Being a mom is the most rewarding experience of my life — but let’s be honest, it’s also the most exhausting. Between juggling school drop-offs, cleaning up mystery spills, and trying to maintain a semi-functioning schedule, I found myself slowly fading into the background of my own life. Somewhere between the 2 a.m. feedings and endless laundry piles, I lost my sense of self.
If you’re a mom reading this, I know you understand exactly what I mean. And while I love my kids with every ounce of my being, I realized recently that I wasn’t doing them (or myself) any favors by running on empty. I needed to carve out intentional moments of calm. That’s when I made a promise to myself: Every day, no matter how crazy life got, I would find at least 10 minutes for me — just me.
The Myth of Supermom
We’ve all seen the Pinterest-perfect posts and the Instagram-ready moms who seem to have it all together. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if we’re not doing everything — and doing it with a smile — we’re somehow failing. But the truth is, even “supermoms” need breaks. Even “supermoms” cry in the bathroom sometimes.
For me, finding calm meant being okay with stepping away. Not permanently, not irresponsibly — just briefly, to recharge. And surprisingly, these small breaks transformed the way I functioned as a parent.
My Calm Corner
In the beginning, I didn’t even know what to do with those 10 minutes. Sit in silence? Scroll Instagram? Drink coffee while it’s still hot? I tried a little bit of everything.
Eventually, I created a small ritual: I’d step outside on the patio once the kids were napping or watching a show, light a candle or burn a little essential oil, and just breathe. Sometimes I’d journal, sometimes I’d listen to a podcast, and sometimes — and this might surprise some — I’d use a disposable vape.
I know that may raise some eyebrows, especially in parenting spaces. But for me, vaping became a subtle but meaningful part of my self-care routine.
RAZ’s flavor collection was a pleasant surprise — subtle, fresh, and comforting in their own way. It gave me a moment to pause, reflect, and just exist outside the identity of “mom” for a few minutes. Of course, I was careful. I never vape around my kids, and I never glamorize it. It’s just one of many tools that helped me regain my balance.
It’s Okay to Choose Yourself
We give so much of ourselves to others, and that’s a beautiful thing. But the truth is, a burnt-out mom can’t pour from an empty cup. You deserve to feel like a whole person — not just someone’s parent, cook, chauffeur, or nurse.
Whether your calm comes from five minutes of yoga, a walk around the block, a solo drive with your favorite playlist, or simply sitting in silence with a good scent or flavor — honor it. Own it.
I’ve found that when I take care of myself, I’m a better mom. I’m more patient, more present, and frankly, a lot more fun to be around.
Let Go of the Guilt
If you’re worried that self-care is selfish, let me assure you — it’s not. In fact, modeling healthy self-regulation and boundaries teaches your children a vital life skill: that emotional wellness matters. That mental resets are important. That moms are people, too.
I share this story not to promote a perfect solution, but to encourage you to find your own. For me, it was tiny rituals — like my quiet patio moments and a flavor I liked. For you, it might be entirely different.
But whatever it is, you’re allowed to claim it.Finding Your Calm: How I Rediscovered “Me Time” as a Busy Mom
Takeaway for Fellow Moms:
Don’t wait for the perfect day or the perfect opportunity to take a break. Take the break now. Your future self — and your family — will thank you.
Stay strong, Mama — and don’t forget yourself in the process.