When you’re a working mum, self-care is usually the first thing to disappear from your to-do list.
There’s always another email to answer, another load of washing to put away, another school letter to read or another meal to cook. It’s easy to convince yourself that you’ll look after yourself “when things calm down.”
The problem is… they rarely do.
I’ve learned the hard way that self-care isn’t something you earn after you’ve finished everything else. It’s what helps you keep going in the first place.
These are five simple self-care habits that have made the biggest difference for me—and none of them require a spa day or an expensive weekend away.
1. Let Go of Perfection
This has probably been the hardest lesson for me.
For years I felt like I needed to be the perfect mum, run the perfect business, keep the perfect house and somehow still have energy left at the end of the day.
It’s impossible.
Some days the laundry stays in the basket.
Dinner comes from the freezer.
The house is messy.
And that’s okay.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard is the one they give you on an aeroplane—put your own oxygen mask on first.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
2. Listen When Your Body Tells You to Slow Down
I used to ignore the signs.
I’d keep working when I was exhausted, survive on cups of tea and tell myself I’d rest later.
Eventually my body decided for me.
Now, if I’m feeling run down, I try to listen before I completely burn out.
Sometimes that means finishing work early.
Sometimes it means having an early night.
Sometimes it means leaving the housework until tomorrow.
Your body isn’t being lazy—it’s asking for what it needs.
3. Make Time for Something That Makes You Happy
Self-care doesn’t have to mean expensive treatments or entire weekends away.
Sometimes it’s simply doing something that’s just for you.
That might be:
- reading a few chapters of a book
- walking the dog
- gardening
- crafting
- watching your favourite programme
- enjoying a hot bath
- sitting in the garden with a cup of tea
Even twenty minutes can completely change how you feel.
4. Stay Organised (But Don’t Obsess Over It)
I’ve found that a little bit of planning saves a huge amount of stress.
Knowing what’s happening during the week means I’m not constantly trying to remember appointments, deadlines and school events.
I use calendars, reminders and to-do lists because they free up mental space.
Being organised isn’t about having colour-coded planners.
It’s about making life feel a little less chaotic.
Related: Time Management Tips for Working Mums
5. Remember Who You Are Outside of Being “Mum”
Motherhood changes you.
It’s easy to become known as someone’s mum rather than as yourself.
But you’re still the same person underneath all the responsibilities.
You still have interests.
Dreams.
Goals.
Things that make you laugh.
Spend time reconnecting with those parts of yourself.
Whether it’s learning something new, restarting an old hobby or simply giving yourself permission to dream again, don’t lose sight of the person you were before everyone needed you.
Final Thoughts
Being a working mum is rewarding, but it’s also exhausting at times.
Looking after yourself isn’t selfish—it allows you to show up for everyone else without completely running on empty.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight.
Choose just one of these ideas this week and see how it makes you feel.
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
If you’re looking for more ways to create a healthier work-life balance, you might also enjoy Managing Stress as a Working Mum: Tips and Techniques and How to Make Life Easier as a Working Mum.
If you’re exploring flexible ways to earn around family life, my e-book 5 Ways to Make Passive Income for Female Entrepreneurs walks you through realistic income ideas that fit around family life.
FAQs
Why is self-care important for working mums?
Self-care helps reduce stress, prevent burnout and improve both your physical and mental wellbeing. Looking after yourself also helps you be more present for your family and your work.
What counts as self-care?
Self-care can be anything that helps you recharge. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Reading, walking, exercising, journalling, getting enough sleep or simply taking ten minutes to yourself all count.
How do I make time for self-care when I’m busy?
Start small. Even ten or fifteen minutes a day can make a difference. Schedule it into your calendar just like you would any other important appointment.
Is self-care selfish?
Not at all. Looking after yourself means you’ll have more energy, patience and resilience for the people who depend on you.
