Take Care of Yourself In 31 Tiny Ways This May

May is for Moms! In this blog I’m sharing 31 tiny ways you can take care of yourself each day if you’re a mom this May.

It’s May, which means Mother’s Day is coming and let’s be honest, Mother’s Day is great but one brunch and a “thanks for all you do” text doesn’t hold up an entire month (or year) of motherhood. That’s why this May, we’re flipping the script! Let’s make the entire month about you, mama! Not in a spa-day-every-week kind of way (though no one’s stopping you), but in small, doable, real-mom life ways. Because that’s more my speed and the easiest way to take care of yourself in my opinion! In this blog, we’ll dive right into 31 things you can do all month to take care of yourself in tiny ways.

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31 Ways To Take Care Of Yourself In May

Here are 31 tiny acts of self-care, one for each day of May, to help you feel human, happy, and just a little more like yourself again! Pick one a day, repeat the ones you really love, or do them all in one glorious weekend if you can. But the point of this list is to take a little time each day to do something for you, not only because it’s Mother’s Day month, but because you deserve it! Taking care of yourself is essential to being able to show up as the mom you want to be, so let this be the start of creating habits to take care of yourself more often, mama.

1. Wake up 15 minutes early

I’m not particularly fond of waking up before my kids, but sometimes waking up just 10-15 minutes before them and drinking your coffee in silence is mood booster. And a great way to easily take care of yourself. Enjoy time with just you to start the month of May.

2. Text a friend

We’re always holding our phones but rarely making connections on it. Take the time today to send a text to a friend just to say hi. No mom talk required! Just a quick connection to let someone know you are thinking about them. It will mean a lot to them, and you might see it makes you feel better than you realized!

3. Shave your legs

Take the extra time in the shower today to shave your legs. Then put on lotion afterward and feel that instant refresh! It’s seriously the little things, mama!

4. Make your favorite lunch

Today, make your favorite lunch and enjoy it. Don’t just eat the scraps from your kids’ plates because blahhh that’s yucky and it’s the opposite of taking care of yourself. Make something yummy and sit and eat it. Maybe even eat it outside if the weather is nice!

5. Step outside for 5 minutes

Some sunshine and fresh air can reset even the grumpiest mood. Go outside, barefoot if you can, and let the sunshine (or breeze) hit your face. Close your eyes and smile and just enjoy these few minutes of simple pleasures the world gives us daily!

6. Say no

It’s ok to say no to things that don’t serve you. Today, say “no” to one thing that’s draining you this week. Then let that be ok and move on.

7. Light a candle

A candle can be so rejuvenating and it’s seriously such a simple way to take care of yourself. At naptime or bedtime light your favorite candle and just sit for a few minutes and enjoy it.

8. Put on mascara or lipstick

Small things like putting on a little makeup can make you feel like a person again. A little bit more like you. Give it a try today and see how you feel!

9. Make a playlist

I swear music can be so healing and help with overstimulation. Make a playlist in Spotify or Amazon Music of your throwback favorites (or new faves!) and dance in the kitchen.

10. Eat a treat without sharing

Get yourself your favorite treat and eat it without sharing it with your kids. Or, yes, eat the last cookie while your kids are in bed!

11. Write down 3 things you’re proud of

Take time at the end of the day today to write down 3 things your proud of yourself for this week. This little act of gratitude can help you see the good you did because as moms, because we tend to focus on the things we did wrong all the time.

12. Go to bed early

If you’re like me, you tend to stay up way too late for “me-time” but prioritizing sleep is the ultimate self care treat. Seriously. Put your phone down and go to bed before 11 PM. You’ll be happy you did!

13. Stay off social media

At least just for today, stay off of all social media. Then, feel the freedom. haha! Seriously though, let me know how this one feels because I’m pretty sure you’ll feel amazing taking a social media break.

14. Order yourself something small

Order that little thing you’ve been wanting or that’s been sitting in your Amazon cart for a few weeks. Maybe it’s a new mug, a book, or even some fuzzy socks. Treat yourself to something small today!

15. Take a silly selfie

You’re hot, even in your mom bun! Take a silly selfie by yourself or with your kids. I’m sure you’ll look back on it and smile!

16. Ask for help

Ask your kids or your husband/partner for help with one task (at least). Let someone else carry something for once. You deserve the help! Oh, then let go of the fact that it didn’t get done to your standards. It’s ok as long as it’s done!

17. Read a book or listen to a podcast

That podcast you’ve been wanting to listen to, or that book that’s been on your TBR list forever….get it for you! And make sure it’s not parenting advice today. Just read/listen for fun.

18. Buy yourself flowers

Buy yourself some flowers at the grocery store because why not? You earned them and they’re pretty! Now you’re probably singing that Miley Cyrus song right?😂

19. Clean one corner of your home

Clean that cluttered spot in your home you’ve been meaning to get to because you want to. Not because you “should.” Cleaning/decluttering can honestly be so calming and science proves that having a tidied space leads to leave overwhelm and anxiety.

20. Make a summer “want to do” list

Make a list of the things YOU want to do this summer for YOU. You can make that family bucket list for summer later. Today is about doing something for you! Maybe you have some books you want to read this summer, a hobby you’ve been meaning to start, or a workout you want to try. Write it down!

21. Take the scenic route

Sometimes a solo drive is all you need to relax a bit. Today, take the scenic route to wherever you’re going and enjoy the ride! Maybe even with a little treat.😉

22. Wear something that makes you feel good

Get dressed today (and everyday, but especially today!) Even if it’s just leggings that fit right and that comfy new sweater. Putting on real clothes can make all the difference in your day.

23. Create a 3-song reset playlist

Pick 3 of your favorite songs and add them to a playlist. Use this when you feel like you’re spiraling. As moms, we tend to have these moments every day, so choose your playlist over freaking out at your kids and feel less guilty later!

24. Unfollow 3 accounts

Today, do a little social media reset. Unfollow 3 accounts that make you feel less-than. These accounts that don’t serve you, don’t need to be followed anymore and you’ll feel so much better!

25. Say something kind to yourself

After you get ready today, stand in front of the mirror and say something nice about yourself out loud. Let your kids hear you say it too and set a positive example of self-love and self-worth!

26. Take a power nap

May is a long month and there’s always something going on. Today take a quick power nap without guilt. The dishes can wait and I promise you have 10 minutes to just sit and rest.

27. Make your bed

They say if you want to change the world, make your bed. (Admiral William H. McRaven said it to be exact.) But today, make your bed just to crawl into it early tonight. Maybe even make it a future habit!

28. Try a new coffee or tea flavor

Just for fun, try a new flavor of coffee or tea! You might find your new favorite and sometimes it’s good to do something new.

29. Do a 5-minute stretch

Take the time this morning to do a stretch or yoga flow for 5 or 10 minutes. If you have no clue where to start, YouTube has your back! You might also be surprised how much better you feel after a short stretch.

30. Skip one chore today

We have almost made it to the last day of May. Today, skip one chore. Just don’t do it! Maybe even skip them all and relax. Get wild! 😉

31. Celebrate yourself!

Happy last day of May! Let’s celebrate you because you made it through another month of showing up, loving big, and doing your best. Let me know in the comments what you’ll do to celebrate 31 days of taking care of yourself!

Final Thoughts

You deserve more than just Mother’s Day. Let’s normalize everyday care for moms, not just a few times a year. I hope this list helps you realize you can take care of yourself in small ways everyday and those tiny ways matter a whole lot! Because when you take care of you, you show up as the mom you want to be and that matters more than any to-do list!

Want more support this month? Grab my free Morning Routine Checklist for Moms below or check out my [Motherhood Burnout Survival Guide] if you’re feeling extra fried. You’ve got this, mama. 💛

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