If you’re a mum – especially to a little one – you’ll know how hard it is to find time for yourself. Even five minutes where you’re not being climbed on, cleaning something, or mentally prepping the next snack feels impossible. Self care? Who is she.
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I’m a toddler mum, a business owner, and a woman who used to have hobbies, a skincare routine, and some kind of concept of me-time. Somewhere along the line, all of that fell through the cracks. And I know I’m not alone.
The Reality of Being a Mum (And Forgetting You’re Also a Person)
Before I became a mum, I thought I had time management nailed. I ran a business, saw my friends, and still made space for Badminton and a bit of crochet. Then my beautiful little whirlwind arrived and suddenly I was lucky if I got to shower before 10pm.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore being a mum. But I also miss the version of me that did things just because they made her feel good. And the longer I put that version of me on hold, the more I started to feel burnt out, invisible… and honestly, just a bit lost.
It hit me one night when I found myself hiding in the bathroom scrolling on my phone after I’d had my wee just to have two minutes to myself. That’s when I realised—I needed to reclaim something, anything, for me. Even if it was just five minutes a day.
My Promise: One Small Thing Every Day
So I made myself a promise: I’d do one small thing for myself every day, no matter what. It didn’t have to be huge or Instagram-worthy. Just something that reminded me that I matter too.
Some days that looked like putting on a face mask after bedtime. Other days it was just sitting with a hot cup of tea and not checking my phone. The key was consistency, showing up for myself in small, meaningful ways.
I started sharing my daily self-care on Instagram over at @xameliax, and the response was incredible. So many of you messaged saying, “This is exactly what I need.” So I thought why not turn this into something we can all do together?
The 30-Day Self Care Plan for Mums
If you’re struggling to find time for yourself, here’s a 30-day self care plan designed specifically for us mums. These are simple, realistic ideas that take 5–20 minutes max and are totally baby/toddler/chaos-friendly.
Week 1: Reconnecting with Yourself
- Drink a hot cup of tea without scrolling.
- Write down 3 things you love about yourself.
- Moisturise slowly. Make it a ritual.
- Step outside and breathe for 5 minutes.
- Watch a funny video and actually laugh.
- Light a candle (like this soothing one) and enjoy the scent.
- Listen to a nostalgic playlist that reminds you of “you before baby”.
Week 2: Body Love & Comfort
- Do 10 minutes of gentle stretching (this yoga mat is affordable & great for small spaces).
- Put on your comfiest PJs before 8pm.
- Have a screen-free bath with a lush bath bomb.
- Apply a face mask and sit still while it sets.
- Try a short walk without your phone (if you can sneak out alone).
- Eat your favourite snack guilt-free.
- Give yourself a mini pedicure with this easy foot file.
Week 3: Creative & Calm
- Colour in something (yep, even kids’ colouring books count).
- Journal your feelings with a simple guided journal.
- Try 5 minutes of breathing meditation with a calming playlist.
- Watch an episode of a comfort show just for you.
- Paint your nails – try this all-in-one polish.
- Take a photo of something beautiful you saw today.
- Text a friend just to say hi (connection = care!).
Week 4: Topping Up the Tank
- Go to bed 30 minutes earlier tonight.
- Make a “happy list” of things that bring you joy.
- Treat yourself to something small (little box of chocs anyone?)
- Stretch your body in bed before you get up.
- Ask for help with one thing you usually take on alone.
- Sit in silence for 3 minutes. Just breathe.
- Read a few pages of a book you’ve been meaning to start.
- Watch the sunrise or sunset—even through a window.
- Reflect: What was your favourite self-care moment this month?
Self Care for Mums Isn’t Selfish—It’s Essential
It’s so easy to put ourselves last when we’re mums. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Even tiny acts of care can add up to a huge difference in how you feel, how you show up, and how you connect with your family.
This isn’t about becoming a whole new person overnight—it’s about slowly coming home to yourself, one five-minute moment at a time.
I’m still doing my one-thing-a-day over on Instagram, so if you want to follow along (or just need a bit of inspiration and honesty), come say hi at @xameliax. I’d love to have you in the self-care squad.
And if you do try this 30-day plan, let me know! Tag me, message me, or just share your favourite product from the list – I’m always up for a new treat!
Bonus Tip: Build a Self Care Box
If you want to make your self care habit stick, try building a little “mum care kit” with everything in one place that you can just grab anytime you need it. Mine has:
That way, when you get a rare quiet moment, you don’t waste it looking for stuff, you just open the box and enjoy.
Here’s to taking care of you, even in the chaos.
