What is self-care?
Self-Care isn’t about doing more. It’s about making small but meaningful changes, like being kinder to yourself, setting realistic goals, and letting go of perfection.
When you prioritize even a little time for yourself, you’ll feel more balanced, less stressed, and more present for your family.
Why it matters
Between the mountain of advice on “perfect” parenting, the endless laundry cycles, and keeping up with work deadlines, your needs barely make it onto the list (if at all). But running on empty leaves you cranky, exhausted, and unable to show up for your kids the way you want. Caring for yourself is one of the most powerful ways to care for your family.
If your mind is racing from the nonstop demands of parenting, try this Ball of Yarn visualization to help you quickly unwind.
- Picture your stress, anxiety, or pent-up emotions like a wound-up ball of yarn.
- Now find the tip of the yarn and hold onto it as you drop the ball of yarn with a deep breath in and out.
- Let the yarn unravel as the ball slowly rolls away from you like tension being released from your body.
- Once the yarn is completely loose, you’ll feel lighter and more relaxed, helping you unwind.
Check out the original article for more visualization techniques.
Put it into practice
Carve out moments for yourself with these quick self-care ideas:
Radio Taiso
For a quick energy boost and a bit of physical activity, try this exercise routine inspired by traditional Japanese radio workouts.
Positive Affirmations for Perfectionists
Release the grip of perfectionism by repeating these positive affirmations and truly embracing their truth.
50 Ways to Take a Break
Choose any one of these 50 ways to take a break and recharge in just a couple of minutes.
Mindful Eating Guide
Maintain a healthy relationship with food even when mealtimes can be chaotic.
5-Minute Full-Body Workout for Busy Parents
Get your blood flowing with a 5-minute workout that you can do anywhere.
When you’re ready for more, try these activities to enrich your self-care routine:
Setting SMART Goals
Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself and your children using the SMART framework.
Building Resilience
Reflect on your own resilience, recognize your strengths, and identify areas of growth so you can show up even stronger for your kids.
Take a Stretch Break
Try this easy stretching routine, with an illustrated guide, to help you relax your body and mind.
Take a Power Nap
Master the art of the power nap to recharge on especially draining days.
Coloring for Stress Relief
Follow this coloring activity to unwind and de-stress.
Rest Your Body
Reflect on your sleep habits and explore new ways to improve your rest.
Move Your Body
Get inspired to add more movement to your day through creative activities that fit right into your routine.
Why “Me” Time Matters and How To Get It
Find easy ways to support yourself, even when you’re short on time, with this fun infographic.
Take Care of Yourself
Explore different ways to practice self-care and incorporate them into your hectic schedule with this handy worksheet.
Goals for Better Health
Use this practical worksheet from Five for Families to set achievable health goals.
Read up on self-care
Gain deeper insights into why self-care matters in parenting:
The Resilient Parent Library
Check out these books for guidance on practicing self-care as a parent:
Research
Because it’s nice to know we’re not just saying this, here’s the research that backs up the power of self-care: