Summer is often painted as the happiest time of the year, but for many mums, it can also be one of the busiest. Between work, keeping children entertained, managing the house, and trying to make the most of the warm weather, it’s easy to forget about yourself.
As a working single mum, I know this feeling all too well. Although I’m fortunate enough to have Fridays off during the summer, those long weekends quickly fill up with adventures, errands, and family time. That’s why I’ve learned that summer self-care ideas for busy mums don’t have to involve expensive spa days or luxurious weekends away. Sometimes, the simplest moments are the ones that recharge us the most.
Why Summer Can Feel Overwhelming
When people think of summer, they imagine holidays, beaches and endless sunshine. However, while those things can certainly be lovely, that’s not what self-care looks like in my everyday life.
We’re often trying to:
- Keep the kids entertained.
- Work around childcare schedules.
- Stay on top of housework.
- Stick to a budget.
- Make memories before summer disappears.
This year, one of my daughter’s former classmates’ mums gave me so many fantastic ideas for local outings and activities. It reminded me that we don’t have to come up with every idea ourselves. Sometimes, simply asking other parents for suggestions can make summer planning much less stressful.
Our Fridays are already filling up with adventures like Ribfest in Brockville, our recent trip to Granby Zoo, beach days, splash pads, and an upcoming visit to Jolly Bubble in Barrhaven. Looking ahead to these outings is exciting, but I’ve also realised that if I don’t make time to recharge, I won’t enjoy them nearly as much.
What Self-Care Really Means to Me
shower steamers
Social media often portrays self-care as expensive vacations, luxury skincare products or elaborate spa weekends.
While those things can certainly be lovely, that’s not what self-care looks like in my everyday life.
For me, self-care means slowing down.
It’s taking a long shower after a busy day.
It’s putting on a face mask while watching television.
Another way I recharge is treating myself to a manicure or pedicure every now and then.
It’s enjoying an iced coffee from Starbucks.
Sometimes it’s simply enjoying a piece of Lindt chocolate after my daughter has gone to bed.
Above all, it’s allowing myself to pause without feeling guilty.
My Favourite Friday Morning
relaxing coffee
A few weeks ago, my daughter was still at daycare on one of my Fridays off.
Instead of rushing around trying to tick off every job on my to-do list, I made myself a coffee and sat down to write several blog posts.
Instead, there was no pressure.
There were no deadlines.
Just uninterrupted time doing something I genuinely love.
As a result, it reminded me that self-care doesn’t always mean spending money…—it sometimes means simply having uninterrupted time to do something that fills your cup.
When my daughter is home, my ideal Friday morning looks a little different.
We enjoy a slower start to the day, she snuggles up beside me in bed for a little while, and we cook a late breakfast together before deciding what adventure we’ll have.
Those quiet mornings are becoming some of my favourite summer memories.
Summer Self-Care Ideas for Busy Mums Don’t Have to Cost Money
In fact, one of the biggest misconceptions about self-care is that it’s expensive.
Honestly, some of my favourite moments this summer haven’t cost a thing.
Visit a Local Splash Pad
Watching my daughter run through the water while I sit in the sunshine is surprisingly relaxing.
Sometimes I even join her if it’s particularly hot outside.
Enjoy a Picnic
A simple picnic at the park can feel like a mini holiday.
Pack sandwiches, fruit, snacks and plenty of water, then spend a couple of hours outdoors without spending much at all.
Go for a Nature Walk
Fresh air has a way of clearing your mind.
Even a short walk through a local trail or conservation area can completely change your mood.
Read a Book
After my daughter falls asleep, I enjoy reading for a little while before settling in to watch television.
It’s one of the easiest ways I unwind after a busy day.
Write or Journal
Blogging has become one of my favourite forms of self-care.
It gives me time to reflect, be creative and share experiences that might help another mum.
Summer Self-Care Ideas You Can Enjoy With Your Children
One thing I’ve realised over the past few years is that self-care doesn’t always have to happen alone.
Some of my happiest moments happen when my daughter and I are exploring together.
We’ve enjoyed:
- Splash pads
- Parks
- Nature walks
- Picnics
- Zoo trips
- Community events
These outings aren’t just fun for her—they’re good for me too.
Because of this, seeing the excitement through her eyes reminds me to slow down.
Why I No Longer Feel Pressure to Spend Lots of Money
Children don’t measure summer by how expensive it was.
They remember how it felt.
They remember laughing at the splash pad.
They remember eating sandwiches on a picnic blanket.
Those little adventures are often what stay with them the longest.
In fact, one lesson I’ve learned this summer is that simple outings are often more than enough.
As parents, we sometimes put pressure on ourselves to create Pinterest-perfect summers, but our children usually just want our time and attention.
That realisation has lifted a huge weight from my shoulders.
Quick Summer Self-Care Ideas for Busy Mums
gardening
If you’re struggling to find time for yourself, remember that self-care doesn’t have to take hours.
Sometimes all you need is:
- A long shower.
- Five quiet minutes with an iced coffee.
- A face mask after bedtime.
- Reading one chapter of a book.
- Watching your favourite television show.
- Listening to music while cooking dinner.
- Sitting outside and enjoying the evening sunshine.
Those little moments really do add up.
My Favourite Summer Evening Routine
By the end of the day, I like life to slow down.
We enjoy a nice meal together, then settle into our bedtime routine.
Reading stories to my daughter is one of my favourite parts of the day.
Once she’s asleep, I’ll usually spend a little time watching television before heading to bed myself.
It’s simple.
It’s peaceful.
And it’s exactly what I need after a busy day.
A Reminder to Every Busy Mum
shopping trip
One piece of advice I’d give any overwhelmed mum this summer is this:
A simple outing is enough.
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars creating magical memories.
Children remember the love, laughter and time you spent together far more than the price tag attached to the activity.
Most importantly, don’t forget yourself.
Take the long shower.
Book the manicure if it fits your budget.
Enjoy the iced coffee.
Eat the chocolate.
Read the book.
Write the blog.
Because a happier, well-rested mum benefits everyone.
Final Thoughts
reading a book
Ultimately, summer passes far too quickly.
Before we know it, school routines will return, evenings will get darker, and another season will be behind us.
That’s why I’m trying to soak in every moment with my daughter while she’s still young enough to want to spend these days together.
One day she’ll have her own friends, hobbies and plans.
Until then, I’ll happily take the cuddles, the splash pads, the late breakfasts and the little adventures.
And I’ll keep reminding myself that self-care doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes, it’s simply making space to enjoy the life you’re already living.
If you enjoyed reading this blog post as much as I enjoyed writing, you may enjoy reading one of these other posts:
Our Rotary Park Brockville Summer Routine: A Single Mum’s Guide to Easy Outings
Summer Fashion: A Single Mum’s Practical Approach
Summer as a Single Mum: The Good, the Hard, and the Honest Truth
I share more real-life moments from single motherhood, Ontario adventures, everyday style, food finds, and behind-the-scenes blogging over on Instagram.
Come say hello: @lifeofgem28
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