Self-Care Tips for Moms with Little to No Support System
As a work-from-home mom, I know the pressure of juggling a million things with little to no support system. Between business, my daughter, and trying to take care of myself, it can sometimes feel like there’s no space left for me. And I’m sure many of you can relate.
When I became a mom, I was forced to put myself last—especially in the early days. I had a newborn who needed me for everything: feeding, changing, comforting. And for a while, I didn’t mind. I was her world, and it felt like the right thing to do. But as time went on, I started to feel the weight of constantly putting myself last. I found myself exhausted, burnt out, and feeling like I had lost touch with who I really was. It’s a hard thing to admit, but I’ve been there.
And I know many of you are, too. Whether you’re a single mom, in a partnership where your spouse works a lot, or without a family nearby, it’s tough. Many of us are missing that “village,” that network of support, and we start to feel like we have to do it all on our own. But here’s the thing: you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to take care of yourself in order to show up as the best version of yourself for your family.
According to a study, 78% of women say they put off self-care in favor of taking care of others. That’s not okay. So, let’s talk about real, practical ways to take care of yourself, even if you feel like you’re doing it all alone.
You Matter: Why It’s Important to Value Your Well-Being
I can’t stress this enough: you are just as important as your kids. The world has a funny way of making us feel like we should be selfless—especially as moms. And I fell into that trap too. I thought that being selfless made me a better mom. But eventually, it wore me down. I was emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and I started to feel resentful of everything I had to do.
It wasn’t until I realized that I was just as deserving of care and love as anyone else that I started to shift my mindset. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s selfless because when we take care of ourselves, we show up better for those we love.
When I started putting myself first, I noticed that I was more energetic, more present with my daughter, and just happier overall. It's not always easy to take that time for yourself, but when you do, you come back stronger.
Self-Care Tips for Moms Without a Support System
Say No to Mom Guilt I used to feel so guilty whenever I took time for myself. But I’ve learned that it’s necessary for my well-being. You don’t have to do it all. Remember, taking care of yourself allows you to better take care of everyone else.
Create a Routine I know it’s hard, but routines can really help. When you create a schedule, especially with your kids, you make time for everything—getting ready, eating meals, and even taking a breath. Routine helps everyone feel more calm and organized. Plus, it gives you time to recharge.
Put the Kids to Bed Early I swear by this one. Putting my daughter to bed at a consistent time gives me time to breathe. The house is quiet, and I can focus on myself, even if it’s just for an hour. This has been a game-changer for my mental health.
Simplify Meals Who says meals have to be fancy every night? Some of our favorite meals are simple: baked beans on a potato or eggs and fruit. Simple meals give you more time and keep things stress-free.
Use Screen Time for a Break Yes, I said it. Don’t feel bad about using screen time as a break for yourself. It’s not forever, and in moderation, it’s a helpful tool to give yourself a breather. You’re not a bad mom for needing time to yourself!
Lower Your Expectations This one was huge for me. I used to think I had to be the perfect mom, the perfect wife, the perfect housekeeper. But no one can do it all. So, I let go of the idea of perfection and focused on what I could actually do. It was freeing, and it gave me time to care for myself.
Plan Playtime Sometimes, instead of feeling guilty about not playing with my daughter all day, I make intentional plans to have focused time with her. It doesn’t have to be hours of play—it’s about quality, not quantity.
Budget Money for Yourself Don’t feel guilty for spending money on yourself. Whether it’s a coffee, a new book, or a massage, you deserve it. Treat yourself, mama. You’re worth it.
Hire Help When You Can If you can, hiring help—even just for a few hours a week—can make a huge difference. A cleaner, a babysitter, or even a grocery delivery service can give you back some much-needed time to rest and recharge.
Stop Cleaning So Much I’m guilty of this one, too. But the truth is, a tidy house doesn’t always mean a happy house. Kids will mess things up, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to focus on keeping things functional instead of perfect.
Why Self-Care is Key to Your Well-Being
I know how lonely and hard it can feel when you’re doing this on your own. It can feel like everyone around you has a partner or family to lean on, and you’re left to figure it out alone. But you’re not alone. You’re doing an amazing job, and you need to take care of yourself.
Self-care isn’t just for the short-term—it’s a long-term investment in your mental, physical, and emotional health. When we neglect ourselves, we’re more prone to burnout, exhaustion, and stress. But when we make time for ourselves, even in small ways, we show up as better moms, better partners, and better people.
So, mama, if no one has told you lately: I see you. I see you doing it all, giving everything you’ve got, and still showing up for your family. But I want you to remember that you matter. You deserve breaks. You deserve time for yourself. And you are doing an amazing job.
You’re not alone. We’re in this together.
