Forget spa days and luxury retreats, self-care for moms doesn’t have to be fancy and elaborate. Celebrating International Self-Care Day this July, Malaysian moms share what their real “me time” moments look like, real, imperfect, and full of heart.
When it comes to the topic of self-care, what usually comes to mind? Scented candles, face masks, girl dinners, and picture-perfect bathtubs? While all that may be the textbook self-care routines typically found on aesthetically pleasing vlogs and TikTok reels, for many millennial and Gen Z moms today, the reality paints a whole other picture altogether.
As impressive as it is to be juggling multiple roles, many moms today often fall into this never-ending cycle of mundane routines that lead to both mental and physical exhaustion. This is why finding your own “me time” to help you cope with the madness of motherhood should be a priority. Even if it’s just a 10-minute bathroom lock-up to scroll through social media, or eating your favourite chocolate without sharing, do it! You most definitely deserve it!
We asked these 6 Malaysian mothers to tell us what their self-care really looks like- their tiny, precious moments of reclaiming a bit of themselves, and here’s what they have to say;
Nalini Inthiran, Mom of an 8-year-old
“Phones stay off before 9 am and wind down by 10 pm. Coffee fuels my mornings, and evening jogs -Just 45 minutes outdoors and I’m a better mom, boss, and human. My fav? Painting sesh on weekends with my son and a guilt-free glass of wine; not fancy, but it’s mine! I celebrate small wins like wrapping a client’s project to finishing an art. These little moments are my confetti, and I throw them with love! The core of it all? My son keeps me grounded, makes me laugh, and reminds me to breathe through the chaos… and yes, watching SpongeBob SquarePants together totally counts!”
Jamie Kong, Mom of 2 teenagers
“As a mother of two, life can be filled with endless chores, laundry and constant ‘Why mommy why???”. So every morning after I drop them off at school, I will go for a morning walk. It calms my mind, allows me to be present in the moment, and helps me to be grateful for what I get to enjoy in life. It might not be glamorous, but it gives me such a boost of energy and focus for the rest of the day. And if I have the time, sometimes I will go for another walk before bed, usually accompanied by my husband or kids, so we also get to spend some quality time together.”
Syahreezan Hamzah, Mom of 2 boys
“As a mother of 2 energetic boys, my days are anything but plain. From the moment the alarm goes off, it’s a whirlwind of getting them ready for school, breakfast, settling sibling squabbles, and answering a hundred “Mamaaaa!” calls, including the classic late-night request: “Mama, I want something for supper!” It is just so challenging and downright exhausting! That is why my 45-minute morning workout and 7 hours of good sleep every day are my ultimate self-care routine. That short burst of exercise gives me energy, clears my mind, and makes me feel like I’ve done something for myself before the chaos begins. And sleep? Let’s just say, without it, I’d be running on fumes. Just these two simple routines keep me sane the whole day!”
Jasmin Tay, Mom of a 7-year-old
“For me, starting the day with a hot black Americano is a must for any form of function. Right now, I’ve decided to focus on keeping calm. Amidst the chaotic daily life of being a mom, peace & calm are a necessity to keep sane. For me, Mandala drawings are calming & relaxing, with a good dose of heavy metal playing in the background. It calms the soul & a curated collective of intricate stories translated into art etched forever. And there my mind cleared; I’m ready to hit the sack.”
Aniza Hadi, New Mom of a 1-year-old
“When the world is quiet and everything settles for the night, I find solace when lying down on the bed and curling up in a warm blanket while watching movies. Making time for myself is also really important, and nothing screams “me time” more than a solo retail therapy! When things get overwhelming as a mom, just a few hours of window shopping and a satisfying banana leaf meal after is enough to bring me back. I also consider catching up with friends over coffee as a form of R & R (if all of us have the time, of course!). And ultimately, at the end of a very long day, my favourite time would be talking sessions with my daughter before she goes to bed. Something about her voice during that time calms me down.”
Sarannya Nirmala TN, Mom of 2 girls
“My self-care is very basic, but for me, this is the best I can do with one of my ten other hands that are busy juggling many things. I glow from within because of my skin packs, well-timed meals, simple exercises (trust me, workouts give you the best glow!) and a few reliable supplements. In this mom-circus, it’s the best I can do! It is a circus, but a fun ride. Making time for myself is indeed a luxury, but is it really that important? Oh, 100%. Non-negotiable, just like my daily coffee intake. How do I present myself to my girls? As a mom who shows up, takes care of herself, and still makes room for joy. That, to me, is the real mic-drop moment.”
