4 Simple Ways to Reconnect to Yourself as a Busy Mom
Motherhood is rewarding, but it’s also easy to feel like you’re losing touch with yourself when the daily tasks pile up. Here for 4 simple ways to reconnect as a busy mom don’t require large blocks of time—it’s about finding small, meaningful moments that help you feel grounded and re-centered. Here are four simple ways you can begin to reconnect with yourself, even on your busiest days.
1. Carve Out Quiet Moments for Reflection
In the midst of a hectic day, quiet moments can feel rare, but they’re important for reconnecting with your thoughts and feelings. These moments of reflection can help you check in with yourself emotionally and mentally, giving you the space to refocus.
- Morning Reflection: If waking up early feels impossible, start with just 5 minutes before everyone else rises. Sit in a cozy spot with your favorite morning drink and simply allow yourself to be. You can journal, meditate, or just savor the stillness. If you like to journal, try writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning. Gratitude helps you start the day with a positive mindset, which can make a big difference when you’re juggling a lot.
- Evening Wind-Down: After your child is in bed, it’s tempting to dive into chores or relax with a TV show, but taking just a few minutes to reflect on your day can help you feel more connected. Ask yourself: What moments brought me joy today? What was challenging? What can I let go of for tomorrow? A quick journaling exercise or even talking it out with a partner can provide a mental reset before bed.
Now that my daughter is a little older and she can tolerate independent play for longer stretches of time, she has allowed me to drink my morning coffee with minimal interruption. That’s when I get 20 or so minutes to myself to organize my thoughts and plan our day. These moments don’t have to be long; sometimes, just a deep breath and a pause can make a world of difference. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve paused before opening the car door just to take a deep breath after wrangling a toddler into their car seat.
2. Engage in Mindful Movement
Moving your body can help you reconnect with yourself, especially when you do it mindfully. Instead of thinking about exercise as something you have to do, try reframing it as a gift to yourself—an opportunity to focus on how your body feels and what it needs.
- Walking Meditation: Next time you take a walk, whether it’s around your property or through the neighborhood, try doing it mindfully. Instead of thinking about your to-do list, focus on the feeling of your feet on the ground, the sound of birds or wind, and the scent of the outdoors. You can do this with your child in tow, turning it into a shared experience of being present in nature. If your child is in a stroller or walking alongside you, point out things like trees or animals, making it a fun and calming experience for both of you. And research shows that walking is beneficial in so many areas.
- Gentle Stretching or Yoga: If you’re feeling tight or tense, 10 minutes of gentle stretching or yoga can help release that stress. Find a quiet corner, roll out a mat or towel, and stretch in ways that feel good to your body. If your toddler wants to join in, make it a fun moment by practicing simple poses together. Yoga is a great way to reset not just physically but also mentally—focusing on your breath as you move can clear your mind and make you feel more present in your body.
This type of mindful movement doesn’t have to be long or intense; it’s all about listening to your body and giving it the care it deserves.
3. Rediscover an Old Hobby
As a mom, your free time is limited, but finding small pockets of time to do something you love—something that’s just for you—can reignite a sense of joy and fulfillment.
- Reading a Book: Even if you don’t have time to read for hours, try carving out 10–15 minutes before bed or during nap time to read a book you love. You could also listen to audiobooks while you do household tasks, turning everyday chores into an opportunity for a mental escape. Whether it’s fiction that takes you to another world or non-fiction that inspires you, reading can remind you of the passions you had before motherhood. I’m a BIG reader and at any given time I have two books I’m reading, don’t ask me how it’s just how my brain works.
- Crafting or Creating: Reconnect with your creative side by picking up an old hobby, whether it’s painting, knitting, or sewing. You don’t need to complete a full project—just spending a few minutes engaging in something creative can be deeply satisfying. If you’re feeling particularly pressed for time, you could even combine this with activities your child enjoys, like coloring or simple DIY crafts. It’s a way for you both to create something together while also nourishing your creative side.
These small acts of creation remind you that you are more than the roles you play as a mother or partner—you are also a person with passions and interests worth nurturing.
4. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Time
As a mom, it’s easy to feel like you have to be everything for everyone, all the time. Setting boundaries around your time and energy is essential for maintaining your sense of self. Without boundaries, it’s easy to burn out, leaving you feeling disconnected and depleted.
- Say No to Overcommitting: It can be hard to say no, but overcommitting to activities, playdates, or other obligations can quickly lead to exhaustion. Practice the art of saying no to things that don’t align with your values or that take more energy than they give. You don’t have to attend every event or participate in every group activity—prioritize what feels meaningful to you and your family.
- Schedule Time for Yourself: Protecting your time doesn’t mean waiting until the house is clean or all tasks are finished—it means intentionally carving out small moments just for you. Treat this time like an important appointment. Block out 20 minutes for a relaxing bath, set aside time to read or work on a hobby, or take a solo walk. Whatever it is, make it non-negotiable. This helps you recharge and makes it easier to show up as the best version of yourself.
Creating these boundaries may take some adjustment, but they are crucial for helping you reconnect with yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and by protecting your time, you ensure that your cup stays full. We also want to teach our kids, through modeling, that self-care is important. It’s not a virtue to be an all sacrificing mom who always puts herself last.
So having 4 simple ways to reconnect as a busy mom don’t have to be complicated. It’s about finding small moments throughout the day to reflect, move, create, and set boundaries. Whether you’re engaging in mindful movement, rediscovering an old hobby, or simply protecting your personal time, these practices can help you feel more like yourself again. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your overall well-being and your ability to show up fully for your family.
Read more about finding purpose and purpose through having a homestead here and how we make it through those difficult days by having a “cozy day” here.