Self-Care Rituals for Busy Moms Who Do It All

Motherhood is beautiful, exhausting, fulfilling, overwhelming—all at the same time. As moms, we give so much of ourselves every single day, and sometimes, it feels like there’s nothing left for us at the end of it.

I get it. I’m right there with you.

I know what it’s like to be pulled in a million directions, to always have a running mental to-do list, and to collapse into bed feeling like you barely had a moment to breathe. But I also know how important it is to take small moments just for yourself—not just to keep going, but to truly feel like yourself again.

That’s where rituals come in.

Rituals aren’t about adding more to your plate. They’re about weaving self-care into the things you’re already doing—turning small everyday moments into something grounding, something calming, something just for you.

If you’re struggling to find time for yourself, start here. These are the small self-care rituals that help me stay sane as a busy mom.

 

1. The 2-Minute Morning Reset

Mornings with kids can feel like a race against time, but I’ve learned that taking just two minutes before the chaos starts can shift my whole mood.

Try this:

• Before waking the kids, sit up in bed and take one deep breath.
• Stretch your arms, roll your shoulders, and gently wake your body up.
• Set a simple intention for the day—something like “Today, I will be patient with myself.”
• If you have a moment, rub a drop of uplifting essential oil (like grapefruit or bergamot) between your palms, inhale deeply, and let it energize you.

It doesn’t have to be long, but just pausing before the whirlwind begins makes a huge difference.

 

2. The Aromatherapy Shower (5 Minutes, No Extra Time Needed!)

Some days, my shower is the only time I get to myself—and instead of rushing through it like another task, I make it my moment of peace.

Try this:

• Before stepping in, take a deep breath and tell yourself, “This is my time to reset.”
• Add a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus for an energizing morning, lavender for a calming evening) to the shower floor and let the steam carry the scent.
• As the warm water runs over you, take a few deep breaths and imagine the stress washing away.

That’s it. No extra effort, just a small shift in how you experience the moment.

 

3. The Skincare Pause (5 Minutes, Just for You)

I used to rush through my skincare routine, slapping on moisturizer while thinking about a hundred other things. But when I started treating it as a self-care ritual, not just another task, it became one of my favorite moments of the day.

Try this:

• Instead of rushing, take just five minutes to be fully present.
• When you apply your cleanser, feel the warm water on your skin.
• When you use your face & body oil, take a slow, deep breath and massage it in with gentle, circular motions.
• As you do, say something kind to yourself—even just “I deserve this moment.”

This small shift grounds you in the present and reminds you that you matter, too.

 

4. The Midday Reset (Because Moms Need a Break, Too!)

There’s always something to do, but I’ve realized that when I don’t take even the tiniest break, I end up running on fumes by the afternoon.

If you’re always go, go, go, this one’s for you.

Try this (takes 2 minutes!):

• Step outside or open a window for a breath of fresh air.
• Roll a calming essential oil onto your wrists and inhale deeply.
• Close your eyes for 10 seconds and let go of any stress.

It’s quick, but it’s powerful.

 

5. The Evening Wind-Down (10 Minutes, Before You Collapse into Bed)

By the end of the day, I know how tempting it is to just scroll on your phone until you fall asleep (guilty!). But I’ve found that when I take even 10 minutes to wind down properly, I sleep better and wake up feeling more like myself.

Try this:

• Make a warm herbal tea and sip it slowly, without distractions.
• Apply a soothing body butter or oil with slow, deep breaths.
• Write down one thing you’re proud of from today—even if it’s just “I kept everyone alive.”

This helps you transition from a busy mind to a restful state.

 

Final Thoughts (From One Mom to Another)

I know how hard it is to find time for yourself. I know what it feels like to put everyone else first. But I also know that when I take just a few small moments to care for myself, I show up as a better, more present, and more patient mom.

These rituals don’t require more time—just a little intention.

Start with one small ritual and let it be a daily reminder that you deserve care, too.

Which of these rituals resonates with you? Or do you have your own self-care ritual that helps you feel human again? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear from you. 💛

(P.S. If you need some self-care essentials to make your rituals even more soothing, explore our aromatherapy-infused skincare. Designed by a mom who gets it, for moms who deserve it.)