11 Amazing Me Time Ideas for Moms that Don’t Cost a Single Penny

Ask any mom about her me-time and you’ll get an ironic chuckle.

After all, it’s hard to get time for yourself when you’re working a job, taking kids to recitals and basically managing everything under the sun.

Some mommies avoid doing things for themselves because the money is tight.

But in spite of everything, it’s vital for moms to take some time off, regroup, recharge and come back stronger than ever.

Money, time or any other factor shouldn’t stand between a woman and her self-care.

And this is exactly why I have compiled a list of me-time ideas for moms that don’t cost anything.

Let’s begin.

Pick up that book you started but couldn’t find the time to finish. If you’re not already a reader, borrow a book on anything you find interesting from the local library. I for one, love biographies and self-help books. Yes, the latter are cringy at times but some of them are quite insightful. You can indulge in the book swapping to avoid spending a single penny on this activity.

Collecting coins is a popular hobby. But I will do you one better: what if you were to collect coupons. Of course, this activity needs some hustle on your part. And it’s not quite as “me-timey” (if that’s a word) as some of the other ideas on this list. Still, if you were to collect coupons from magazines, newspapers, and leaflets, it would do your monthly budget a world of good. Just the sense of accomplishment on every saving this worth your while.

The great thing about the internet is that it’s made many things free. And to delights of fitness moms around the world -this includes yoga. Now you simply need to search “Yoga for beginners” and professional guidance ends up on your smartphone. This is an absolute gift for mommies who are a bit conservative with their money. They can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of Yoga without paying a heavy monthly fee.

Alright! Technically Netflix is not free. However, if some good soul shares their account with you or you’re already subscribed, get on the couch and watch whatever you want. Maybe give that Marie Kondo series a try. Remember, it’s okay to be a little lazy once in a while (more on that later).

There’s nothing quite like a nice long bath. Play some relaxing music, light a few scented candles and line up your favorite soaps. If done right, a warm bath is simply therapeutic. You can even use a tablet to watch a movie while you’re in there. Do whatever little thing that calms you.

In this age of Twitter, you might be enticed to go on a rant about your day in 280 characters. But from what’ve learned, the old school approach of writing in a journal is far more effective. You can write about your day, something that’s bothering you or your pent-up feelings without being creeped-on or trolled. Simply pick a pen and let yourself loose.

Once in a while, it’s best to just look up some recipes on YouTube and cook something for yourself. Personally, I like to take out the leftovers from the refrigerator and mix them up to create a delicious blend. The food ends up in my belly instead of a bin and I get to enjoy a treat without spending a dime. Talk about a win-win situation.

Taking a walk around the block is a great way to clear one’s head and perhaps a good time for self-reflection. You might even find a new store or a nice restaurant this way that you would want to try later. Regardless, taking a long, purposeless walk is great for blowing off some steam.

There are plenty of benefits to playing cross-word puzzles. It improves your vocabulary, releases mental stress and boosts your mental health. It’s also one of the least money-consuming me-time activities. Simply pick up an old newspaper or borrow one for your neighbor and get cracking.

Turns out, doing nothing is not necessarily a bad thing. The modern environment has us believing that one has to be productive all the time but the reality is quite the opposite. Some researchers have found out that boredom spurs creativity and can motivate you to go after your goals. So go ahead, lie on the couch and stare at the roof. Maybe that’s exactly what you need.

As a working mom, you deserve to have some well-earned money spent on you. So go out shopping, book a spa day, order that necklace you’ve been wanting and finally, don’t feel guilty about any of it. It’s OK to spend on yourself. You’ve earned it.