Self-Care Ideas for Moms: Simple Ways to Recharge During a Busy Day

As moms, we often put everyone else first—our kids, our partners, our work. But what about us? It’s easy to let self-care slip through the cracks when life gets busy, but I’ve learned that you simply can’t pour from an empty cup. When I prioritize even a little time for myself, I become a more patient, present, and fulfilled mom, wife, and entrepreneur. Here are some simple self-care ideas that have made a difference in my day-to-day life as a mom, and I hope they help you too.

1. Hair Care & Skincare: A Quick Boost for Confidence

Taking a few minutes each day for a simple hair care and skincare routine can do wonders for feeling refreshed. I focus on easy but effective steps, like using my favorite serums or applying a nourishing hair mask when I have a few extra minutes. It’s amazing how just looking after your skin or styling your hair in the morning can change the mood of your whole day.

2. Get Dressed and Ready for the Day

Even if I’m staying home all day with the kids, getting dressed and ready can completely shift my mindset. A cozy but cute outfit and a bit of makeup give me that extra boost of confidence. It’s a small way to remind myself that I’m more than “just a mom.” It doesn’t have to take long, but taking those few minutes to get ready can make me feel more like myself.

3. Sipping a Dirty Dr. Pepper as a Mini Moment

Yes, it’s as simple as grabbing my favorite drink—a Dirty Dr. Pepper—and just taking a moment to enjoy it. It’s a little break in the chaos that feels like a treat just for me. Finding small things that bring you joy and making space for them can make all the difference.

4. Sneak in Exercise: Head to the Gym or Take a Walk

Moving my body is a huge part of my self-care. Whether it’s a quick trip to the gym or a walk around the neighborhood, getting a little exercise helps clear my mind and release stress. It’s not always easy to fit it in, but I’ve learned to use the little “cracks” in my day—nap times, when both kids are entertained, or after bedtime—to squeeze in a workout. It’s worth it for the boost in energy and mood.

5. Carving Out Dedicated “Me Time”

Sometimes, I need more than just quick moments, so I’ll ask for help. I might give the kids to my husband for a while so I can focus on myself without interruption. It’s not always easy to ask for that time, but it’s necessary. Remember, you can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself first—like putting on your oxygen mask before helping someone else with theirs.

6. Prioritizing Self-Care Makes Me a Better Mom

I used to feel guilty for taking time for myself, but I’ve realized that self-care is essential. When I fill my own cup, I have so much more to give to my family. You’ll never “find” the time for self-care—you have to make it. And when you do, you’ll feel more balanced, less overwhelmed, and better equipped to handle whatever the day throws your way.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve This, Mama

If you’re a mom struggling to make time for yourself, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to take it. You deserve to feel good, inside and out, and a little self-care can go a long way. I hope these ideas inspire you to make time for yourself and prioritize your well-being, no matter how busy life gets.

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How I Finally Beat Postpartum Hair Loss—My Journey and Tips for Moms

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Postpartum hair loss is something that no one really talks about until you’re living through it, and it can feel incredibly isolating. For me, it started immediately after having my first baby, and it was a brutal experience. My hair had already been through so much from being tied into a military bun 24 hours a day for a year, and once postpartum hit, it seemed like there was no hope for my hair.

The First Time Around: The Struggle

After my first baby, my hair loss was so severe that I felt like I had no choice but to chop my hair shorter than it had ever been. It was a moment of both defeat and relief. To cover up my thinning hairline, I started wearing headbands, which became a staple for a long time. I tried everything—oils, serums, shampoos that claimed to fix hair loss—but nothing seemed to make a difference. I was left frustrated and feeling like I’d just have to live with the patches of hair loss forever.

The Game Changer: What Worked This Time Around

When I had my second baby, I decided to take a different approach. I had tried so many products, so I figured, why not try something I had seen all over social media? To my surprise, after just two months of using it, I noticed something incredible—new growth. The bald spots I had dealt with for years were finally filling in. I couldn’t believe it!

What’s been different this time around is also how I’ve treated my hair. For two years now, I haven’t used any heat on it. I used to rely on my tight messy bun for everything, but recently I switched to a loose braid, and it’s made a world of difference.

Encouragement for Other Moms

If you’re going through postpartum hair loss right now and feeling embarrassed or disheartened, just know that you’re not alone. It can feel like another blow in the postpartum journey, but there are things you can do about it. I’m living proof that change is possible! It might take a bit of trial and error, but don’t give up.

For those looking for solutions, check out the system that worked for me [insert hyperlink here]—it’s been a game-changer for my hair and could be for you too!

Final Thoughts

Postpartum hair loss doesn’t define you, but it can certainly affect how you feel. Remember, taking time to care for yourself is part of being the best mom you can be. Be kind to yourself during this time, and give your hair the care it needs. You’ve got this!

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Balancing “Mom Life” and “You Time”: Practical Strategies for Finding Moments Just for You

Balancing motherhood with personal fulfillment can feel like a never-ending challenge, especially when no two days are ever quite the same. Between diapers, playtime, meals, and everything else on the list, it can seem like there’s hardly a moment left to breathe, let alone take time for yourself. But finding those moments is not just important—it’s essential. In this post, I want to share some practical strategies that have helped me carve out my own “you time,” even while navigating the unpredictability of mom life.

The Importance of “You Time”

As moms, we often put ourselves last, ensuring everyone else’s needs are met before our own. However, I’ve learned that when I find time for myself, I become a more patient, present, and joyful mom. When I feel good, I’m able to give more to my family without feeling drained. This is why I prioritize carving out moments for myself, even if it’s just for a short while.

Finding the Right Times in the Day

For me, “you time” usually falls into three main slots: early mornings, during my kids’ nap times, and after they go to bed.

  • Mornings: Waking up before the kids gives me time to set intentions for the day, enjoy a few sips of coffee (or a dirty Dr Pepper!), and start my day feeling grounded.
  • Nap Time: During nap time, I dive into activities that make me feel like me. It might be self-care, such as applying a favorite face mask, or working on growing my business, which brings a sense of purpose outside of motherhood.
  • After Bedtime: When the day winds down and the kids are asleep, I take those late hours to unwind or continue working on projects that fulfill me.

The key is finding those pockets of time that work best for you and making the most of them.

Staying Flexible in Mom Life

Motherhood requires flexibility—especially when you’re solo parenting much of the time like I do. Some days, everything goes according to plan, while other days can throw you every curveball imaginable. On those more challenging days, it’s important to be kind to yourself. If “you time” looks different than you hoped, even 15 minutes spent doing something you love can make a difference.

What “You Time” Looks Like

My “you time” usually involves self-care or working on my business. For some, it could mean curling up with a favorite book, taking a walk, meditating, or experimenting with new hair or beauty products. Whatever fills your cup, prioritize it. The important thing is that you’re doing something just for you.

The Impact on Mom Life

Finding moments for yourself can significantly change how you experience motherhood. For me, it’s helped me become a more patient and present mom. I no longer feel like I’m constantly running on empty because I take time to recharge. When I prioritize myself, even just a little, I am able to show up as the best version of myself for my kids.

Tips for Carving Out “You Time”

  1. Start Small: You don’t need hours. Start with just 10-15 minutes if that’s all you have. It still matters.
  2. Be Consistent: Establish routines. Whether it’s morning, nap time, or bedtime, make it a habit. Consistency is key.
  3. Don’t Feel Guilty: Remember, wanting time for yourself doesn’t make you a bad mom—it makes you human. Taking care of yourself means you can better care for your family.
  4. Utilize the “Cracks” of the Day: With a husband who’s often away and no family nearby, I’ve learned to work in the cracks of my day. When the kids are entertained or napping, that’s when I grab my moments.
  5. Ask for Help: If you have someone available—like a partner, friend, or neighbor—don’t be afraid to ask for help so you can have a bit of time to recharge.

Redefining Motherhood by Rediscovering Yourself

Mom life can be all-consuming, but it doesn’t have to mean losing yourself. Finding the balance between “mom life” and “you time” is all about giving yourself the space to grow, explore, and rediscover what makes you happy. It’s about knowing that it’s okay to want more and making that space for yourself without sacrificing your love for your kids.

To all the moms out there feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin—you are not alone. Take that moment for yourself, even if it’s brief, and see how it fills your soul. You deserve it.

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Our Journey as New Cleft Parents: The Beginning

Our Journey as New Cleft Parents: The Beginning

Becoming a cleft mom was something I never expected, and it has completely reshaped our parenting journey. I still remember the day I received the phone call after our anatomy ultrasound, a call that would change so much about how I envisioned our life. They told us our daughter would be born with a cleft, though at that time we didn’t know whether it was a cleft lip, palate, or both. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and I immediately dove into researching everything I could. The more I learned, the more questions I had. But I knew one thing for certain—we would take it one step at a time.

After what felt like endless research and waiting, our beautiful daughter was born with a bilateral cleft lip and complete palate. We were incredibly fortunate to live near a well-known children’s hospital with an experienced cleft team, which has been such a blessing. Since her birth, our days have been filled with doctor appointments, consultations, and preparing for her big craniofacial board meeting coming up later this week.

Facing Challenges: Feeding Our Cleft Baby

One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced has been feeding. Our daughter isn’t able to breastfeed due to her cleft palate, so I made the decision to exclusively pump. She is fed using a special bottle designed specifically for babies with clefts. This journey of exclusive pumping has been exhausting but also rewarding. It feels like a small yet powerful way to provide her with what she needs while navigating a complex situation.

In the first month of her life, something completely unexpected happened—our daughter began losing teeth. Because these teeth had no roots, they simply fell out, and I had no idea that this could even happen. It was a moment that left us stunned, yet it’s now become one of the many unique elements of her story.

Finding Community Through the Cleft Family

Throughout this journey, one of the things that has made the most difference is the community we’ve found. Sharing our daughter’s cleft journey online has connected us with other members of the cleft family, and their support has been truly incredible. It’s amazing how the internet can bring together people from different parts of the world who have walked similar paths. I’ve heard countless stories from other cleft parents, and it has made me feel both inspired and less alone. There is a strength that comes from knowing others have faced these challenges and not only survived but thrived.

I was also worried, as any parent might be, about how others would react to her looking different. We wondered if we would have to deal with judgment or cruel comments. So far, we’ve been fortunate to have a mostly positive response from those we’ve met. I was surprised at how many people either knew someone or were themselves born with a cleft. It’s been a learning experience not just for us, but for those around us as well. People’s kindness has made this journey a little bit easier.

Taking It One Step at a Time

Our journey as new cleft parents is just beginning. There are many more appointments, surgeries, and milestones ahead. We are taking it one step at a time, focusing on what our daughter needs in each moment. This path is one that comes with challenges, but it is also filled with resilience, love, and community.

This post is the first of a series, where I’ll share more about our experiences, from preparing for surgery to navigating the ups and downs of raising a child with a cleft lip and palate. I hope to provide insight, support, and perhaps a bit of comfort to other cleft parents who may be in the same shoes. And for those who are just curious, I invite you to follow along as we navigate this unique and beautiful journey.

Thank you for being here, for reading, and for being a part of our cleft community. Whether you’re a parent, a friend, or someone wanting to understand more, your support means everything.

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