Let’s face it—being a parent is a full-time job on top of your actual full-time job. And if you’ve got multiple kids with afterschool activities, your schedule probably looks like a game of Sudoku played during a caffeine high. 🧠☕
There’s soccer practice, piano lessons, math club, emergency Target runs, and a birthday party that somehow slipped your radar until 30 minutes ago. Sound familiar?
With all that chaos, self-care tends to fall somewhere between “maybe later” and “what even is that?” But here’s the thing: You. Deserve. A. Break. Even if it’s just for 60 beautiful, uninterrupted, glorious minutes.
So we created the ultimate 1-Hour Self-Care Plan for you—the superhero in leggings, juggling work emails and sippy cups. 🦸♀️🍼 Let’s get into it.
Minute 0–10: Unplug & Breathe (Yes, Put Down the Baby Monitor)
For the first 10 minutes, your only job is to disconnect from everything—and yes, that includes Instagram Reels of other parents pretending they’ve got it all together.
Set a timer. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.” Sit in your car if you have to (we all know it’s basically a mobile sanctuary anyway). Now, breathe. Close your eyes. Inhale for 4, exhale for 6. Do that a few times and pretend you're at a spa instead of parked outside dance class.
Not bad, right?
Minute 10–30: Feed Yourself (Not Just the Kids)
Now that your nervous system has downshifted a bit, it’s time to actually eat something. No, not your child’s leftover goldfish crackers.
Whether it's a warm lunch, smoothie, or some chocolate you’ve hidden behind the frozen peas (no judgment), this is your time to nourish your body. Bonus points if you can eat it sitting down.
Even better? Pair it with a little outdoor moment. If you’re wrangling groceries, sports gear, or your sanity on the go, invest in something that makes your life way easier—like this 660 lbs Wagon Garden Cart with Rotating Handle and Removable Sides. Whether you’re hauling soccer balls, snacks, or a small child who refuses to walk, this cart’s got your back. And sides. And wheels that actually work.
Trust us—there’s something oddly soothing about rolling your chaos around like you’ve got your life together. Self-care win.
Minute 50–60: Set a Soft Intention (Spoiler: “Survive” Counts)
You’ve made it to the final stretch of your power hour. Time to reflect and set a soft intention for the rest of your day or week.
What’s a soft intention, you ask? It’s basically a gentle reminder to treat yourself like the MVP you are—without the pressure of unrealistic Pinterest-parent perfection.
Try one of these:
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“I’ll give myself grace when I forget things—again.”
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“I’ll focus on progress, not perfection.”
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“I’ll find joy in small moments… even if they’re covered in peanut butter.”
Write it down, speak it aloud, or whisper it to yourself while hiding in the pantry. (No one will hear you over the crunch of Goldfish crackers.)
Why 1 Hour Can Actually Make a Huge Difference
Let’s be real—an hour won’t magically make the laundry do itself or the dinner cook faster. But it can reset your nervous system, refill your cup, and help you show up for your family without burning out.
Because when you take care of yourself, you’re teaching your kids that they’re worthy of care too. That it's okay to pause. That parents are people.
And hey, if your version of self-care includes chucking sports gear into your new cart while sipping an iced coffee in peace? That’s a win, not a compromise.
Let's Keep the Self-Care Party Going
We want to hear from you! 🎉
Have you tried this 1-hour plan? Got a creative way you sneak self-care into the chaos? Or maybe a funny moment where your "me time" turned into "we time" with your toddler crashing the party?
Drop your story in the comments or tag us on Instagram—@workingparenthelp. We LOVE hearing how real parents are finding ways to stay sane and supported.
And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Working Parent Help blog for more tips, hacks, and relatable content that won’t make you feel like a failure for serving cereal for dinner.