Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care: Yoga Practices to Reconnect with Yourself
Practical advice on finding time for self-care and incorporating yoga into daily life
As moms, we’re masters at juggling—a baby in one hand, the grocery list in the other, all while trying to keep some semblance of order at home. But in the whirlwind of motherhood, self-care often gets shoved to the back burner. Here's the truth: if you’re constantly running on empty, it’s hard to show up as the best version of yourself—for anyone. That's where yoga comes in, offering a way to slow down and reconnect with yourself, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
So how do you balance motherhood and self-care? How can you actually make space for yoga without feeling guilty or overwhelmed? Here’s some practical advice on weaving yoga into your daily life, plus a few simple practices to help you reconnect with yourself. 🌸
1. Start Small: 5 Minutes Is Enough
You don’t need a full hour or even 30 minutes for self-care—sometimes five minutes is all you need to recharge. Instead of waiting for the perfect chunk of time to do a full practice (which we know is never coming), start small. A quick morning stretch or a few deep breaths before bed can help you reconnect with your body and calm your mind. The beauty of yoga is that it meets you exactly where you are.
Quick Tip: Next time you have five minutes, try this:
Sit tall in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and take three slow, deep breaths.
Lift your arms overhead, take a gentle side stretch to the right, then the left.
Finish with a seated twist on both sides to wring out tension.
That’s it! Just a few mindful moments can change the tone of your entire day. 💖
2. Sneak Yoga Into Everyday Moments
If you're struggling to carve out dedicated time for self-care, try sneaking yoga into your day. When you're standing in the kitchen waiting for the coffee to brew, take a forward fold. While playing with the kids on the floor, throw in some gentle twists or stretches. These little moments add up and keep you connected to your body even when life gets chaotic.
Sneaky Yoga Moves You Can Try:
Tree Pose while you brush your teeth or wait for the microwave.
Cat-Cow on your hands and knees while playing with your kids on the floor.
Standing Forward Fold while waiting for water to boil or for the kids to finish a snack.
It’s not about perfection; it’s about making yoga fit into your life, no matter how busy it is. 🙌
3. Create a “Mommy-and-Me” Yoga Routine
If finding time for self-care feels impossible because your little ones are always nearby, why not involve them? Creating a quick "Mommy-and-Me" yoga routine can turn self-care into something fun you can share with your kids. They might not get the poses exactly right (and that’s totally fine!), but it’s a chance to move your body, breathe together, and model healthy habits for your kids.
Try This Mommy-and-Me Mini Flow:
Cat-Cow (let your little ones copy the animal movements)
Downward Dog (they love this one—plus, it gets some of their wiggles out!)
Child’s Pose (calms both of you down)
End with a simple breathing exercise: ask them to imagine blowing up a balloon as they inhale and letting it float away as they exhale. 🌬️
4. Schedule It Like Any Other Appointment
Let’s face it—if you don’t schedule time for yourself, it won’t happen. Try blocking out just 10–15 minutes in your day specifically for self-care, whether it’s yoga, meditation, or simply sitting in silence with your morning coffee. When it’s written down and prioritized, it becomes a non-negotiable part of your routine, just like any other important task.
Pro Tip: Let your family know that during your scheduled self-care time, you need space. It may take some time for them to adjust, but you’ll all benefit from a more relaxed, recharged mama.
5. Embrace Imperfection
Yoga (and motherhood) is never about being perfect—it’s about showing up as you are. Some days, you’ll manage to do a full yoga flow, and other days, you might only manage a few deep breaths before a child pulls you away. That’s okay. What matters is that you make space, no matter how small, to reconnect with yourself. Yoga can help you find that balance between being there for your kids and being there for yourself.
In Conclusion: You Deserve Self-Care, Too
Mama, you give so much to your family, but you deserve to give some of that love and care to yourself, too. Yoga is a powerful way to reconnect with yourself, to slow down, breathe, and remember who you are beyond the roles of motherhood. Whether it’s five minutes of stretching or a full routine, every moment you spend caring for yourself will make a difference in how you show up for those you love.
So, the next time you’re feeling drained, take a deep breath, roll out your mat (or just sneak in a stretch wherever you are), and remember—you deserve this time. 💖🙏
