Back-to-School Self-Care Tips for Moms (That Actually Fit Into Your Day)

We know how it goes. Summer flew by in a blur of snacks, sunscreen, and non-stop schedules. Now that the kids are back in school, you might finally have a little breathing room again. But taking care of yourself? It can feel impossible.

So we did a little homework for you. We looked into experts’ back-to-school self-care tips for parents and translated them into ideas that busy moms, mother figures, and dads can actually fit into their days.

Grab a snack and take a few minutes to discover simple, doable ideas you can try in a few minutes, with a few helpful tools and tips to support you along the way. This is your reminder that you deserve me-time.

1. Reclaim Your Mornings (Even Just 5 Minutes)

• What research says:
  Short, consistent self-care in the morning can reduce stress and improve your mood for the entire day. According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, even just five minutes of quiet reflection, breathwork, or journaling can set the tone for a calmer mindset.
  
  
• Try it like this:
  Instead of reaching for your phone first thing, keep a sticky note by your bed with a question like: “How do I want to feel today?” or “What do I need this morning?” You can also do a 60-second facial massage with the Shapermint Jade Quartz Roller to boost circulation and add a little moment of grounding before the rush begins.

2. End the Day with a Wind-Down Signal

• What research says:
  Having a predictable evening ritual helps your brain and body shift out of go-mode and into rest. Research shows that evening routines lower stress levels and help parents fall asleep faster and feel less burned out.
  
  
• Try it like this:
  Create a wind-down cue that your body can learn to recognize. Think about turning off the big lights and lighting your favorite scented candle, putting on your fuzzy slipper socks, and reading something that inspires you, or doing breathing exercises to let go of the stress. No screens. No multitasking.

ShaperTip: The fewer screens, the better. Skip the TikTok scroll and replace it with something that actually helps your brain feel calmer.

3. Reflect & Reset Daily

• What research says:
  Parents benefit from taking a moment each day to check in with themselves. A daily pause helps reduce emotional fatigue and supports mental clarity over time.
  
  
• Try it like this:
  Before bed or during your lunch break, write one sentence about something that felt good today, or something that didn’t. You’re not solving anything, just giving your mind space to release. And if you can, end it with a compliment to yourself.

ShaperTip: Don’t underestimate the power of your everyday essentials. Wearing truly comfortable underwear like a cotton bralette & undies can help you feel a little more “held” throughout the day.

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4. Move Mindfully, Not Perfectly

• What research says:
  Short bouts of mindful movement—walking, stretching, even slow breathing—help regulate emotions and increase endorphins. Even a 10-minute walk can improve your energy and mood.
  
  
• Try it like this:
  After drop-off, take a lap around the block. Or do some gentle stretching before you check your email. Movement doesn’t have to be sweaty or scheduled, it just has to exist.

ShaperTip: When time is tight, slipping into active shaping leggings is a quick win. Great for walks, errands, or working from home.

5. Set One Boundary This Week

• What research says:
  Back-to-school burnout is real, especially for caregivers. Saying “no” when needed helps protect your energy and well-being.
  
  
• Try it like this:
  Choose one thing you’re not going to do this week. Maybe it’s saying no to a non-essential commitment, or creating a “no emails after 8 PM” rule. Your energy has value, and protecting it is self-care too.

ShaperTip: Try setting a “protected time” rule. One hour a day (or even just 20 minutes), that’s just for you. No chores. No screens. No guilt. Use that time however you want: sit in silence, walk outside, listen to music, or catch up on the latest fashion trends for 2025.

6. Fill Your Ears With Something That Fills You Up

• What research says:
  The content we consume impacts how we feel. Listening to encouraging, affirming voices can reduce anxiety, boost self-esteem, and support a more positive self-image.
  
  
• Try it like this:
  Next time you're doing dishes, commuting, or doing groceries, pop in a podcast that lifts you up. We love The BodPod for real, honest conversations about body confidence and self-worth. It feels like chatting with a friend who just gets it.

ShaperTip: Make it part of your wind-down time. Socks on, lights low, BodPod playing in the background. Instant cozy confidence.

Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy

Self-care doesn’t need to be a bubble bath or a full day off. Some days, it’s just:

• Not replying to that message right away
• Eating lunch without multitasking
• Saying “not today” to another commitment
• Buying the comfy bra and not feeling bad about it

You don’t need to earn these moments. And now that the school bell’s ringing, maybe it’s time to check in with yourself again.

The Takeaway?

Self-care isn’t always spa days and silence. It's a five-minute check-in. It’s saying no without guilt. It’s also cozy socks, a great podcast, and a bra that doesn’t dig in. It’s what makes you feel good.

Know a fellow parent who needs this reminder, too? Share this post with your partner, a fellow mom, or even a dad you know who could use a little back-to-school breather, too.