How to Make Time for Self-Care 20 Ideas For When You “Don’t Have Time”

We hear it all the time. Over and over again. Women need to make time for self-care.

It’s important. It’s vital. You nod along and agree.

Then you look at your working homeschool mom life and think, “Later.”

I know because that was me. Once upon a time…

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“When was the last time you took time for you?”

Confession: I hate that question.

It brings with it a flash from the past…

I remember it like it was yesterday.

I was sitting in the waiting room. I had been sitting there for what felt like an eternity. Waiting.

I could hardly swallow. My ears hurt. My body ached. I was dressed in a work uniform because I just finished a full 8-hour shift.

I glanced at my schedule for the upcoming week. Black Friday. Every cashier’s nightmare even in Canada. I laid my head back and closed my eyes.

“Jen, you can come back now.”

He poked, prodded… “say ah.”

Then started the usual questions. When was the last time you slept? Are you eating? and then the dreaded question. “How do you make time for self-care?”

That last question earned him a proper glare. As I sarcastically answered in my head, “Well, doc, let me see…”  Thankfully my throat hurt too much to voice the words aloud, which is for the best. He was just doing his job.

When he asked, “Why did you wait so long?” 

Apparently, “work schedules” and “no answer at the doctor’s office” weren’t quite the response he was looking for. It’s “blackout season,” which means you can’t ask for time off, not even if you are sick. It’s a “no-no,” and I wasn’t working for fun.

Jobs are rare, and for 30-somethings who had been in and out of the workforce for a few years, finding a job and keeping it wasn’t easy.

After he filled out the prescription pad and looked at me with a final demand to go home make time for self-care. I laughed in my head. Sure, I’ll get right on that, after the holidays, after the storms, after school, after work, after housekeeping, after…

I don’t have time for that.

That is my number one reason excuse. I don’t have time to look after myself. I don’t have time to rest. I don’t have time for myself.

I am a mom. Like most moms, that means everyone comes before me, right? Right?

However, I will give him points for being “on to something.” I knew in my heart that looking after me was important. I should be making it a priority. After all, there was only one of me, and who else would walk around picking up after everyone…I kid. Kinda.

I challenged myself to make time for self-care.

I can fit 30 minutes in at least once a week to do something for myself. Anyone can fit that in, can’t they?

How To Make Time For Self-Care In Your Busy Life:

1. Choose a small chunk of time. Start small, something you can manage. Even 5-10 minutes makes a huge difference!
2. Mark it in your calendar or planner or your phone. If you can, set a notification and make it important.
3. Choose something you will enjoy doing.

Because sometimes we need a kick to get started, right? We need simple, easy ways to get back on track. 

A Moment for Me: 20 “Self-Care” Things that take 30 Minutes or Less:

Now that you have no excuse, here is a great list to get you started!

Remember: Self-care is not some guilty extravagance.

1. Learn a hobby you are interested in.

I used to crochet. I was horrible at it, but it was fun. You can make a whole scarf in 30 minutes. Like this one: 30 Minute Cowl

The point is to try something new and have fun learning, whatever that might be.

2. Create Something.

With number 1 in mind, do something, create something. It can be a gift, something for someone else, something to organize your homeschool, or even a yummy meal for your family.

Creation makes you feel accomplished and increases your self-confidence.

Giving makes them happy and will make you feel good. Win-win.

3. Read a book/watch a show.

If you like to read, set aside a few minutes to sink into a favorite book or a brand new adventure. Travel the world from your couch or soothe your fears with an informative, funny book. I laughed my way through this homeschooling book.

4. Get outside.

Breathe some fresh air, go for a walk, and connect with nature. It lessens the stress and quiets the mind.

Try to go alone.

5. Take a hot shower or bath.

Light some candles. Turn on the music. Shut and lock the door. Throw in some Epsom salts and oils, and you are set to go.

6. Exercise.

Proven to release pent-up frustration. Choose something fun. Dance, kickboxing, or stretch. Whatever makes you feel good.

Keep it simple, something you can do at home. 

7. Do your nails.

Okay, probably my least favorite thing, but once in a blue moon, I do this. It forces me to sit still and be still.

After all, the polish has to dry, right? I choose happy colors, buff, file, and take my time. Since work beats my nails to death, I have to put on the top coat too.

8. Write in your journal.

Pick a good book and writing instrument of choice. Need some tips? Read this post to get you started. 

9. Color.

Yes, coloring has made a comeback for adults as well, and you can get pretty much anything type of coloring book you want. Even ones for gardens!

10. Plan.

I love to plan. It relaxes me and makes me feel less stressed and organized. I have several planners. For homeschool, I use a printable planner. For blogging, I use the Epic Blog Planner, and for self-care, I use a journal/planner.

11. Call a friend.

Yes, call. Don’t text, Facebook message or email. Actually, use the phone. Connect with a real person.

Connecting with a friend on the phone helps people live happier lives.

12. Bake/cook.

Find a favorite recipe and plan a date with yourself. Teaching your kids to cook is awesome but sometimes I like to be alone in the kitchen. Right now, I am playing with my Instant Pot and falling in love with cooking again.

13. Listen to a podcast.

This is a little new to me. There is pretty much something out there for everyone. Hunt around, ask your friends. Here is a massive list of Podcasts for homeschoolers.

14. Spend time with your Mom.

Because you’re never too old to need your Mom, if you don’t have one, borrow someone else’s. Chances are someone somewhere is trying to get rid of their mom for a minute or two.

Use this time to connect and catch up with your mom and focus on the positive.

15. Take a Coffee Break.

Go for a coffee break, alone or with friends.

Get out of the house. Indulge in a treat you don’t have to hide or share.

16. Go for a drive.

Turn on your favorite tunes and belt it out. (If that’s your thing!)

Notice the pretty landscape and let your thoughts wander.

Taking the long way home from work is a great way to make time for self-care and let go of a bad day at work.

17. Rest.

Take a nap. Shut or lock the door if you need to.

I really struggle with napping, I wake up from naps more tired than when I went to bed. Instead, I focus on resting my mind and being quiet.

18. Play with your pet.

Playing with a pet is a great way to practice self-care because pets don’t judge. You can talk to them about your problems, they won’t tell.

19. Volunteer.

Volunteer for a cause you really care about and believe in.

20. Unplug.

Turn off the computer and TV. Leave your cell phone charging. The world won’t crash and burn in 30 minutes.

No Excuses! Make Time for Self-Care, Even When You “Don’t Have Time”

These little things can make a huge difference, from helping you to avoid burnout to lessening the stress in a crazy hectic world.

By making time for self-care, I’ve spent less time waiting in the doctor’s office and more time doing what I love.

And now, if you’ll excuse me, it is time to take my own advice.

Here’s to taking care of you!

Take care, 

Jen

PS. Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking a 5-minute break. For more tips on how to avoid homeschool mom burnout helping you to avoid burnout

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