Self-Care: Between Shifts

Because Mom Life Doesn’t Clock Out – But You Still Matter

Self-care isn’t bubble baths and perfect routines.
Sometimes it’s five quiet minutes in your car. Sometimes it’s saying no. Sometimes it’s reheating your coffee and actually drinking it.

This space is for real-life self-care — the kind that fits between work shifts, school pickups, emotional overload, relationship stress, and the mental load no one sees.

You don’t need a full day off to take care of yourself.
You just need small moments — done consistently.

💬 Real Talk First

If you’re here, you might be:

  • Burned out from work or coworkers
  • Emotionally stretched from parenting or co-parenting
  • Feeling touched out, talked out, or maxed out
  • Trying to hold it together for everyone else
  • Running on caffeine and responsibility
  • Wondering when it’s “your turn”

You’re not failing. You’re overloaded. There’s a difference.

⏱️ Quick Self-Care (5–15 Minutes)

For busy days when life is loud:

  • Sit in silence before going inside the house
  • Take a short walk — no phone
  • Drink water + deep breathe for 60 seconds
  • Voice-note your feelings instead of bottling them
  • Stretch your neck, shoulders, jaw
  • Step outside and get sunlight
  • Make a real snack — not leftovers from a kid plate
  • Text a safe friend instead of scrolling

🧠 Mental & Emotional Reset

When your mind won’t stop racing:

  • Brain-dump everything on paper
  • Write what’s bothering you — without editing
  • Ask: What actually matters today?
  • Lower the standard — not everything must be perfect
  • Delay big decisions when you’re overwhelmed
  • Log off early when possible
  • Stop replaying conversations with difficult coworkers

❤️ Relationship & Co-Parenting Self-Care

Protect your emotional energy:

  • Boundaries are self-care
  • Not every message needs an instant reply
  • You can be kind without being available 24/7
  • Document — don’t argue
  • Choose calm over winning
  • Don’t negotiate when triggered
  • It’s okay to say: “I’ll respond later.”

👩‍👧 Mom Guilt Reset

Read this slowly:

You are allowed to:

  • Need quiet
  • Be tired of being needed
  • Want alone time
  • Miss your old self
  • Love your kids and still feel overwhelmed
  • Take breaks without earning them

Rest is not a reward — it’s maintenance.

🍽️ Self-Care Through Simple Nourishment

We keep this realistic here:

  • Easy recipes
  • Comfort food without guilt
  • Fast meals for chaotic nights
  • Batch cooking ideas
  • “No energy” food lists
  • Budget-friendly options

Food is fuel — not pressure.

🛠️ Your Self-Care Toolbox (Build Your Own)

Create your personal go-to list:

My 5-Minute Reset:

My People I Can Text:

My Quick Mood Boosters:

🤍 A Reminder From This Community

You are not behind.
You are not weak.
You are not “too much.”
You are doing the job of multiple people — in multiple roles — every day.

Take the breath.
Take the break.
Take the moment.

We’ll hold your seat while you reset.

From yours truly, Cate

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