How to Make Time for Yourself Without the Mom Guilt
If you're a mom—especially a new mom—you're probably all too familiar with the feeling that you need to be present for your baby 24/7. The guilt that creeps in when you even think about doing something for yourself can be intense. But I’m here to say: that guilt is lying to you.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s vital. You’re constantly caring for everyone else, and that’s exactly why you need to show up for you, too.
Let me be clear: I’m far from perfect. Some mornings, my son is crawling all over the floor during my workout. Other times, I have to pause to nurse him or rock him back to sleep. But one thing remains the same—every day, I commit to taking that time for me. And not just for my own sake—because when I prioritize my health, my energy, and my mindset, my whole family benefits. They get the best version of me.
So here’s my advice: schedule your self-care like it’s a doctor’s appointment. Make it nonnegotiable. Don’t push it later or let it get bumped off your to-do list. Create a household rhythm where your time is respected just as much as everyone else’s.
Need a starting point? Here’s a look at my current morning routine. It may sound early (okay, it is early!), but it works for me, and maybe it’ll inspire something that works for you:
4:15 AM: Alarm goes off. Water, coffee, and a few quiet minutes to wake up.
4:45 AM: Journaling and meditation—just 10–15 minutes to check in with myself.
5:15–6:15 AM: Workout time. Sometimes with baby interruptions, but always something.
Yes, there are mornings when I have to pause. But I always return to that routine, because I know how much better I feel afterward. I have more patience, more clarity, and more energy to handle whatever the day throws at me.
And if I’ve learned anything since becoming a mom, it’s this: you can’t pour from an empty cup. So take the time. Prioritize your health. Be unapologetic about your self-care.
Because when you thrive, your family thrives too.
You've got this, Mama.
