6 Easy Self-Care Strategies for Busy Moms This Summer

(Article updated July 9, 2025)

Discover six realistic self-care strategies for busy moms this summer. Transform “me time” from guilt to gratitude with proven tips from a mom of 8 kids.

Summer should mean relaxation, but for moms? It often means MORE chaos, not less. With kids home 24/7, camps to coordinate, and the pressure to create “magical summer memories,” many of us feel more overwhelmed than ever.

But what if I told you that this summer, you GET TO prioritize yourself without the guilt? After raising eight children and surviving countless summers of beautiful chaos, I’ve discovered something revolutionary: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Why Summer Self-Care Matters More Than Ever #

Recent studies show that 92% of moms report feeling more stressed during summer break than during the school year. Between managing screen time battles, coordinating playdates, and keeping kids entertained, we’re burning out faster than ever.

Dr. Sherrie Bourg Carter explains that taking time for yourself “gives your brain a chance to reboot, improves concentration, increases productivity, and helps you discover your own voice.” Translation? When you take care of YOU, everyone wins.

Here’s the mindset shift that changed everything for me: You don’t “have to” find time for yourself—you GET TO invest in the person your family needs most: a healthy, happy, recharged mama.

6 “Get To Do” Self-Care Strategies That Actually Work#

1. Commit to Your Sacred 20 Minutes Daily#

The old way: “I should try to find time for myself.” The “Get To Do” way: “I GET TO gift myself 20 minutes of peace every single day.”

It took me four kids to realize this truth: I deserved daily time to myself, not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

Start with just 20 minutes. Set a timer. Whether it’s 5 AM coffee in silence, a midday power walk, or evening bath time—this is YOUR time. Protect it like you would any necessary appointment.

Real mom truth: Some days, my 20 minutes happened at 11 PM reading in bed. And that was ENOUGH.

2. Create Your Morning Power Hour (Even 15 Minutes Counts!)#

This strategy literally saved my sanity during the summer I had a newborn, toddler, and three elementary kids home together.

I GET TO wake up before my family. Those quiet morning moments—whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour—set the tone for everything.

My morning ritual includes:

• Vanilla chai in my favorite mug (not a sippy cup!)
• A solo walk around the neighborhood
• Listening to an inspiring podcast or audiobook
• Five minutes of gratitude journaling

3. Eliminate Your Summer Time Drains#

Pro tip: Start with just 15 minutes earlier. You’ll be amazed how this small shift transforms your entire day.

Be honest: Where is your time actually going?

These days, our biggest time thieves are:

• Endless social media scrolling (average mom spends 2.5 hours daily!)
• Multiple grocery store trips (meal planning saves HOURS)
• Constant email checking
• Decision fatigue from lack of routines

Action step: Track your phone usage for one week. The results will shock you—and FREE UP hours for actual self-care.

4. Master the “Drive-Time Retreat”#

When I had four kids under three, this self-care strategy was EVERYTHING. Kids nap in cars, mamas—use this to your advantage!

The setup: After lunch, load everyone up for a 30-minute drive. Within 10 minutes, silence. Pure, beautiful silence.

What you GET TO do:

• Listen to that podcast you’ve been saving
• Enjoy an iced coffee without interruption
• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Simply exist in peace

2025 upgrade: Download Calm or Headspace for guided car meditations. Your mental health will thank you.

5. Transform Waiting Time Into “Me Time”#

Every mom has unexpected pockets of time—waiting for appointments, early pickups, kids’ activities. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, claim these moments.

Your “Get To Do” waiting time toolkit:

• Kindle app for instant reading
• Gratitude journal (paper or digital)
• Curated playlist that energizes you
• 5-minute meditation apps

Real example: I started arriving 15 minutes early to everything. Those mini-breaks added up to hours of restored peace each week.

6. Reclaim the Power Nap (Science-Backed Self-Care!)#

Here’s what research tells us: A 20-30 minute power nap boosts productivity, improves mood, and enhances concentration. Dr. William Deardorff notes that “brain activity stays high throughout the day with a nap, but declines without one.”

Make it happen:

• Set a 25-minute timer
• Find your quiet space (even a parked car works!)
• Use a sleep mask and earplugs
• Let go of guilt—this is HEALTH, not laziness

Bonus: Model healthy rest habits for your kids. They need to see that adults prioritize well-being too.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything#

Stop saying: “I don’t have time for self-care.” Start saying: “I GET TO invest in my well-being because my family deserves the best version of me.”

Self-care isn’t bubble baths and spa days (though those are lovely too!). It’s recognizing that you matter. Your needs matter. Your peace matters.

Your Summer Self-Care Action Plan#

This week, choose ONE strategy and commit to it for seven days:

Week 1: Implement your 20-minute daily sacred time Week 2: Add a 15-minute morning ritual
Week 3: Eliminate one major time drain Week 4: Transform waiting time into “me time”

Ready to Make This Summer Different?#

You GET TO prioritize yourself. You GET TO model self-care for your children. You GET TO enjoy summer instead of just surviving it.

You might also enjoy Why Busy Moms Need a 7-Day Self-Care Challenge This Spring

What’s your biggest challenge with summer self-care? Share in the comments below—I read every single one and often respond personally!

For daily encouragement and practical mom tips, follow me on Pinterest @CanCanMomBlog or email me at cheryl@cancanmom.com.

Remember: This summer, you don’t just survive—you THRIVE. And it starts with giving yourself permission to matter.