Summer is supposed to be relaxing, right?

At least that’s what we tell ourselves.

Then summer actually arrives and suddenly we’re making snacks every 20 minutes, driving kids to activities, planning vacations, keeping everyone entertained, and wondering how we’re already out of groceries again.

If you’re a busy mom, self-care can quickly fall to the bottom of the list.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be an hour-long spa day to make a difference.

Here are a few low-effort ways I like to take care of myself during busy summer days.

Go Outside for 10 Minutes

Not for yard work.

Not to watch the kids.

Just for you.

Take your coffee outside in the morning. Sit on the patio after dinner. Go for a quick walk around the block.

A few minutes of fresh air can do wonders for your mood.

Put Something on the Calendar Just for You

I put workouts, manis, and other personal appointments directly on my calendar.

If I don’t schedule them, they usually don’t happen.

Summer fills up fast, so I find it helpful to claim a little time for myself before everything else gets added.

Keep One Simple Beauty Routine

When life gets busy, I don’t need a 10-step routine.

A good lip balm, a quick skincare routine, and a manicure that lasts are enough to help me feel put together.

Sometimes feeling better doesn’t require doing more.

Read a Few Pages

A few pages counts.

One chapter counts.

Five minutes while the kids are occupied counts.

Reading helps me slow down and focus on something other than the endless mental checklist running through my head.

Give Yourself Permission to Keep It Simple

Not every day has to be productive.

Not every summer memory has to be Pinterest-worthy.

Sometimes self-care is ordering pizza, watching a movie, and calling it a successful day.

The goal isn’t perfection.

It’s finding small ways to take care of yourself so you have the energy to take care of everyone else.

What’s one low-effort way you take care of yourself during the summer?