Army Mom's Guide to Daily Self-Care Routines
Back in 2017, I felt like I was just going with the flow of life and had no control over what I was doing each day. I was still a great mother to my kids but some days you find yourself frustrated with life and the choices you made and the struggles of motherhood and your job in the Army. I found myself fighting back tears watching a reality tv show, but I really was not watching and it was a wake up call for me that something needed to change.
If you’re anything like me; juggling military life, motherhood, and your own goals—self-care can easily get lost in the shuffle. But I’ve learned that when I don’t take time to care for myself, everything around me starts to feel off balance.
When you’re in uniform, self-care can feel almost contradictory to the “mission first” mentality we’re trained to embrace. But I’ve learned that taking care of myself actually makes me a better soldier and leader.
So today, I’m sharing what self-care looks like for me. It’s not about spa days or bubble baths (though I won’t turn those down!). It’s about small, intentional habits that keep me grounded in faith, focused on my health, and mentally recharged; no matter how busy life gets.
My Day Starts With the Word
Every morning, before checking my phone or diving into work, I open the Daily Refresh in the YouVersion Bible App. It includes the day’s verse, a short devotional, and a guided prayer. That time with God helps me set my intentions and give my day to Him before anything else begins.
Some mornings, my devotional time would happen in my car because I was either running late or needed a break from kids for ten minutes of peace. God meets us where we are, right?
I don’t always have 30 minutes to spare, but even 5 minutes with scripture helps me reset my mindset.
Morning Movement: Army PT or At-Home Workouts
Most mornings I do Physical Training (PT) with my unit, but when I’m off duty or need a more low-key session, I squeeze in a quick at-home workout. I usually follow a workout from the Playbook App or do strength training with my kettlebells and dumbbells. Just moving my body makes me feel stronger and more energized.
Even if you’re not in the military, just 20 minutes of stretching, walking, or light movement can make a huge difference in your mood.
Time With My Kids and Time for Me
After work, I try to be intentional about spending time with my kids. We might talk about their day, play a game, or just relax together. But I also make sure I carve out at least 30 minutes of “me time” every evening. That might look like watching a feel-good show, doing a puzzle, or diving into a good book.
Have you ever noticed how skipping your self-care routine for even a day affects your patience level? I become the mom who gets irritated when someone breathes too loudly!
This isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. It helps me unwind, reflect, and just breathe.
Quick Self-Care Assessment
Take a minute to rate yourself on these four areas: spiritual health, physical movement, quality connections, and personal rest. Which area needs the most attention this week?
When It All Falls Apart
Some days, despite my intentions my routine does not go as expected. This can be due to a PCS to a new duty station, a new schedule in the Army or your job, or things that happen with your family. These things can throw even the most disciplined self care routine into chaos. When we had a field exercise last year and I was on night shift for like three weeks, it took me nearly a month to find my rhythm again.
Ending the Day with Peace
Right before bed, I open the Bible app again for my evening devotional and prayer. Sometimes I read from my physical Bible or flip through my journal to see what I wrote earlier in the week. This quiet time helps me clear my mind, give thanks, and surrender anything that felt heavy during the day.
It’s the best way to end the day in peace and prepare for tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy. For me, it’s about faith, family, movement, and rest. These daily rhythms keep me centered, even when life feels chaotic. And if I can do it as a military mom of six, you can, too.
This week, I challenge you to identify just ONE self-care practice from this list and commit to it for seven days. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t just a luxury, it’s how we survive and thrive in this beautiful, chaotic military life God has called us to.
I’d love to hear what your self-care routine looks like. Comment below. Let’s encourage each other!
