The importance of me time for mums: 30+ me time ideas for tired mums in 2023

Being a mum is a tiring job, you can take that from a self-proclaimed expert, but any mum will tell you the same thing. Don’t get me wrong we wouldn’t trade it for the world but motherhood isn’t all glamorous and picturesque, and if there’s one thing we are universally desperately short of it’s some me time for mums.

And most importantly there’s nothing wrong with that! Films and the media, in general, have a very out-dated view of motherhood – yes it can be fun and exciting but on the flip side it can also be utterly tiring and difficult. So what does that have to do with anything you ask?

Simple it’s important that mum’s today take time out for themselves and have some me-time, no matter how old your child or children are, mums need a break now and again. The first hurdle you need to overcome is to not feel guilty about it, it will be hard at first but trust me the time spent focusing on your wellbeing will be worth it.

The importance of me time for mums

Motherhood means you’ll be very busy but that doesn’t mean you can’t make time for yourself, whether it’s just sitting down to enjoy a cup of coffee for 20 minutes or enjoying some peace and quiet. And no taking time out to do some cleaning or other chores doesn’t count as me time.

The thing with motherhood is that you get used to the routine and spending all day on your feet and you can even end up feeling guilty about wanting to take some me time. If that sounds familiar then stop right now and take a break and perhaps give yourself a little treat.

Whether it’s going to your favourite coffee shop by yourself and enjoying a peaceful latte without the kids in tow, or getting yourself a new book or magazine, or having a soak in the bath at the end of a long gruelling day. I’d recommend at least half an hour a day to yourself but don’t feel guilty if you want to take a little longer. Equally if you can’t even grab half an hour, then something is always better than nothing.

Motherhood is different for everyone and taking some me time isn’t just a way to relax and forget your troubles it will help you be more efficient and happy throughout the day as well. By starting the day off with a little me time with a cup of coffee and some peace and quiet you’ll be starting your day off on that all so important right note.

This will help you focus and plan out your day and it’s a great way to clear your head and it’s not just me saying this either. The importance of making some time for yourself during motherhood is backed up by plenty of experts who all say the same thing. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy a little me time but let’s take a look at some of my favourites.

How to enjoy a little me time

There are plenty of ways you can enjoy a little me time during motherhood whether it’s enjoying a mindful cup of coffee once you’re back from the calamity of the school run,  or a short walk through your neighbourhood before school pick up.  If you’re looking for a few ideas then read on my friends. You can try:

  • Relaxing with a cup of coffee
  • A peaceful walk, bike ride or even a peaceful drive
  • Dinner with friends
  • Enjoying some peace and quiet
  • Get yourself a good book or magazine
  • Go shopping and treat yourself
  • Treat yourself to a relaxing massage
  • Have a nice relaxing bath
  • Having a blank page dayPhone a friend
  • Blast your favourite music and have a little dance around
  • Go for a run or do some yoga, or do another form of exercise depending on what you enjoy
  • Have a declutter – I find this really helps to clear my head!
  • Treat yourself to a mani pedi either at home or at your local beauty salon
  • Go for a facial or give one to yourself at home
  • Do some mindful colouring
  • Write in a journal
  • Create a vision board of the life you want
  • Go for brunch – whether by yourself or with friends
  • Plant some seeds/plants/flowers without little hands getting in the way
  • Have a 20 minute power nap – I love using Andrew Johnson’s Power Nap talk down
  • Rejig a room – paint something, move stuff around, order some new prints – I find this fantatsic for the soul
  • Find and book a retreat – mark it out in the calendar so nothing can stand in your way of attending
  • Bake something – baking is amazing for reducing stress and anxiety
  • Whatever else tickles your fancy – here’s a list of 30 more things you can do during child-free time!
  • Play a relaxing card game, like Solitaire

And that’s just a small sample of ideas for some me time I’m sure you can think of plenty more! No matter how you choose to spend it, make sure to relax and free your mind of worry without feeling guilty about it!

Being a mum is a full-time job and an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world but even mum needs a little time to herself now and again!

When was the last time you had some me time as a mum? Is it time you made some me happen? Or perhaps you’re dreaming of some me time as you read this? Do share in a comment below and connect with us on Instagram here where we love to talk all things mum life.

Photo by Monstera from Pexels

38 comments

  1. I think it’s the finding the time to do the me time that’s tricky… especially before your kids hit nursery age. These days I have 2 mornings a week to myself and although there is plenty of other stuff that gets popped in those boxes, I really try to make some of that time pure indulgence! Evenings out with the girls are a definite too…a real leveller.

    Let’s hope we get a little #coolmumclub us time soon! x

  2. I absolutely agree!
    My way of having ‘me’ time was to enjoy a 30-minute walk around our neighborhood. I don’t know how would I survive without it!

  3. Lovely ideas and yes to the Mum guilt bit! I’m a better Mum when I take some time out x #coolmumclub

  4. I am pretty useless at finding ME time, I just struggle to find a moment to breathe most days, let alone relax or do something for myself! I really need to make more of an effort!

  5. These days the only “me” time I have is during breaks at work! So hard being a mom and raising a family isn’t it?

  6. I have to confess Talya that as mine are older now I do seize far more me time moments than a few years ago but even when they were younger, I would often book a sitter during the day when my husband was working abroad to go off and indulge in some shopping or meeting a friend for lunch just to take a break from it all, particularly as at that time I had no adult company in the evenings to look forward to either. We all need time out from each other but mums in particular need time to breathe! Great post my dear. #coolmumclub

  7. Great post and an important message to send out. The most ‘me time’ is the time I have being able to have a cuppa on my own at work! Definitely need to change that #coolmumclub

  8. I love having a pamper. I just makes me feel more happy and confident in myself when I feel and look my best. I also find it really relaxing. Be it at home and having a super long bath and using a mask. Or in a salon and getting my nails done.

  9. By accepting there is no ideal world just this one and thus being more content with life as it is not how it could be.

  10. I am a widow my husband died when my twins were a week old and we already had young kids. So it is just me juggling everything 24/7.
    Me time tends to be a cup of tea while the kids are having a snack and a drink too. Or going out for a nature walk with the kids.
    When they are at school or nursery I am working as a teacher. When they are in bed, I am sorting out something for them prepping for my job or getting something ready for the next day.
    I also care for my mum and nan so, me time is just not a something that I could eve fit into to a day I shower fall in and out of bed and that’s it and how it will be until my kids are much older but I am ok with that.

  11. The suggestions are very sensible and sometimes we need a nudge to spend time on ourselves. The trick is to stay awake long enough to enjoy them!

  12. I train at the gym twice a week and it is such a boost for my mental and physical health so I’d definitely love some more ‘me time’ working out!

  13. My ideal way to spend some me time would be to go to a spa but I would be happy to just get a few hours with a puzzle book undisturbed

  14. Sitting in the fields underneath a tree on comfy cushions, reading a book, have some yummy snacks. Listening to birds sing 🙂 ahh…

  15. Chilling in the bath with a cuppa and a face mask would be perfect for me ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks

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