about everything these days. 

If you don’t have time to do much reading, see if there’s a podcast available. 

You can even listen to a podcast while you’re doing other things such as taking that nature walk or even while you’re getting a massage. 

#29 Say Yes to Going Out With Another Adult

Feel guilty when you want to go hang out with a friend and leave the kids with the other parent?

Don’t. 

Challenge yourself to say yes the next time you’re invited out for cocktails, lunch, or whatever. 

#30 Take a Day Off From Working (AND Don’t Feel Guilty About It)

Use those vacation and sick days. 

Feeling overwhelmed or just not in the mood to work?

Take the day off. 

It’s just one day. 

I’m not saying make a habit and get into a routine of taking off weekly (or even monthly for that matter), but every once in a while it’s okay to take a day off from working for absolutely no reason at all AND not feel guilty about it the entire day. 

#31 Spend Time Browsing Your Favorite Website or Blog

Like reading gossip blogs or mindlessly browsing on social media?

Have at it.

It’s a great self care idea for moms. My guilty self-care pleasure is browsing Reddit. 

Reddit can be such a huge time suck, but at the same time, I enjoy doing it and have gotten a lot of knowledge from there as well. 

#32 Enjoy a Cup of Tea

Start your day with a cup of tea before the kids are up.

I read somewhere that one mom starts off her mornings with a very tranquil routine that involves her having tea in the dark or with candles lit. 

I’m not sure which blog it was on, unfortunately, but, that’s a self-care idea I can definitely get behind. 

#33 Say “No” (AND Don’t Feel Guilty About It)

Moms are notorious for saying yes or trying to be able to commit to everything, especially when it comes to our kids…myself included. 

However, I’m here to tell you, that you don’t need to chaperone every field trip, they don’t need to go to every extracurricular activity that the school has for families, AND it’s okay. 

Your kids get to do more than enough and you don’t have to run yourself too empty by being “Yes Mom” all of the time. Even if instead of going to the event or activity you just sit at home and drink tea

…..

It’s okay. 

#34 Stretch

Stretching can give you a new breath of fresh air. 

It doesn’t have to be anything major. 

You can just loosen up by spending 5 minutes between activities and stretching things out. 

#35 Do a DIY Project

Does creating things from scratch sound more up your alley?

Go ahead and head to your local craft or home improvement store and start that DIY project that you’ve had on your mind for months. 

For inspiration, you can check out DIY Home on a Budget.

Read Also: How to Update Your Existing Deck on a Budget

#36 Take a Bubble Bath

Bubble baths are a great way to relax. 

While in the bath relaxing you can also combine other things such as listening to a podcast, catching up on your favorite tv shows, or even reading a book. 

Plus, it gives you an excuse to try out some new bath products such as the No Scrubs EX-foliator Sugar Scrub or Let That Mango Body Butter. 

#37 Purchase That Item You’ve Been Feeling Guilty About Buying

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing something for a month or more, you should go for it. 

It’s no longer considered an impulse purchase as you’ve had more than enough time to think about it. 

The only thing holding you back is guilt at this point. 

For me, it has been upgrading my phone. I currently have the iPhone 11, however, after thinking about upgrading when the next model comes out, I’ve made the decision that I’m getting the new iPhone. 

#38 Make a New Dish

If you like to cook, making a new dish could be the self-care treatment that you need. 

You can try combining random ingredients together and hope for the best OR you can give a Pinterest recipe a try to see if it turns out photo perfect. 

#39 Reflect on Your Accomplishments

Feeling down?

Lift yourself back up by reflecting on your accomplishments so far. 

You’ve likely achieved more things than you could have imagined you would when you were in your early twenties. 

#40 Wear an Outfit You’ve Been Saving For a Special Occasion

Did you purchase a new outfit recently?

Put it on even if you’re not going anywhere. 

Getting dolled up can boost your confidence and make you feel good about yourself. 

#41 Take Time to Breathe 

Spend a minute or so focusing on your breath.

It’s a great way to clear your thoughts and reset your current feelings.

#42 Procrastinate on Social Media

Do you avoid social media the majority of the time?

When you’re trying to sneak in some self-care use your time to get a social media fix in. 

#43 Go Somewhere You’ve Never Been in Your City

Spend some time exploring your city.

Look on Yelp or Groupon and see what activities and events are available that interest you that you’ve never been to before. 

If you live in a major city, you may be surprised by how many festivals and things take place each weekend. 

#44 Catchup With a Friend or Relative via Phone

When was the last time you talked about randomness on the phone for an hour or so?

When you find yourself with some free time and a quiet house, spend some time catching up with a friend or relative on the phone. 

#45 Complain

As women, in general, we often feel like we have to keep everything inside to remain strong. 

I’m here to tell you this isn’t the case…it’s okay to complain.

Even if it’s just you writing or typing a letter and tearing it up afterward, go for it. 

You’ll feel so much better once you have it off of your chest too!

#46 Sit Silently in the Dark

Each night before bed or each morning upon waking up, take some time to sit silently in the dark and get your thoughts together. 

Having this time is a great way to both start and end your day. 

#47 Book a Hotel or Airbnb For Just Yourself

Sometimes we need to be totally alone and have time to ourselves to rejuvenate AND booking a hotel or Airbnb for just yourself is a perfect way to accomplish rebooting ourselves. 

Don’t worry about chores, cooking, or anything for one night.

Spend your time sleeping, working on your passion project, or whatever it is that you want to do. 

#48 Create a Wishlist 

When was the last time you created a wishlist of things that you wanted to purchase or places that you want to visit?

Find the motivation you need to keep pushing forward by readjusting what you’re working towards. 

#49 Detox Your Yoni

If you watch reality tv shows you’re probably already familiar with ‘Yoni Steams’. 

Yoni Steams are one part of detoxing your yoni, but there are other products out there too, such as Yoni pearls, Yoni washes, and even Yoni oil. 

I tried a yoni steam for the first time after having Ellie and it is definitely one of my recommended self care ideas for moms and it doesn’t require you to go to a spa either to have it done. 

#50 Try Out Some New Products

Are you guilty of purchasing a new product to try out, but never have the time?

I am guilty, for sure. 

Sometimes I just hold on to their item for a few months and then if it still remains unopened I donate it. 

These days one of the things I’m incorporating into my self-care routine is when I am taking a moment for myself I’ll try out a new product that I’ve been meaning to try. 

My most recent self-care product testing experience has been with The Patch Brand. 

In case, you’re unfamiliar with them they offer vitamin-infused patches that have ingredients that fit effortlessly into mom’s fast-paced lifestyle. They are better than pills and gummies because they allow vitamins to be constantly released into your body instead of partially being absorbed. Their patches target sleep, focus, stress, energy, and immunity. 

Now, I know you’re probably thinking, V you could have tried this out at any time. However, when trying new products I like to read all of the instructions and do a deep dive on the web so I know exactly what to expect beforehand. So, when trying out a new product I like to spend time on that, and then if the first test goes great I’m able to then incorporate it into my lifestyle. 

Conclusion: There Are Numerous Self Care Ideas For Moms

As moms, it’s important that we make time for ourselves. By spending time on self-care as often as we can, we’re guaranteed to keep our mental health intact so we can be the best parents (and others) possible. 

As you can see there are numerous self care ideas for moms. Need even more self care ideas? Check out this list of 100 Fall Self Care Ideas or learn how to plan a self-care weekend.

What’s your favorite way to practice self-care as a mom?