by Jason Ryser April 09, 2025 7 min read

Being abusy mom means your days are full — full of love, full of little hands that need you, and full of nonstop demands. In the middle of it all, it’s easy to forget thatyou need care, too. That’s where intentional rest and wellness come in — not as luxuries, but as lifelines. 

Whether it’s five minutes of stillness or a cozy moment with a cup of tea, taking time for yourself isn’t optional; it’s essential. In this practical guide, you’ll find realistic, doable ways to prioritize relaxation and create space for your own well-being. 

Why relaxation and wellness matter

In motherhood, the days are long, your hands are full, and it often feels like everyone needs something from you all at once. In the middle of the noise and nurture, your own needs can quietly slip to the bottom of the list. But here’s the truth: your wellness matters, too.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s the steady foundation that helps you show up as the mom you want to be. When you give your body and mind time to rest, even in small ways, you’re not taking away from your family. Instead, you’re recharging the energy you give every day.

Relaxation doesn’t have to mean disappearing for hours or finding a silent room. Sometimes, it’s a deep breath while the baby naps, a warm shower without rushing, or five quiet minutes to sip tea before the chaos begins again.

The truth is, when you feel good, everything runs smoother — your patience stretches further, your body feels stronger, and your joy shows up more often. Prioritizing your wellness isn’t a luxury. It’s an act of love for yourself, your family, and your motherhood. 

Start with small, intentional habits

You don’t need a full day off or a tranquil house to begin caring for yourself. In fact, some of the most powerful shifts happen in the smallest, most intentional moments.

Start by carving out micro-moments of rest throughout your day. Maybe it’s taking three deep breaths before you get out of bed. Maybe it’s putting your phone down for five minutes to stretch, close your eyes, or sit in stillness. 

These moments may feel small, but they send a big message to your body:you’re safe, you’re seen, and you can pause.

Try adding a daily wellness check-in to your routine. Ask yourself,“What do I need today?” The answer might be water, a snack, a walk, a hug, or a nap. Trust whatever comes up. When you tune into your needs, you start caring for yourself from a place of presence, not pressure.

Speaking of basics, hydration and nourishment are wellness, too. Keep a water bottle nearby. Snack on something that fuels you. Even something as simple as eating lunch before 2 p.m. counts as an act of care.

Wellness doesn’t require hours. It requires intention. Start small, stay consistent, and build these tiny pauses into your already full life. Over time, they’ll add up to something powerful — your own version of balance. 

Creating a calm environment at home

Your home may not always be quiet (hello, tiny humans!), but itcan be calming. Even in the middle of laundry piles, snack requests, and toy explosions, you deserve a space that feels like a breath of fresh air. 

With a few simple touches, you can create a little corner of calm that supports your wellness — even if it’s for a few minutes a day.

Start by choosing a go-to spot that feels good. Maybe it’s your favorite chair, a cozy corner in your bedroom, or a sunny spot by the window. Add a few calming elements like a soft blanket, your favorite candle, a journal or book, or a framed photo or quote that reminds you to exhale.

Calming sensory cues can work wonders, too. Turn on soft music during nap time, dim the lights in the evening, or keep a calming scent nearby (lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile are mom's favorites). These tiny rituals signal to your body that it’s safe to relax.

Want to take it a step further? Invite your kids into the calm. Play soft music during tidy-up time, light a candle for story hour, or stretch together before bedtime. When you model calm, your little ones learn it too.

Scheduling wellness into your day

Let’s be honest. If it’s not on the calendar, it might not happen. Between feedings, errands, work, and all the things motherhood demands, your wellness deserves a spot on the schedule, too. 

And no, it doesn’t have to be an hour-long yoga class or a spa day (although if you get the chance, go for it!). It can besimple, flexible, and doable.

Start by looking at your day and finding small pockets of time. Think 10 minutes after the morning rush, five minutes before bed, or that quiet moment while your baby naps on your chest. Wellness doesn’t need a big window — it simply needs a place to land.

Try adding it to your to-do list. Write “drink water,” “step outside,” or “sit down and breathe” right alongside your errands and appointments.

Or, stack it onto routines you already have. Stretch while the coffee brews. Listen to a calming playlist while you fold laundry. Take three deep breaths after buckling your toddler into the car seat.

Finally, try using phone reminders — not to pressure you, but to gently nudge you back to yourself throughout the day.

And, if you can, build in protected time. Ask your partner, family member, or friend to give you 20 distraction-free minutes a couple of times a week. Use it however you want; sit in silence, go for a walk, or do absolutely nothing. That’s wellness, too.

Wellness doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to bepossible. When you schedule even the smallest moment of care into your day, you’re choosing to show up for yourself.

A woman and a child share a warm hug on a couch in a cozy living room.

Leaning on your village

You were never meant to do motherhood alone. Somewhere along the way, the world started expecting moms to carry everything themselves. But that’s not realistic, and it’s certainly not sustainable. Asking for help is wisdom, not a weakness. And leaning on your village is one of the most loving things you can do for yourself and your family.

Start with the people you trust. Is there a friend, partner, or family member who can take over for an hour while you nap, walk, or breathe in peace? Don’t wait for someone to offer — ask. Most peoplewant to help; they don’t always know how. Here are a few ideas:

💛 Swap child care with a fellow mom so you each get solo time during the week.
💛 Ask your partner to block out a few wellness windows in your shared schedule.
💛 Say yes when someone offers to bring dinner, hold the baby, or fold laundry.

And if you don’t feel like you have a strong village nearby, build one through individual conversations and connections at a time. Join a local or virtual mom group, say hi to that mom you always see at the park, or share honestly with another mom who looks as tired as you do.

There is power in your community. There is healing in support. When you surround yourself with people who remind you thatyou matter, too, the hard days feel lighter, and the joyful ones feel even sweeter.

Motherhood isn’t a solo act. It’s a shared story. So, let your village hold you, encourage you, and remind you that you don’t have to carry it all alone. 

Quick relaxation rituals that really work

Sometimes, all it takes is five mindful minutes and a small shift in focus to reset your body and spirit. These quick relaxation rituals are simple, soothing, and totally doable, even with a baby on your hip and a mile-long to-do list. Let them be your permission slip to pause. 

Deep breathing

Close your eyes, place your hand on your heart, and take a slow breath through your nose. Exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat 3–5 times. Feel your shoulders drop and your mind settle.

The 10-minute shower reset

Turn your shower into a tiny retreat. Use your favorite body wash or scrub, let the warm water hit your back, and take a moment to simply be. Let it rinse away more than dirt — let it wash off the overwhelm.

A cup of tea or coffee, uninterrupted

No multitasking. No scrolling. Simply sit and sip slowly. Close your eyes between sips. Let it be a moment of stillness that belongs only to you.

Quick journaling prompt

Grab a notebook or open your notes app. Write down:

  • One thing you’re grateful for

  • One thing you’re proud of

  • One thing you need today

Even two minutes of reflection can ground you. Better yet, get yourself anaffirmation magnet and hang up what you write on the fridge. 


Calming music

Create a “calm mama” playlist filled with songs that soothe your soul. Play it while you tidy, cook, or sit in the car. Let the music soften the edges of your day.

Five-minute stretch

Stand up. Roll your shoulders. Stretch your arms overhead. Gently twist side to side. Reach down and breathe into your lower back. Feel the tension melt, bit by bit.

Positive affirmation

Whisper or write down:

  • I am doing enough.

  • It’s okay to rest.

  • I am allowed to care for myself.

Say it like you mean it because it’s true. (Psst: An affirmation magnet on the fridge with this is also a gentle reminder throughout the day!)

These tiny rituals may seem small, but their impact is powerful. They remind you that you are worthy of rest, peace, and showing up for yourself, even in the in-between moments. 

Mom care packages from Sunflower Motherhood

You deserve to feel cared for, Mama — deeply, intentionally, and often. Whether you're creating your own quiet moments or helping another mom feel seen, a little support goes a long way.

At Sunflower Motherhood, our mom care packages and gift cards for moms are designed to bring comfort, encouragement, and rest to your everyday life. From soothing self-care essentials to thoughtful, nurturing gifts, each package is a gentle reminder that your wellness matters too.

Looking to treat yourself? Do it. Want to lift up a fellow mom who’s doing her best? A care package with an affirmation magnet says,“I see you, and you deserve a break.”

Prioritize rest. Celebrate progress. Choose something beautiful that says, “you matter.”Visit Sunflower Motherhood today and start with the care every mama needs and deserves. 💛


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