{Episode 87} How to find time for yourself when there’s no time

If you’re a mum who feels permanently stretched, constantly needed, and quietly exhausted, you’ve probably asked yourself this question more than once:

How do I find time for myself when there is literally no time?

Between childcare, work, emotional labour, and the invisible mental load, “me time” can feel like a luxury reserved for other people. But here’s the truth most mums are never told: finding time for yourself isn’t about having more hours, it’s about giving yourself permission.

In this post, we’ll explore realistic, compassionate ways to reclaim time for yourself, even in the busiest seasons of motherhood.

Listen to the Reclaiming MUM podcast on AppleiTunes or on  Spotify.

Why Mums Struggle to Find Time for Themselves

Many mums assume that once life settles down, when the kids are older, sleep improves, or work eases, time will magically appear. But time doesn’t arrive on its own; it has to be intentionally created.

Often, the real barrier isn’t our schedule; it’s guilt, overthinking, and the pressure to always be productive. Many mums feel that resting or prioritising themselves will somehow make everything else fall apart.  The reality? When mums never pause, everything eventually feels harder.

How to Find Time for Yourself When There’s No Time

Here are three simple, realistic shifts that actually work in real life.

1. The 5% Rule

You don’t need an hour of uninterrupted time, and you don’t need a perfect morning routine.  However, you do need 5% more space today than you had yesterday.

That might look like:

  • Drinking a cup of tea without multitasking

  • Playing one song just for you

  • Taking three slow breaths with the bathroom door closed

These micro-moments matter because they help your nervous system feel safe, seen, and supported.

2. Swap Motivation for Containers

Waiting until you feel ready to rest rarely works when you’re exhausted.

Instead of saying:
“I’ll rest when I have time,”

Try:
“Every evening at 8:30pm, I take ten minutes for myself.”

This creates a container, a gentle boundary that removes decision fatigue and builds consistency without pressure. You don’t need motivation; what you need is a structure that supports you.

3. Remove the ‘Shoulds’ First

Many mums don’t lose time to their children; they lose time to unrealistic expectations.

Before trying to add self-care in, ask:

  • What can I release today?

  • Which ‘should’ can soften?

  • What standard is no longer serving me?

Sometimes reclaiming time starts with letting go, not doing more.

You’re Not Asking for Too Much

If you’re craving space, rest, or time to breathe, you’re not being selfish.  What you are doing is asking for the bare minimum – space to be human.

Want Support Creating Realistic Routines?

If you’d like support to build life-giving routines that fit your actual life, my 1:1 coaching offers a calm, supportive space to reconnect with yourself alongside motherhood.

 Resources Mentioned:

 
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