Some days, being a working mom feels like running an endless marathon—without the finish line or even a water break in sight. Between work deadlines, school drop-offs, meal prep, and the mountain of laundry that seems to regenerate overnight, burnout doesn’t just feel likely—it feels inevitable.
But over time, I’ve learned this truth: burnout isn’t a badge of honor or something we have to accept as “part of the job.” It’s a wake-up call—a sign that it’s time to pause, breathe, and take care of ourselves. And while balance isn’t always easy, I’ve found hope in practical steps that help me reset.
Self Care Ideas for Working Moms
If you’re feeling stretched thin as a working mom, know this: you’re not alone. Let’s explore some simple ways to ease the load and nurture your well-being.
1. Recognize That You Can’t Do It All
I used to think being a good mom meant saying “yes” to everything—volunteering for school events, staying late at work, baking cookies from scratch, and still managing to show up with a smile. Spoiler alert: trying to do it all is a recipe for burnout.
What I’ve learned is that saying “no” is one of the most loving things we can do—for ourselves and for our families. When we overcommit, we exhaust ourselves and can’t show up the way we truly want to.
Even Scripture reminds us to prioritize wisely: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). Focus on what matters most in this season and let the rest go.
2. Carve Out Time for Rest
As moms, rest often feels like the last thing on our list—something we’ll get to after everyone else is taken care of. But here’s the truth: rest isn’t optional. It’s essential.
For me, rest isn’t always a long nap or a spa day (although I’d happily take both!) Sometimes it’s a quiet moment with coffee before the house wakes up, a short walk after dinner, or just five minutes of deep breathing when the chaos peaks.
You don’t need permission to rest—but here it is anyway: You deserve it.
3. Take Care of Your Body (Without the Guilt)
As moms, we’re often so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to care for ourselves. But nourishing your body is one of the most important ways to guard against burnout.
For me, that looks like small, manageable habits: choosing meals that fuel my body, drinking enough water (even if it’s just finishing that water bottle from two days ago!), and sneaking in movement when I can. Sometimes that means a quick stretch in the living room while the kids color, or a dance party in the kitchen.
1 Corinthians 6:19 reminds us: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…?”
Taking care of your body isn’t selfish; it’s honoring the gift God has given you.
4. Lean on Your People
Motherhood can feel lonely, but we were never meant to do this alone. Whether it’s your spouse, a trusted friend, or a mom group, having people to share the journey with makes all the difference.
For me, this looks like texting my best friend when I’m overwhelmed or leaning on my mom tribe for advice. When I’ve felt completely spent, I’ve learned to ask for help—even if that just means someone watching the kids so I can have a quiet moment to myself.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says it perfectly: “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”Find your people, and don’t hesitate to lean on them.
5. Shift Your Focus to Gratitude
When burnout hits, it’s easy to focus on everything going wrong. But gratitude has the power to shift our perspective.
Each night, I jot down three things I’m thankful for—and they don’t have to be big. Maybe the kids ate their veggies (a miracle!), or I got five uninterrupted minutes of quiet during naptime. Finding the good doesn’t erase the hard stuff, but it helps balance it.
Gratitude doesn’t dismiss the struggle—it just helps you see the blessings in the middle of it.
6. Give Yourself Grace
If you’re like me, you’re your own worst critic. I can’t count the number of times I’ve beat myself up for not doing enough or for making mistakes. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t call us to be perfect. He calls us to be faithful.
When you mess up, when you don’t get everything done, or when you feel like you’re falling short—give yourself grace. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.
Burnout isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a signal that something needs to change.
By setting boundaries, leaning on your village, and carving out time for rest, you can start to reclaim your energy and joy.
And in those moments when you feel like you can’t take another step, remember this: You are loved, you are enough, and you don’t have to do this alone. God’s grace is more than enough to carry you through.
So take a deep breath, let go of the guilt, and take one small step toward taking care of yourself today. Take a deep breath, mama. You’ve got this.