Motherhood is a full-time job—one that doesn’t come with scheduled breaks, quiet lunches, or PTO. Between juggling kids’ schedules, work responsibilities, household duties, and the invisible mental load moms carry, it’s no wonder many feel like there’s simply no time left for themselves. But carving out moments of peace is not a luxury; it’s essential.
If you’re wondering how to find me-time as a mom when every minute feels claimed, you’re not alone. One 2024 survey found that only 39% of Gen Z and Millennial moms have at least an hour to themselves every day. Let’s explore how moms can realistically prioritize themselves without feeling guilty.
Why “Me-Time” Matters for Moms
We all know you can’t pour from an empty cup. When moms don’t carve out space to recharge, it can lead to burnout, irritability, and even depression. Making space for rest, joy, and stillness supports your physical and mental health, your relationships, and your ability to parent well.
So let’s break down real-world strategies—both big and small—to make space for you again.
1. Start With a Mindset Shift
You are worth prioritizing. Say that again: you are worth prioritizing.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing me-time is selfish or unnecessary. But self-care for working moms isn’t indulgence; it’s necessary. A healthy, balanced mom is better equipped to care for her family. So don’t fall into the trap of mom guilt; remember, taking care of yourself is taking care of your family, too.
2. Schedule Self-Care Like a Non-Negotiable
If it’s not on the calendar, it won’t happen. One of the most effective tools for time management for moms is blocking out space for yourself.
That can look like:
- A solo walk after dinner
- A 30-minute bath after the kids’ bedtime
- Coffee with a friend once a month
- Booking a massage once every quarter
Make these moments sacred. Guard them the same way you guard a pediatrician appointment or soccer practice.
3. Embrace the Power of “Good Enough”
Let go of the idea that everything has to be perfect. The toys don’t need to be sorted by color. Breakfast-for-dinner is just fine. Some chores can wait. Embracing balance instead of perfection frees up your mental space and creates actual time for your self-care.
4. Get Creative With Multitasking
If your schedule feels too packed, it’s time to take back the small amounts of time in your daily routine.
Try these things:
- Listening to an audiobook or podcast while folding the laundry.
- Doing a 10-minute yoga video while the baby naps.
- Journaling or meditating while waiting for the school bus.
- Exercising with your toddler by dancing in the kitchen, or walking them in their stroller.
When it comes to a solution to the question, how to find me-time as a mom?, it’s okay to steal it in bits and pieces.
5. Lean on Time-Saving “Hacks”
When it comes to time management for moms, it’s important to work smarter, not harder.
Try these simple ideas that free up more time for self-care for working moms:
- Cook double batches and freeze future meals.
- Plan weekly menus to reduce decision fatigue or if your budget permits, get meals delivered (like Hello Fresh, Factor, etc.)
- Use grocery delivery or curbside pickup during particularly hectic weeks.
- Delegate laundry and other easy chores like putting up the silverware to your kids–this gives you a minute to breathe and teaches your kids important life skills, too.
- Simplify your routines: fewer decorations, less built up laundry, and flexible meal ideas (eg, ordering pizza and eating on paper plates) means less time spent cleaning and more time spent on yourself.
These small time-savers can add up to big moments of relief.
6. Simplify the Idea of “Self-Care”
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.
Here are 10 things you can do this week that take 10 minutes or less:
- Drink your coffee hot while journaling
- Take a longer, quiet shower
- Write a “to-DONE” list celebrating what you’ve accomplished today. Start small–even brushing your hair counts!
- Read a few pages of a book (yes, particularly a paper one!)
- Do your skincare routine slowly
- Paint your nails
- Sing loudly in the car
- Meditate or breathe deeply before bed
- Stretch while watching TV
- Make a dinner that you enjoy—even if it means the kids eat premade PB&Js.
When you reframe self-care as anything that makes you feel like yourself, it becomes easier to prioritize.
7. Ask for and Accept Help
With only 35% of moms over 30 reporting that their household duties were equally shared in the Motherly 2024 State of Motherhood survey, it’s clear that moms have too much on their plates and need to delegate. Trying to do everything alone leads to burnout. If you have a partner, communicate your need for breaks and divide household responsibilities fairly.
If you have nearby family or friends, ask them to babysit. No nearby support? Try coordinating with other moms you trust to trade off watching each other’s kids. Even a 90-minute window can make a world of difference to your mental health.
8. Identify Your Triggers
If your patience evaporates every day at 5 pm, that’s a signal. Notice patterns where you feel stretched too thin, and then troubleshoot. Maybe you need an afternoon snack, a slower pace, or five minutes alone in your room with the door shut.
The more you know your limits, the better you can care for yourself before burnout hits.
9. Be Present in the Moment
Believe it or not, the solution to the age-old question “how to find me-time as a mom?” doesn’t necessarily require solitude. Being fully present with your kids—laughing, snuggling, reading together—can sometimes refill your emotional cup more than zoning out on your phone.
By slowing down and connecting intentionally, you nourish both your child and yourself.
10. Try the “Quiet Time Box” Trick
Have a rotating stash of favorite toys or crafts in a “Quiet Time Box” for your kids for when you really need a breather. A well-timed “quiet box” can buy you 20–30 minutes of peace during the day. Make sure you don’t leave it out all the time; keep it hidden so it remains novel and special.
11. Center Nature and Movement in Your Life
Getting outside, even for ten minutes, can reset your mood. Walks, jogs, park visits, or stretching on the patio can provide clarity and calm. Bonus: kids often sleep better after outdoor play, meaning you may gain quiet time in the evening, too.
12. Build Boundaries—and Stick to Them
Sometimes the best thing you can say is “no.” You don’t have to join every committee, attend every birthday party, or keep the house spotless. Prioritize your peace and your time.
Saying no is an act of self-respect—and an essential skill for time management for moms.
13. Redefine Self-Care to Fit You
If workouts or journaling don’t feel like self-care, that’s okay. Maybe self-care for you is watching reality TV, baking, doing crafts, or planning your next manicure. The goal is to feel more you—not to meet someone else’s definition.
14. Protect Your Sleep (When You Can)
A consistent bedtime for your kids can mean more quiet time for you. Use that time to wind down with activities that actually relax you instead of scrolling on your phone. And if you can swing it, sleep in occasionally, or take a nap. Remember, rest is not lazy; it’s restorative.
Help Create Time for Self-Care
Being a mom doesn’t mean abandoning yourself. It means caring for your family and for yourself. When you’re wondering, how to find me-time as a mom?, try starting with just five minutes.
And if, despite your efforts, you’re still feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted, it’s okay to ask for help. At Advantage Mental Health Center, we offer flexible, judgment-free support designed with busy moms in mind. Remember, you deserve care, too.
Take the first step toward supporting your self-care. Reach out to us today to create a mental health care plan that fits your busy mom life.
Sources:
Motherly. (2025, March 28). 2024 State of Motherhood report. Motherly. https://www.mother.ly/news/2024-state-of-motherhood-report/