Calling a Timeout For Yourself: Tips To Help Busy Moms Recharge

“I just need five minutes.”

Taking a moment for yourself—especially during the hustle and bustle of holidays—when the magic making and everything else piles up around you is critical for your mental health. When taking a five-minute break seems unrealistic to you, that's when you know it’s time to put yourself in time out. Here are quick, simple ways to get it in now and all year long.

This might sound silly, but it’s something that everyone in the family will understand and respect. It’s as simple as saying, “Mom needs a timeout right now” and heading to the nearest quiet space to reset, regroup and ground yourself in the moment. Or, hell, you can scroll through Instagram or TikTok, whatever makes you happy. One of my favorite places to have a time out? Outside. Head outside, throw on your favorite Spotify playlist or podcast and go on a walk—even if it’s just around the neighborhood.

Some Music to Vibe To

Turn on this playlist to catch a quick pick-me-up on your 5-minute hot girl walk around the block. It will do wonders, and we promise there’s something for everyone on it.

• I just need 5 minutes - A playlist for you, by us.

Some Podcasts to Try

Not all podcasts need to be about parenting but here’s a few just in case and the other ones are for fun.

• Simple Families Podcast - This podcast focuses on minimizing the mental load of parenting all through the lens and expertise of Denaye Barahona, Ph.D. She has a doctorate in Child Development and she’s a mama, too! We obviously love Dr. Becky, too.

• Second Life - Hilary Kerr is co-founder and Chief Content Officer of Who What Wear (IYKYK) and now runs the podcast, Second Life. She’s also an amazing mother of two and is extremely open about the ups and downs of motherhood on her personal Instagram. In a word, she’s: refreshing.

• Who? Weekly - As someone wise described it, it’s all about C-list celebrities. Light, easy-breezy and extremely funny. Perfect for a 5-minute reprieve.

It’s giving downward dog and a few minutes to yourself.

• A 15-minute yoga hip-opener: They’re said to help release emotions, and doing 5 minutes is wonderful, too.
• A 5-minute standing series A quick standing series to energize you.
• 4-minute breathwork: Inhale/exhale your way to a clearer mind.

You’ve probably promised yourself you’d “get into meditation” thirty-five times in the last year, but you never quite took the plunge into that “ommm” life. Meditation doesn’t need to be a huge undertaking.

Normally I'm one of those people who cannot clear my head when I meditate because of kids, work, life and the ever-present hamster running around in my head, but recently I tried the 10 minute meditation through our friends and partners at Expectful and it did wonders to shake the cobwebs. If you’re even more strapped for time, try this free 5-minute one from Headspace!