4 Self-Care Myths Every Mom Needs to Know

If you think self-care is all about bubble baths and mani-pedis, I’ve got some news for you, my friend—there’s way more to it than that!

In today’s post, we’re diving into the TRUTH about self-care. Not only will I bust the 4 most common self-care myths, but I’ll also show you exactly how to start prioritizing self-care in your busy mom life.

Ready? Let’s go!

Self-Care Myth #1: You Need to Do Something Extravagant 

When you hear “self-care,” do you immediately picture a woman at the spa, sipping on some fancy cucumber-water concoction, waiting for her freshly polished toes to dry?

I used to think that way too. I thought self-care had to be a rare treat—something expensive or time-consuming. But let me tell you, I was SO wrong!

While a day at the spa sounds amazing, real self-care doesn’t have to break the bank or require hours away from your family. We’re busy moms, constantly running from one task to the next, and let’s be real—the idea of luxurious spa days just doesn’t fit our reality right now.

What to do instead

Self-care is all about filling your cup in small, intentional ways every day. It could be as simple as enjoying a hot cup of tea, reading a chapter of a book, or even just taking a deep breath in the middle of a chaotic day. Think of self-care as anything that helps you recharge and feel more like you.

Studies show that regular self-care can reduce stress, boost energy, and make you feel happier overall. So take a moment, make a list of the little things that lift your spirits, and find pockets of time in your day to squeeze them in. Whether it’s while your kids are watching a show or during nap time, those small moments add up!

Self-Care Myth #2: Your Kids Can’t Be Around 

Waiting until your kids are asleep or out of the house for some "me time"? I get it, but here’s the thing: your kids are around A LOT. And if you only make time for self-care when they aren’t, you’re missing out on tons of opportunities to recharge!

In fact, when you prioritize self-care in front of your kids, you’re teaching them an important lesson—that it’s okay (and necessary!) to take care of themselves too. You’re setting the example that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how we stay our best for the people we love.

What to do instead 

Incorporate self-care into your day, even with your little ones around. Maybe it’s turning on a fun playlist and having a mini dance party in the living room, or sitting down to color together while you enjoy a moment of calm. When you show your kids that it’s okay to pause and take care of yourself, you’re changing the game for future generations too!

Self-Care Myth #3: Taking Time for Yourself is Selfish

This myth right here—ugh! Let’s debunk it once and for all. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish, and it definitely doesn’t make you a bad mom. In fact, it’s one of the best things you can do for your family.

When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the daily chaos of motherhood with patience and grace. And trust me, your family benefits from that! A study even found a direct link between a mom’s self-care routine and a positive family environment.

What to do instead: 

Next time that little voice in your head says, “I can’t take a break, I’m being selfish,” remind yourself that caring for YOU means you’ll have more to give to your family. Just like how you can’t pour from an empty cup, you can’t be your best if you’re running on fumes.

So, shift that mindset and realize that you’re doing this for them as much as for yourself.

Self-Care Myth #4: You Can Just Squeeze it in Whenever You Can

We’ve all been there—trying to fit in some quick self-care whenever we find a spare minute. And while it’s great to grab those moments when you can, the truth is, self-care can’t just be something you squeeze in. It has to be part of your routine if you want to feel more content and less frazzled.

Even if you’re doing something small, like reading a book or going for a walk, consistency is key. You’ll get way more benefits from making self-care a daily habit than you will from sporadic bursts of me-time.

What to do instead

Start with what you’re already doing! Maybe you love yoga or enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the morning—awesome! Now, commit to doing it regularly.

If you’ve been doing yoga for 20 minutes, three times a week, try doing 10 minutes each day instead. Little by little, you’ll build lasting self-care habits that make you feel more balanced and energized every day.

And if you’re looking for a little extra help to make self-care a daily habit, I’ve got you covered! Check out my free guide: Self-Care Success, your go-to resource for creating self-care habits that actually work - even on the busiest days!

Wrapping it Up

There you have it—4 self-care myths busted! Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant, kid-free, or selfish, and it definitely can’t be something you only do once in a blue moon. It’s about finding those small, daily actions that lift your spirits and help you reconnect with who you are beyond the endless to-do lists and demands of motherhood.

So, which myth surprised you the most? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!