What are some weekend self-care for overwhelmed moms like you?

Between catching up on laundry, making grocery runs, and keeping the kids from fighting over the remote, most moms are left wondering, “Wait… wasn’t I supposed to rest?”

And while a weekend spa day or a solo Target run sounds amazing, it’s not always possible. But that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve time to recharge.

This post is for the mama who’s tired but still showing up. For the one who wants rest but can’t find a sitter. For the one doing all the things. You deserve self-care, sis—and here’s how you can practice weekend self-care for overwhelmed moms without leaving the house.

1. The 20-Minute DIY Spa Moment

You don’t need a fancy tub or candles that cost more than your water bill. Just 20 intentional minutes where you close the bathroom door and claim the moment as yours.

Here’s a quick setup:

• Light a candle or incense stick
• Wash your face slowly, with intention
• Apply a face mask (even if it’s just honey from the kitchen)
• Soak your feet in warm water with salt or essential oils
• Put on your favorite playlist or silence—your choice

Pro tip: If your kids are old enough, tell them, “Mom’s going to her spa. Only knock if there’s fire or blood.” Say it with love… but say it.

2. Phone-Free Mornings = Instant Peace

One of the biggest game changers for moms is how you start your day.

Instead of rolling over and immediately diving into texts, social media, or emails, try this: Set a 30-minute phone-free buffer after you wake up.

Use that time to:

• Drink your coffee hot (a radical idea, I know)
• Journal or brain dump your thoughts
• Pray or meditate
• Just sit in silence for once!

Even 10–15 minutes of “real life” before screen life can help your mind feel calmer and more present.

3. 10 Minutes for a Forgotten Hobby

Remember the things you used to do before motherhood took over? Reading, painting, sewing, writing poetry, dancing in your socks?

Carve out 10 guilt-free minutes to do that thing. Not because it’s productive. Not because it’s “useful.” But because you are allowed to exist outside of serving others.

You don’t have to finish the book. You don’t have to post the project. Just do it for the joy of it.

No hobby? Try one of these:

• Color in an adult coloring book
• Learn a TikTok dance just for fun
• Try a 10-minute guided stretch on YouTube
• Make a vision board with old magazines

4. Create a “Quiet Hour” for the Whole Family

If the idea of finding alone time feels impossible, try this: make it everybody’s alone time.

Pick one hour (or even 30 minutes) on Saturday or Sunday where the rule is: “Everyone does something quiet—separately.”

Ideas for the kids:

• Books
• Puzzles
• Coloring
• Journaling
• Legos or quiet play in their room

You can use that time however you want: nap, listen to music, fold laundry slowly (with a face mask on?), or just stare at the wall. It all counts.

Bonus: The more you do it, the more your kids expect it—and even begin to enjoy it.

5. The “Gratitude Reset” Dinner Tradition

End your weekend on a high note with something simple and powerful: a family gratitude dinner.

Before you eat (or while eating), go around the table and each share:

• One thing you’re grateful for
• One small win from the weekend
• One thing you’re looking forward to next week

It doesn’t have to be deep or serious. “I’m thankful for ice cream” or “I’m proud I showered” totally count.

Why this works: Gratitude is proven to reduce stress, boost mood, and help us feel more connected. It gives your weekend emotional closure and helps you enter Monday with a little more peace.

Bonus Ideas for In-Home Mom Self-Care:

Because sometimes, you just need a short list to choose from:

• Drink water with lemon like it’s a spa day
• Light a candle while you fold laundry and romanticize your life
• Watch your favorite show during nap time (yes, you’re allowed)
• Wear a cozy robe all day—even if no one else is
• Clean just one thing. Then stop.
• Order food guilt-free and skip the dishes

What If I Still Feel Overwhelmed After?

First of all—breathe. There’s no magic fix to being a tired mom. Even after all the bubble baths and gratitude journals, the work is still hard. But these little acts of self-care are like emotional armor. They don’t erase the hard, but they remind you that you matter too. That you’re allowed to take up space. That you can be a loving, present mom and also need rest.

You Deserve This, Mama. Without Earning It.

You don’t need to cross everything off your list first. You don’t have to hit “mom of the year” status before you rest. You don’t need permission to take care of yourself.

Your well-being matters because you matter.

So whether you’re seeking weekend self-care for overwhelmed moms or just need five minutes of peace, remember this: light the candle. Take the bath. Lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes and eat chocolate in silence.

Whatever your version of self-care looks like—claim it. This weekend. In your own way. In your own home.