7 ways to enjoy alone time as a mum

Motherhood is a beautiful, rewarding journey – but it can also feel all-consuming.

Finding time for yourself becomes a challenge when you’re constantly meeting the needs of your child, managing the household, and possibly juggling work.

However, alone time isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for your mental, emotional, and even physical wellbeing.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you buy something after clicking on a link, I’ll earn a few pennies to help me keep creating posts like this, at no extra cost to you!

Here are seven thoughtful ways to enjoy alone time as a mum.

1. Wake up a little earlier

Setting your alarm just 30 minutes earlier than the rest of the household can give you a pocket of peace. Whether you use that time to journal, enjoy a hot coffee without interruption, stretch, or simply sit in silence, starting your day with intention can boost your mood and energy levels.

2. Take solo walks or drives

If someone else can watch the kids – even for a short while – use that time to get outside or go for a drive. Being alone in nature or just behind the wheel with your own playlist or podcast can be incredibly grounding. Even 20 minutes can give you the headspace you need.

3. Revisit an old hobby

Many mothers put their personal interests on hold in order to prioritise their children, but hobbies are a great way to reconnect with their identities beyond parenting. Whether it’s painting, gardening, reading, or knitting, carving out regular time for an activity you love reminds you of who you are outside of your role as ‘Mum.’

4. Embrace nap-time boundaries

When your child naps, resist the pressure to ‘catch up’ on chores every single time. Instead, dedicate at least one nap time a week just for yourself. Watch your favourite show, take a bath, or simply do nothing. That pause is more productive than you think. You will be able to find another way to fit the chores in.

5. Create a space that’s just yours

One of the most empowering ways to nurture alone time is by having a space in your home that is yours alone. This doesn’t need to be an entire room – just a corner, a reading nook, or a converted closet. Having a designated space where you can relax, reflect, or be creative helps mentally separate your role as a mother from your individual self.

If your home feels crowded, consider investing in a garden room, such as those offered by UK Garden Buildings. These well-insulated, bespoke outdoor structures can serve as a peaceful retreat, office, or hobby space – steps away from the house but miles away in spirit. When you have a dedicated sanctuary, it’s easier to prioritise time for yourself without guilt.

6. Say yes to help and no without guilt

Accept offers from friends or family who want to babysit, and don’t be afraid to say no to social commitments that drain you. Alone time is a valid and important reason to decline an invite. It doesn’t make you selfish – it makes you smart.

7. Practice being present with yourself

Sometimes, alone time is less about where you are and more about how you use it. Even five mindful minutes – breathing deeply, sipping a cup of tea slowly, or closing your eyes and checking in with your emotions – can feel like a reset. Learning to be still in your own company is a skill worth cultivating.

You give so much of yourself as a mum, but that doesn’t mean you stop being you. Alone time is not only possible, it’s essential. By making small, intentional choices, you can reclaim moments of calm and reconnect with the woman behind the role. When you care for yourself, you show your children what healthy balance and self-worth truly look like.

This is a collaborative post.