Creating a Wellness Routine: A Busy Mum's Guide to Self-Care

Being a mum is one of the most rewarding roles in life, but let’s be honest—it can also be exhausting. Between juggling family, work, and daily responsibilities, finding time for yourself and your goals often feels impossible. However, prioritising wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to take care of everyone else. That’s why creating a wellness routine tailored to your busy lifestyle is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical self-care tips that fit seamlessly into your day, helping you boost mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical well-being. Plus, we’ll introduce some essential tools from The Head Plan to help you stay committed to your self-care journey.
This is Why a Wellness Routine is Essential for YOU
Many mums feel guilty about taking time for themselves, but self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. A consistent wellness routine helps to:
✔ Reduce stress and overwhelm
✔ Boost energy and motivation
✔ Improve focus and productivity
✔ Enhance mental clarity and emotional well-being
✔ Set a positive example for your children
By implementing small but meaningful self-care habits, you can create a sustainable routine that supports your well-being without feeling like another task on your to-do list.
Step 1: Start with Mindful Mornings
Mornings set the tone for the rest of the day, so establishing a mindful morning routine can help you feel more grounded and in control. Here’s how to make mornings work for you:
🧘 Practice Gratitude: Start your day with positive intentions. Use The Gratitude Journal or GRATEFUL by Louise Thompson to write down three things you’re grateful for each morning. This simple habit shifts your mindset towards positivity and abundance.
📖 Plan Your Day: Instead of diving straight into chaos, take five minutes to map out your priorities. The Agenda Bundle is a great tool for organising your day, ensuring you make time for yourself amid your responsibilities.
☀️ Hydrate & Move: A glass of water and light stretching can help wake up your body and improve circulation, preparing you for the day ahead. Always keep your Daily Drench or a glass of water next to your bed so you can drink it first thing in the morning.
Step 2: Incorporate Small Acts of Self-Care
If you struggle to find large blocks of time for self-care, focus on incorporating small but effective habits throughout your day:
🕯 Mindful Breaks: Take short moments to reset. A few deep breaths, a cup of herbal tea, or stepping outside for fresh air can do wonders.
🖊 Journaling for Clarity: Writing down your thoughts can help clear mental clutter. The Head Journal is designed to guide you through mindful reflection, helping you stay focused on your wellness journey. By merging productivity with wellness, this Journal encourages a balanced approach to achieving goals, ensuring you remain centered and stress-free throughout the journey.
🎧 Listen to Something Inspiring: Whether it’s a podcast, an audiobook, or calming music, tuning into something uplifting can be a form of self-care.
Here are 3 podcasts we recommend:
- We Can Do Hard Things
- Mom Is in Control (Business)
- Ambitious and Working Balanced Moms
📱 Limit Screen Time: Social media can be overwhelming. Set digital boundaries to reclaim more time for mindful activities. Charge your phone in a different room at night or set a notification that let’s you know when you’ve used enough social media for the day.
Set up Screen Time on iPhone
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Go to Settings > Screen Time.
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Tap App & Website Activity, then turn on App & Website Activity if you haven't already.
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Tap Downtime, then do one of the following: Tap Turn On Downtime Until Tomorrow. ...
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Select Every Day or Customise Days, then set the start and end times.
Set up Screen Time on Android
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Open the Family Link app .
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At the top left, select your child.
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At the bottom left, tap Screen time. Time limits.
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Turn on Daily limit.
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Tap Weekly schedule. ...
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Select a day.
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Enter how much screen time the device is limited to.
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To apply limits on all days of the week, tap Apply to all days of the week.
Step 3: Make Evenings Restorative
Evenings are a great opportunity to unwind and reset for the next day. Here’s how to create a calming nighttime routine:
🌙 Digital Detox: Avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bed to improve sleep quality. Instead, try journaling or reading a book.
🛁 Unwind with a Ritual: Whether it’s a warm bath, a skincare routine, or a relaxing tea, find a practice that signals your body to relax.
🛏 Reflect & Reset: Before sleeping, take a few moments to review your day. The Gratitude Journal and The Head Plan Journal have a dedicated space for daily reflection, helping you end the day with gratitude and clarity.
Step 4: Set Wellness Goals & Stay Accountable
Like any other important commitment, self-care thrives on consistency. Here’s how to ensure you stick to your wellness routine:
📅 Schedule It: Block out time for self-care in your journal, just as you would for other commitments.
💡 Start Small: Instead of overhauling your lifestyle overnight, introduce one new habit at a time.
🤝 Find Support: Connect with like-minded mums who are also prioritising their well-being. You can even join The Head Plan community for inspiration!
✅ Track Your Progress: Using a journal or planner helps you stay accountable and motivated.
You Deserve This!
Mums give so much to everyone around them, but self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. By building a simple and achievable wellness routine, you can reclaim time for yourself, boost your well-being, and show up as the best version of yourself for your family.
This Mother’s Day and beyond, give yourself the gift of self-care, balance, and mindfulness (or even better, send this to someone so they know what you truly want this Mother's Day).Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. 💖 Write it down & make it happen.