5 Self-Care Tips for Busy Parents

We are just so busy with our personal lives and family milestones that we lose track of time — and self care. Oftentimes, there really isn’t much we can do about it — the kids still need to make it to soccer practice, the patio still needs to be cleaned off, and summer vacation still needs to be scheduled before . . . well, summer.

But even with all of that, I want to remind you of some tips for self care that you can do  every day to take care of you!

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1. Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries to prioritize self care without feeling guilty.

If you need a half hour to yourself every other Friday to grab a McFlurry in silence, then so be it. Recruit your spouse, communicate this need to family members, and ask for support when necessary. If a whole half hour sounds completely out of reach for you, then try this next one instead.

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2. Practice Mindfulness

Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily self care routine.

This can look like practicing deep breathing exercises at a red light, or pausing for a short meditative moment while looking out the window and sipping your morning coffee. Mindfulness allows us to manage stress and stay present.

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3. Delegate. Delegate. Delegate.

For some of us, this may look like outsourcing; and for the others, it could mean laying out a chore chart.

If you have the luxury of hiring outside help, USE IT! Hiring a housekeeper to come in once or twice a month is money well spent, if you can swing it.

But if your budget does not allow or you simply just need more help around the house on a day-to-day basis, then assign chores to your family members. They can be simple or complex. My kids are still pretty little, so simple tasks like setting out place mats for dinner or picking up their playroom are about as much as I am going to get out of them.

However, I have come to appreciate not having to dance around Legos at 10:00 at night because it is one box my kids (literally) checked off for the night.

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4. Unplug

This doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds.

This can be as simple as placing your phone in a separate room, so it is not the first thing you reach for in the morning or the last thing you look at before bed.

Having that brief moment away from the outside world can reduce stress and increase productivity. I have even heard that this enhances relationships. It allows for more face-to-face time with your family, encouraging deeper conversations and connections.

5. Take Care of Yourself

It’s been said a million times, but it stands to be repeated a million more: Take care of yourself.

Make sure you are fueling your body with nutritious meals and snacks to maintain your energy levels and overall health. Find ways to move your body regularly. Look up yoga videos on YouTube or take your kids out for a walk to the park.

And lastly, prioritize sleep. I’m not talking just any kid of sleep — quality sleep. That may mean moving bedtime up an hour or establishing a better sleep routine. Play with the process a little bit until you find what works for you.

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It is imperative that busy parents slow down and remember the importance of taking care of self. Yes, it can be hard or seem counterintuitive at times because “there’s just so much to do!” But I assure you that by intentionally carving out moments for yourself, you will allow yourself to be a more resilient, patient, and present parent.

So take this as your reminder to breathe deeply and soak in the moment from time to time. It will increase the quality of your life as well the lives of those around you. And remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup!