Nurturing the Nurturer: Why ‘Me Time’ Matters for Moms

With Mother's Day just around the corner, it’s about time we have a heart-to-heart about something super important: self-care. As moms, we're often so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves. But guess what? You deserve some TLC too — and that goes for every day of the year, not just on Mother's Day. So, let's talk about why ‘me time’ matters for moms, and how you can make it easier to set aside time even on your most chaotic parenting days.

The Importance of ‘Me Time’ for Moms

Between your jam-packed work hours, school drop-offs, the endless cycle of meal prep, and shuttling the kids to extracurricular activities, it can feel like there's barely a moment to think of yourself, let alone be by yourself. But here's the thing, there will always be something standing in the way of you and your precious ‘me time’. In the moment skipping your weekly Hatha Yoga class to help your son finish a school project may not feel detrimental, but perpetually putting yourself last has consequences. It's a bit like driving with the gaslight on. Sure, you could keep chugging along for a while, but sooner or later, you're going to burn out. And when you do, you're left with fewer reserves to handle everything life throws your way.

Now, before you brush off ‘me time’ as a self-indulgent practice reserved for those without kids, here are a few reasons why it’s particularly important for all you nurturing, selfless moms.

Reclaiming Identity: Motherhood can easily become all-consuming, blurring the lines between individual identity and caregiver. A transition that is particularly challenging for first-time mothers. ‘Me time’ can be your saving grace. Giving you a moment to reconnect with your former self, so you don’t forget who you were before you were someone’s mom.

Nourishing Mental Health: Juggling the constant demands of others can feel like running a marathon on a treadmill—exhausting and never-ending—leading to stress, anxiety, and even bouts of feeling down. That's why moms need this sacred time to detach from their daily responsibilities, unwind, process their own emotions (without dealing with the emotions of others), and dive into activities that light up their souls with joy and fulfillment.

Modeling Self-Compassion: Still feel guilty scheduling in ‘me time’ at the expense of time with your kids? Well, what if we told you that moms who prioritize their own well-being set a powerful example of self-compassion for their children? Yes, really. By making self-care a non-negotiable practice, you're not only nurturing your own needs but also teaching your kids the importance of valuing and honoring their own.

Carving Out Time for Self-Care: Creating Your Personal Sanctuary at Home

As much as you’d probably jump at the opportunity to spend an entire day at the spa (hear that, Dads?), that’s not necessarily a realistic or sustainable form of self-care for busy moms. What’s more realistic? Establishing practices you can do at home, so that even on your busiest days you can set aside time for yourself.

While your bathroom may not be as glamourous as a spa, it’s probably one of the only doors in your home with a lock on it, so let’s make the most of it! If self-care is new territory for you, here are a few self-care practices you can start today, some taking just 10 minutes!

• DIY Facials: Your daily skincare routine but make it bougie. Turn on your shower for a bit of steam, take your time cleansing and exfoliating, and layer on all your most luxurious products. Bonus points for doing a bit of breathwork while waiting for your face mask to set.
• DIY Pedicures: Treat those tired feet of yours to a much-needed pedicure with all the bells and whistles, including a nice warm foot soak and gentle exfoliation before tending to your toes. Pro tip: pick up a new nail polish to make your ‘me time’ even more special.
• Aromatherapy Bath: Remember how relaxing baths were pre-kids? Travel back in time and take a child-free bath with soothing essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender. Want to up the spa vibes? Dim the lights, light a candle, and put on your favourite playlist (or TV show, we’re not here to judge).

Remember: life is busy, and it doesn’t slow down for us to take a break — that’s on us. Turning your bathroom into a self-care oasis gives you the perfect spot to recharge, rejuvenate, and rediscover yourself.  Need a bit of help transforming your bathroom from chaos to calm? Use code MOTHERSDAY20 for 20% off sitewide. So go ahead, mama — light those candles, run that bath, and pamper yourself with a touch of spa magic. You deserve it!