Simple Self-Care for Moms This February: Small Steps to Recharge
How do you practice self-care as a mom? February often feels like a strange in-between month. The excitement of the new year has worn off, work and school are in full swing, and the endless cycle of emails, birthday party invitations, to-dos (uh hum – annual school re-registration in my case), and extra curricular activities never seems to slow down. As a working mom, I know how easy it is to put myself last on the list, but I’ve learned that self-care isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about small, intentional choices that make daily life feel a little easier and more enjoyable. This is something I have become more aware of, and intentional about, now that I am close to being 40.
The best part? Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Here are 10 simple, budget-friendly ways to practice self-love this month.
1. Clean Out One Small Space (Yes, Even the Junk Drawer)
A while ago, I did a major home declutter, and I can’t tell you how much it changed our life here.. But keeping it that way? That’s an ongoing process. Instead of waiting for a “perfect” time to tackle clutter, I’ve started setting a few minutes aside (about 10 minutes), to straighten up one small area like my car, my bag, or that one kitchen drawer that mysteriously collects everything. Yes!!!! we have a designated junk drawer in the kitchen and it’s intentional! In fact if you don’t have one, you should try it! We drop random stuff there instead of cluttering the counters. Every so often, I clean it out, and honestly, it’s satisfying. Instead of trying to declutter everything at once, picking one small space and tackling just that makes a noticeable difference. It’s a small effort but makes my daily routine much better.
2. Make Mornings Easier with Small Routines
I always pack lunches for my tweens, but some days, I totally forget to pack one for me. Then I end up grabbing something random (or worse, skipping lunch altogether). One self-care habit I’m working on? Taking two extra minutes to throw something together for me. Also, I wear the same dress to work every day. No worries, I have six of them and they’re always clean. It’s a little boring, but it looks great plus I never have to think about what to wear. The fewer decisions I have to make in the morning, the better. So whether it’s packing lunch or laying out an outfit, these tiny acts make mornings smoother.
3. Find a Comfort Show (and Don’t Feel Guilty About It!)
February is a great time to embrace cozy moments, even here in the south, where “winter” just means slightly cooler weather. One of my favorite self-care rituals is watching a feel-good show, even if it’s just for 20 minutes before bed. There’s something about revisiting a favorite series (one that doesn’t require much thinking) that instantly helps me relax and clear my mind.
4. Treat Yourself to a Small, Low-Cost Luxury
Self-care doesn’t have to be a spa day or a shopping spree. In fact, I don’t enjoy shopping much and I barely have time for a spa day. Sometimes, it’s something as simple as buying a fun coffee creamer, picking up a new candle, or treating myself to a fresh bouquet from the grocery store. Even switching to a nicer pen for my never-ending to-do lists makes things feel a little more enjoyable. Small luxuries can have a big impact. Try it!
5. Give Yourself Permission to Say No
For years, I felt like I had to say yes to every school volunteer request, every birthday party, and every extra task that came my way. The reality? No one is keeping score. If something feels overwhelming, I remind myself that not doing everything is a form of self-care. Saying, “I’d love to help, but I can’t this time,” is completely okay. That’s my new M-O as I near 40. I’m selective about what I agree to and you should try it, too!
6. Swap a Few Minutes of Scrolling for Something That Fills You Up
I can’t even count the number of times I’ve picked up my phone for “just a second” and somehow lost 20 minutes to mindless scrolling. Lately, I’ve been trying to swap some of that time for something that actually benefits me: reading a few pages of a book, stepping outside for fresh air, or even doing a quick stretch. Five minutes doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up. Trust me!
7. Make a Simple, Comforting Meal (That’s Just for You)
I spend so much time making sure my kids have balanced meals, but when it’s just me? I tend to grab whatever’s quickest. Some days, though, I make something just because I love it. For me, that’s tortilla chips with melted cheese please; microwave is fine! Simple, satisfying, and exactly what I need sometimes. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or something indulgent, taking the time to enjoy a meal/snack for yourself is an underrated form of self-care.
8. Step Outside for a Few Minutes of Fresh Air
One of the perks of living in the south is that February doesn’t mean gray skies. Even on busy days, I try to step outside for just a few minutes, whether it’s sipping my coffee on the patio or taking a short walk. The fresh air, even in small doses, helps clear my head and reset my energy. This works every time!
9. Schedule One Thing Just for Yourself
I’ve learned that if I don’t schedule self-care, it doesn’t happen. So I put something just for me on the calendar. For example a solo coffee break, a trip to the library, or just blocking out 30 minutes of alone time at home (my fav… but rarely possible). If it’s written down, I’m far more likely to actually do it. And no, it doesn’t have to be productive. Sometimes, self-care is literally just sitting in silence with a snack (preferably tortilla chips and melted cheese).
10. Let Something Be “Good Enough”
I tend to seek perfection in a lot of things, but I’ve learned that “good enough” is often more than enough. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner, not doing the laundry right away, or a school project that isn’t Pinterest-worthy, I remind myself that done is better than perfect. The world won’t fall apart if things aren’t flawless. My husband always reminds me not to let the good be the enemy of the perfect and I’m finally embracing this (it only took 11 years!)
Final Thought: Small Acts of Self-Care Add Up
Self-care isn’t about escaping from life. No! it’s about making small, intentional choices that help you enjoy it more. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. Sometimes, it’s just eating your favorite snack without interruption, saying no to one more obligation, or stepping outside for a moment of peace.
This February, pick one or two of these ideas and see how they make you feel. You deserve it, even in the middle of all the chaos.
What’s your favorite way to practice self-care? Let’s share ideas in the comments!