Mindfulness for Busy Moms: Real-Life Tips When You Have 3,000 Things to Do

Let’s be real for a second: mindfulness sounds lovely…

until your toddler’s screaming, your phone is dinging, there’s quinoa all over the floor, and the laundry pile looks like it’s preparing for a coup.

When you’re juggling:

A job

A side hustle

A kid

A marriage

And the ghost of your former social life...

Mindfulness can feel like just another unrealistic Pinterest ideal. Like, oh sure, let me just pause and meditate while I’m packing a lunch, answering a Slack message, and trying to remember if I already put deodorant on. (Spoiler: I didn’t.)

But here’s the truth:

I burned out once, and I’m not going back.

Not to that scary, hollow, brittle version of me who ran on caffeine, guilt, and the lie that rest was earned.

So here’s what mindfulness looks like in my messy, magical, exhausted-but-grateful life:

🐣 1. The Finch App: My Tiny Digital Therapist

During my burnout spiral, I stumbled across Finch—a mental wellness app disguised as a cute little bird pet.

Yes, a bird.

No, I’m not hallucinating. 😂

This app allows me to check in emotionally, track my mood, and journal my thoughts when I can’t talk to anyone. It’s oddly comforting to have this judgment-free zone where I can say,

“Today was hard and I don’t even know why.”

And it just listens. Or chirps. Whatever—it helps.

🧘‍♀️ 2. One Sun Salutation Is Still Yoga

I used to beat myself up when I didn’t get through a full yoga class.

Now? One sun salutation is enough. One stretch. One intentional breath. One grounding moment before the day takes over.

Some days that’s all I get—and that’s okay.

Because it reminds me:

I have a body. I’m in it. I deserve care, even in tiny doses.

🐦 3. Tiny Moments of Presence

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be big.

Sometimes it’s one minute of peace in the middle of chaos.

Like:

Standing at the window with my coffee, watching the leaves dance

Closing my eyes and letting the sun touch my face

Taking three deep breaths before I answer another “Moooommmm?”

It’s not about silencing life. It’s about hearing it, and yourself, for one sweet second.

🍷 4. Mindfulness With Wine & Friends Counts

Sometimes, the most mindful thing I do is put down the to-do list and sit with my people.

We pour wine.

We laugh about the ridiculous email chain from school.

We vent about dishes, bras, and life.

We pass snacks, stories, and the reminder that we’re not alone in this.

That’s mindfulness, too.

Showing up, being seen, and breathing—together.

💬 Final Thought:

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be fancy.

It doesn’t need a yoga mat, a meditation bell, or a single uninterrupted hour.

What it does need is a little willingness to check in with yourself, even if it’s just for one stolen breath between chaos and carpool.

You don’t need a retreat.

You need you.

Even if “you” are showing up with messy hair, day-old leggings, and a coffee cup that’s been reheated three times.

I see you. And you’re doing great.

-Fabi