Stress is our body’s mechanism for responding to demanding or high-pressure situations—and motherhood is full of them. When stress accumulates without efforts at de-stressing, it can swiftly escalate into anxiety, depression, illness, etc.

So, today we’ll be delving into a simple 6-step stress relief routine, specifically curated for busy moms to help you unwind and recharge. The preliminary step is to send your kids over to a family member or babysitter; but if that isn’t an option, still do your best to stick to something on this list as best you can, when you can.

Step 1: Journal

Stress is often caused by emotions that have been pent up for a while. Hence, a good place to start your relief routine is with journaling. You get to release your emotions, thoughts, and experiences on paper (or whatever medium you prefer) which can be incredibly therapeutic.

Journaling helps you clear your mind, process your emotions, and gain perspective. Simply take a few minutes to pen down anything that’s on your mind and watch how it lightens your mental load.

Step 2: Scent to Soothe

Aromatherapy is a powerful tool for stress relief. The next step is to set your de-stress scene using a relaxing scent. You can either light a candle with your favorite scent, or use a diffuser combined with a relaxing scent—lavender, chamomile, or vanilla are great options. The calming aroma will help soothe your senses and add to the peaceful environment.

Step 3: Body and Skin Care

Now, it’s time for some physical care. Indulge in a soothing bath (yes, bring out the bath bombs and essential oils!) and take ample time to do your complete skincare routine. This will soak and cleanse some more of the stress away while also relaxing your muscles, calming your mind, and pampering your skin.

*Pro Tip: Take our free skincare quiz for personalized product recommendations for your specific skin concerns.

Step 4: Dive Into a Hobby

Engaging in a hobby you love is a wonderful way to unwind. Whether it’s painting, knitting, reading, or even baking a dessert, dedicate an hour to doing something you enjoy. This places you in a positive and creative headspace, providing a much-needed break from your daily responsibilities.

Step 5: End with Nature

Spending time in nature is also a natural stress reliever. You can either take a walk in a nearby park, sit out in your garden, or simply open a window so you can breathe in the fresh air and watch the clouds drift by. Nature has a way of grounding us, reducing anxiety, and boosting our overall well-being. Even a few minutes outside can make a big difference.

Step 6: Meditation

The sixth step is one that you carry out in combination with any of the other five. You can meditate while you journal, soak in your tub, or sit in your garden. Just ensure the space is quiet and that you’re calm and comfortable.

Guided meditations using prompts (you can find several online, specifically for moms) can be helpful, especially for beginners. Meditation helps you clear your mind and let go of any lingering stress. It also enhances your self-awareness and enables you to better in understanding and managing your emotions.

Final Thoughts

Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. By carrying out this 6-step stress relief routine as often as you can, you’ll find that managing stress will become a breeze and you can enjoy a more balanced, fulfilling mom life.

Taking time to care for yourself not only benefits you but also allows you to be the best mom you can be. If you want a more comprehensive Self-Care Guide for moms looking to reclaim their time amidst the struggles of modern-day parenting, click here to claim your FREE e-guide right now!