by Mamta Saini
As mothers, we tend to put everyone else first. Between juggling homes, careers, and the myriad tasks of raising children, our th tends to fall by the wayside. If you’ve ever been utterly drained at the end of the day, you’re not alone. A 2022 Motherly survey discovered that 72% of mothers feel burned out, with many blaming it on lousy time management of their self-care.
But here’s the good news: self-care doesn’t have to mean elaborate spa days or hours of alone time (though those are lovely when possible). Instead, it’s about finding small, achievable ways to recharge throughout your busy day.
The Magic of the 10-Minute Rule
One approach that revolutionized my relationship with self-care is the “10-minute rule.” As a mother managing family life alongside business, I’ve discovered that consistency beats duration when it comes to self-care.
Here’s how I do it: I set aside at least one 10-minute window of self-dedication daily. Some days, it’s quietly enjoying tea before the house ever wakes up. On other days, it’s quiet stretching, meditation, or journaling before sleep. These little bits may initially seem so small, but they have a profound impact on mental health.
Research supports this: Even short moments of mindful self-care can dramatically lower stress hormones and boost overall happiness. These mini-breaks enable us to bring our best selves to our families.
Small Self-Care Wins for Busy Mums
If you’re curious about how to fit small self-care routines into your busy schedule, here are some ideas that are within reach:
- Morning mindfulness: Wake up 10 minutes before your family for a peaceful moment with a cup of coffee or tea
- Midday reset: Between tasks, take a few deep breaths, take a short walk, or listen to a favorite song
- Nightly unwind: Establish a short bedtime routine – reading a couple of pages from a book, some light stretches, or three things you appreciate writing down in a journal
Consistency over perfection is key. Some days, you may manage all three, while others, one moment of self-love is enough to succeed.
Breaking the Guilt Cycle
Most mothers feel guilty about caring for themselves, perceiving self-care as selfish or extravagant. This thinking hurts us and our children. When we continuously ignore our needs, we unintentionally teach our children that self-sacrifice is the foundation of motherhood.
Instead, consider this shift in viewpoint: self-care isn’t an indulgence but an obligation. Just as we’re careful with our children, we need to show the same concern for ourselves. Caring for our minds and bodies teaches healthy boundaries and self-respect—positive lessons for the children who look up to us.
The Power of Community Support
While mothers tend to do it all themselves, asking for help can be life-changing. A study at the University of Michigan has indicated that mothers with good social relationships have less stress and higher levels of life satisfaction.
Support from the community can be expressed in a variety of ways:
- Connecting with a local mothers’ group or online forum
- Swapping childcare with another family
- Being open enough to ask for assistance when necessary
- Dividing responsibilities with your partner or family members
Remember that interdependence, not independence, is the characteristic of resilience. No mother was designed to do it by herself.
Celebrating Small Wins
One last tactic that’s served me well is celebrating small victories. Instead of dwelling on what I didn’t get done, I celebrate what I did manage to do—whether it’s a triumphant work meeting, a good conversation with my child, or just surviving a tough day.
This habit of observing and celebrating incremental steps creates momentum and positivity. It helps us remember that motherhood, as with any worthwhile endeavor, is constructed on innumerable small moments of presence and effort.
Moving Forward
Self-care is not selfish—it’s necessary. We can break the burnout and shame cycle by harnessing the strength of small victories and integrating short but regular self-care habits. Remember that you deserve the same compassion and care you so easily extend to others.
As you continue, I urge you to begin small. What 10-minute space can you carve out for yourself tomorrow? What small act of self-compassion could revive your spirit? Start there, and see how these small victories add up over time, changing not only your health but also your experience of motherhood.
Author Bio
Mamta Saini is a Real Estate Expert and CEO of We Buy Houses in SF Bay Area, with over a decade of experience balancing family life and entrepreneurship. Passionate about helping mothers thrive, Mamta shares practical strategies for maintaining balance, staying organized, and prioritizing mental well-being.