Making time for you – Create some 5 min ME time

Back in 2013, I first wrote this post when our family had three businesses. I was juggling two of them while also navigating the hectic life of being a mum.

That week was one of those wild, whirlwind weeks where business, family, and life collided, leaving me feeling stretched thin. Fast forward to 2025, and we now have four businesses in the family. The message of this post is as relevant today as it was then, so I thought it was time to revisit, refresh, and give it a new look (plus update that very outdated image to match my site)!

One of the hardest things about juggling work, business, and family is making time for yourself.

As mums, we’re often putting everyone else first; kids, partners, businesses—and if a friend needs help, we’re there too. While these qualities make us the wonderful people we are, it’s essential to remember that we can’t pour from an empty cup.

A happy family needs a happy, unstressed mum.

This lesson hit home for me again today. Picture this: I was juggling dishes, taking a phone call, and trying to write an article all at once. My daughter wanted to paint, my husband had work calls, and I was left standing there, frazzled, feeling like the wheels were about to come off. That’s when the alarm bells rang in my head: Time to take care of YOU.

And in that moment, I knew what I needed.

Mummy Needs a Coffee!

People often ask me how I manage to do it all, and I jokingly say, “Coffee.” But there’s truth in that. Coffee, for me, isn’t just a drink; it’s a ritual, a brief escape, a chance to reset. Whether it’s a cup at my desk while browsing online, on the couch while my little one naps, or a quick outing with my daughter for a babycino, coffee is my 5-minute recharge.

But coffee isn’t the only way to find “me time.” Over the years, I’ve discovered small ways to sneak in moments of self-care that don’t require a big commitment but make a big difference.

Creating 5-Minute “Me Time” Moments

As a busy mum in business, it’s crucial to carve out little pockets of time for yourself before the wheels fall off. Here are a few quick ideas to help you recharge:

Enjoy a Special Treat

Have a coffee, tea, or snack in a special cup or space just for you. My favourite? My “Mummy Rocks” cup, saved for these exact moments.

Hand Cream Therapy

Pause at your desk, apply a luxurious hand cream, and enjoy the scent and sensation. It’s a mini aromatherapy session that leaves you feeling refreshed.

Light a Candle

Lighting a scented candle takes only seconds, but it can lift your mood, freshen the room, and bring a sense of calm.

Step Outside

Take a solo walk outside. No kids, no partner, just you. Breathe in the fresh air and soak in the quiet for a moment of peace.

Hide a Magazine

Stash your favourite magazine somewhere safe and pull it out when you need a quick escape. Then, hide it again to keep it pristine (and away from tiny artists!).

Create a Playlist

Build a playlist of your favourite songs, crank it up in the car, and sing along loudly! Who cares who sees you?

I’d love to hear from other mums in business: how do you carve out “me time” in under five minutes to stay sane amidst the chaos of juggling it all?

As for me, it’s time to plan a day spa trip; no hubby, no kids just me.

Even if I don’t make it there anytime soon, half the fun is in the planning!