5 Simple Self-Care Tips

Marisa Sim
May 25, 2020
5 min read

Updated: Apr 15

From the moment our eyes open, the day takes off at full speed—getting everyone up, dressed, fed, out the door; juggling work, errands, school runs, housework, homework, dinner, bedtime routines… and finally, collapsing on the sofa, half-watching Netflix while snacking on whatever’s left in the cupboard.

Then we wake up and do it all over again.

Sound familiar?

One of the most common things I hear from mothers is: “I don’t have time for myself.”

“I don’t have time to work out.”“I don’t have time to read a book.”“I don’t have time to listen to music.”“I don’t have time to take a long bath.”“I don’t have time to get a massage.”

As mothers, we’re constantly tending to everyone else’s needs. And somewhere along the way, ours get shoved to the bottom of the list—or dropped entirely. This self-neglect doesn’t just disappear; it shows up. It shows up as being overwhelmed, irritability, anxiety, sleepless nights, emotional eating, and burnout. It chips away at our joy, patience, and capacity to be present.

And trust me, I’ve been there too.

My Journey to Reclaiming Me

When I was a new mum with just one child, I used to sneak off to a yoga studio twice a week while my son was at daycare. I’d come out feeling grounded and recharged, like I could handle anything.

Then baby number two came along.

I tried to do yoga at home, but every time I hit the mat, my daughter would climb on me asking for boob. My son would want to play “his” yoga videos. It was chaos. But I got creative. I’d reason with him:

“Do you want a peaceful mummy or an angry mummy?”And he’d say, “Peaceful mummy.”(It works almost every time.)

Now, they know when mama puts on her yoga video, it’s her time. Sometimes they even join in—which is both adorable and a little chaotic, but I’ve learned to embrace it.

During the pandemic, like many of us, I hit a wall. I worried about everything—my family’s health, my parents in Singapore, the uncertainty of it all. For a while, I couldn’t focus. But eventually, I realised: I can’t control the world, but I can control my schedule.

So I created one.

I carved out just enough time to move my body:

10 minutes of yoga in the morning, 3 times a week
15 minutes of HIIT, twice a week
Afternoon naps with my daughter when I felt depleted

That small shift made a big impact.

I started showing up as a more present, patient, and peaceful mama. I didn’t snap when my kids spilled something (again). I didn’t stew over the way my husband loaded the dishwasher. I wasn’t running on fumes—I was refilling my cup.

Because here’s the truth: When we care for ourselves, we care better for everyone else.

5 Simple Ways to Start Prioritising You

You don’t need hours of free time or a fancy spa day to start reclaiming your energy. What you do need is intention, consistency, and permission to put yourself back on the list.

Here’s how to start:

1) Identify What Fills You Up

Think about the activities, experiences, or environments that make you feel more you. What brings you peace, joy, or a sense of aliveness?

Is it a walk in nature where no one calls your name?
Curling up with a book and a hot drink?
Dancing in the kitchen to your favourite music?
A long, candle-lit bath or an uninterrupted nap?

Your version of self-care is allowed to be different from everyone else’s.

Try this: Make a "Feel-Good Menu"—a list of 10 small things that nourish you. Post it somewhere visible to remind you that your needs matter.

2) Ask for Help

This one can feel hard—especially for us mamas who feel like we “should” be able to do it all. But the truth is, none of us are meant to mother in isolation. Asking for support is not a weakness; it’s wise.

Could your partner take the kids for a few hours?
Can a family member help with school pickups?
Could you swap childcare with a trusted friend?
Would daycare or a babysitter be an option?

Even asking your older child to give you 10 minutes of quiet can make a difference.

Reminder: You don’t need to earn your rest. You deserve it because you’re human, not just because you’ve reached the end of your rope.

3) Be Specific & Start Small

Vague intentions like “I want more time for me” usually fall apart when life gets busy. But clear, manageable goals? Those stick.

Instead of “I want to work out more,” say, “I’ll do 10 minutes of yoga on Tuesday and Friday mornings.”
Instead of “I should read more,” try “I’ll read 2 pages before bed.”

Start so small that you can’t fail. Once it’s a habit, you can always build on it.

Example: I began with just 10 minutes of yoga twice a week. That tiny shift made me feel more grounded—and eventually led to more consistent movement and better sleep.

4) Schedule It In

If it’s not on the calendar, it’s probably not going to happen. Life is full—and if you don’t protect time for yourself, it will get filled with something (or someone) else’s needs.

Use your phone calendar or a physical planner to block off time.
Set reminders. Add recurring events.
Treat these appointments like you would a work meeting or your child’s doctor visit—non-negotiable.

Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, the simple act of intending and preparing for your needs is powerful.

Pro tip: Share your schedule with your partner or housemates. Let them know that from 8:00–8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, you’re unavailable because you’re soaking in the tub, thank you very much.

5) Get Support

Accountability and encouragement can make the difference between giving up and keeping going—especially on the days when you're tired, unmotivated, or questioning whether it’s even worth it.

Join a community of like-minded mamas.
Text a friend your weekly self-care goals.
Find a coach or mentor who can help you stay on track and remind you of your worth.
Use free resources—YouTube workouts, guided meditations, podcasts, or Facebook groups—to feel less alone and more inspired.

Try this: Invite a friend to do a monthly check-in where you share one thing you did for yourself that month. You’ll both feel more motivated to prioritise you.