Finding Your Calm: How I Rediscovered “Me Time” as a Busy Mom

Being a mom is the greatest gift I’ve ever been given—but let’s not sugarcoat it, it’s also completely exhausting. Between the school drop-offs, the forgotten permission slips, and the never-ending messes (seriously, where do those mystery spills come from?), I realized I was slowly disappearing into the chaos of daily life. Somewhere in the middle of 2 a.m. feedings and bottomless laundry baskets, I forgot what it felt like to just be me.

If you’re a mom reading this, I’m willing to bet you know that feeling all too well. And while I adore my kids more than anything, I came to a tough realization: I was running on fumes, and nobody was benefitting from that—not them, and definitely not me. So I made myself a promise: no matter how busy life got, I would claim at least ten minutes a day that were just for me.

Letting Go of the Supermom Fantasy

We all know the image: the flawless “supermom” on social media with her color-coded calendar, her homemade snacks, and her perfect smile. It’s easy to believe we have to do it all—and look good doing it—or else we’re failing. But here’s the truth I had to learn the hard way: even supermoms need a break. Even supermoms have cried in the pantry.

For me, finding a moment of calm meant allowing myself to step away—not irresponsibly, just momentarily. And to my surprise, those short pauses changed everything. They gave me the mental space to show up more fully as a mom, rather than just going through the motions.

Creating My Calm Corner

At first, I didn’t know what to do with those ten precious minutes. Sit in silence? Mindlessly scroll Instagram? Reheat my coffee for the third time? I tried it all.

Eventually, I built a little ritual I could actually look forward to. I’d step onto the patio while the kids were napping or distracted with a cartoon, light a candle, maybe turn on some music, and just… breathe. Some days I journaled. Other days, I just sat quietly. And yes—sometimes, I’d enjoy a quick moment with a disposable vape.

I know, it’s not what you usually hear moms talk about. But for me, it became a small but grounding part of my self-care ritual. I never vape around my children, and I never frame it as anything glamorous—it’s simply one of the many ways I found a sense of pause.

RAZ’s flavors, in particular, brought a sense of calm I hadn’t expected. Light, fresh, and comforting. It helped turn those few minutes into something I genuinely looked forward to. It wasn’t about the vape—it was about what that moment meant: a reminder that I exist beyond the never-ending role of “mom.”

Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish

We pour so much of ourselves into our families. And that’s beautiful. But we can’t forget this: you can’t give from an empty cup. You deserve to feel whole—not just like someone’s caregiver, chauffeur, or snack supplier.

Maybe your version of calm looks different. Maybe it’s a short walk around the block, a solo drive with your favorite music, a few pages of a good book, or a quiet moment with a scent or flavor you enjoy. Whatever it is, claim it without guilt.

When I started caring for myself—really, intentionally—I noticed a shift. I was more patient. More engaged. More me. And my kids felt that too.

Release the Guilt

If you’ve ever felt guilty for needing time alone, let me say this loud and clear: it’s not selfish. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful lessons you can pass on to your kids—that emotional balance matters. That adults need rest, too. That being a mom doesn’t mean erasing yourself.

I’m not writing this because I have it all figured out. I’m sharing it because I’ve been where you are—burnt out, running on autopilot, wondering where you went. And I want you to know: it’s okay to reclaim space for yourself. Whether it’s a few deep breaths on the patio or five minutes with a calming flavor, that pause is powerful.

A Note to Fellow Moms

Don’t wait for the perfect moment or a lull in the chaos. Take your break now. Claim those ten minutes. You deserve them, and your future self—and your family—will thank you for it.

You’re doing better than you think. Keep going, Mama. But don’t forget yourself along the way.