Summer self-care bucket list for mums

Lists are great aren't they? They help us stay-at-home mums get things done, whether that's the cleaning, the kids' stuff, or just remembering everyone's birthdays. But do you have a list for yourself? A list that you can check things off when you've spent time looking after you? Spending time on self-care? With the summer school holidays almost upon us it's a good idea to put a summer self-care bucket list together - so here's yours!



Why you need to focus on self-care in the summer



  • The kids are home every day. When you're used to them being at school for the majority of the day it can be quite a big thing having them home every day. You have to think about snacks, lunch, activities, and dinner. You have to make sure they're entertained and having fun. And you have to do this while taking care of the usual household chores too.





Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.

Lucille Ball





  • It's a good time to focus on togetherness. Spending time with your kids can be a form of self-care. Let go of all those adult stresses and just have fun with your kids. Smile, laugh. The summer is a brilliant time for a bit of togetherness - even on a self-care bucket list!



Summer Self-Care Bucket List For Mums | Take time this summer to be together.



  • You're allowed. Here's the thing - yes, the kids are home but you need to take care of you too. Getting 10 minutes for self-care isn't a big ask - so spend a little time trying to think of ways you can sneak a little self-care into your days.



Make your own summer self-care bucket list


Grab a piece of paper, or use your phone, and write a list of all the things you'd like to do - that are just for you. Include everything you can think of - even if you think it's not possible. That way when you come to looking back at your list you can smile when you put things like "a week long holiday in the Caribbean without the kids". Even going to the toilet alone can go on the list, and then when you manage it (if you do!) you can tick it off and know you've achieved at least one thing!



Summer self-care bucket list for mums


Okay so as I've had a little time to put my list together I thought I'd share it with you. It includes all kinds of things, and they're achievable too - some with a little planning, but still.

  • Get outdoors. The sun may be shining or not, you could take the kids with you or not. But spend some time outside enjoying the fresh air and greenery (if you can find some).

  • Walk where it's not busy. The best places to walk are along canals, or through fields or parks at the end of the day. People tend to go to parks at about 11ish, and if you head out later in the day they tend to be a lot less busy.



Summer Self-Care Bucket List For Mums | Walking in peace can really help with the stress.



  • Wear your favourite clothes. It always feels good when you're wearing something you love right? So get your faves on and smile through the day!

  • Smile. Just smile. You don't have to be looking at anything that makes you smile - just smile. When you smile, even if there's nothing to smile at, you feel better. You could even try smiling at strangers and watch as they smile back!

  • Spend time on a hobby (or find a new one). Giving yourself time to enjoy something that is just yours boosts your self-esteem and makes you feel like you're achieving something. Win!

  • Chill out for 5 minutes. Sit. Do nothing else.



Summer Self-Care Bucket List For Mums | Relax and chill for 5 minutes.



  • Read a chapter of a book/read a blog post. Escaping into a fictional world, or reading about someone else's lives is a great way to forget about the stresses and strains of your own.

  • Stargaze. It's amazing how standing outdoors at night and looking up at the stars sparkling in the night sky can make you feel good.

  • Enjoy indoor activities on rainy days. Build forts with the kids, have a hot coffee, or get the puzzles out.

  • Be a tourist in your own town. Wander around your town as if you've never visited. Notice new things. Perhaps even visit places you've always meant to but never managed.

  • Plan a trip. It's always fun to plan a trip so why not spend a little time doing that. It could be one for the family, just a day out, or even a holiday abroad.

  • Start journaling

  • Create a playlist. Music can make you feel good, so put a playlist of your favourites together and have hours of feel-good songs you can turn to.

  • Go on a picnic. Again being outdoors is great, and taking a blanket and a few snacks is a good way to enjoy the outdoors with your family.

  • Visit the beach. I love standing on the beach, bare feet, and watching the waves splash over my feet. Living in the Midlands makes this difficult but I do my best when I can! Head to the beach whenever you can and take a moment to watch the waves. It can be very peaceful.



Summer Self-Care Bucket List For Mums | Walking along the beach is so soothing.



  • Get ice-cream - the kids and you! Be a kid again and get excited about getting ice-cream.

  • Catch up with friends. Invite them over, head out to meet them for play dates for your kids. Whatever you do make sure you get a chance for a natter.

  • Paint your nails. Somehow it just feels good to look down at your hands and see them looking nice.





Our bodies are our gardens to which our wills are gardeners.

William Shakespeare





  • Visit the salon. Someone else looking after you for a change. Win!

  • Try out yoga, attend a class. It's amazing how yoga can help you feel calm and grounded as well as getting you worn out from all the stretches. I am always smiling after my yoga class.

  • Buy yourself some flowers. Whether they're fake (I have to buy fake ones because of hay-fever related issues) or real buying some bright flowers will make your house look brighter and probably make you smile.



Summer Self-Care Bucket List For Mums | Flowers always make you smile.



  • Sleep in. As a busy mum this is tough - but do what you can.

  • Take a relaxing bath. As above.

  • Read a magazine. Indulge in the fashion mags, read the gossip, and forget about the kids running around the house!

  • Dance to your favourite song. That's right, get up and dance about - you'll feel great!


Summer Self-Care Bucket List For Mums | Dance - it will feel good.



  • Have a chore free day. Enough said.

  • Netflix and chill. Your favourite movie, a TV series you've been wanting to watch, whatever you choose just sit and chill out while you watch.


Summer Self-Care Bucket List For Mums | Take time for yourself this summer - you deserve it!



Don't forget, just because you're home with the kids doesn't mean you're not entitled to some summer self-care. And with this bucket list for all you mums you're sure to be able to squeeze a little fun into the summer just for you.



Do you have a summer self-care bucket list?




If you can't think of anything for yourself, or just don't have the time to make your own summer self-care bucket list then why not grab mine?


Confessions of a New Mummy
My Random Musings