Yesterday evening, I sat tired on the couch, longing for sleep, but an inner voice wouldn’t let me rest: “The dishwasher needs to be emptied…”
Let’s pause and be honest.
Your household is not a living being. It has no feelings, and it certainly has no needs.
Unlike you, your children, or your partner, it doesn’t require immediate attention or care. It’s simply a tool—a utility meant to serve you and your family, not the other way around.
Self Care and Mental Health: Why Your Own Well Being Comes First
So why do so many busy moms still fold laundry late at night, even when they’re running on empty? Often, it’s the old beliefs we carry: “A good mom always has a tidy home”, or “What will others think if they drop by?”
Behind the urge to keep going may be genuine mental and emotional needs—control in a hectic schedule, recognition for being a “good mom,” or simply a desire for peace. These needs are valid. But to protect your own well being, we must sometimes choose self care over chores.
Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms
Here are realistic self care ideas that fit into even the busiest family life: