6 Essential Social Self Care Tips for Moms and Why You Need Them

Did you know that loneliness can hurt your health like smoking and alcohol consumption?  And more detrimental than obesity?  In today’s busy world, social self care is especially important for moms, whose lives can change drastically after having kids.

With everyday challenges of a busy motherhood, it’s so easy to feel isolated and alone.  And if you’re like me and don’t have any family nearby, it really can feel lonely sometimes. 

As with other dimensions of holistic self care, social self care takes intention and action.  The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve your sense of connection to the world.  And it has tremendous implications for the well-being of you and your family.  

Find out why social self care matters and five things you can do to nurture your social self today.   

Importance of Social Connection

Human beings are social creatures.  We are not designed to live solitary lives.  

As moms, even though we are constantly surrounded by our kids and other people, sometimes we can still feel very alone.  That’s because the type and quality of interaction you have matters.   

A healthy sense of belonging is important even for the most introverted of us (like me!), with big implications for our mental and physical wellbeing.  

Health Impacts

Scientific research shows that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for premature death by 26 percent and 29 percent, respectively.  Another study says that social isolation threatens our lives similarly to smoking and alcohol consumption, and worse than physical inactivity and obesity.   

Conversely, people who have strong social support express lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.  Such people enjoy a 50 percent increased likelihood of survival compared to those with weak social supports, research says.

Interestingly, research also says that the risks of social isolation are “underappreciated” by the public, despite the common experience of its threat during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It just goes to show how easy it is to neglect the importance of community, and how we really need each other to survive.  

Social Self Care Explained

Social self care is deliberately taking actions to nurture your relationships with those around you.  

Just like going to the gym or taking care of personal hygiene, your social connections benefit from your intentional care and nurture.  

The outcome of a strong sense of belonging?  

Reduced stress and improved mental health.  Emotional resilience and better self-esteem.  Improved physical health.  It helps you show up to life stronger and better. 

And it’s a feedback loop.  People with strong social ties are more likely to take better care of themselves, according to research.   

So, how do we do it?  

Maybe it’s a smile for the cashier at your favorite grocery store, or that long overdue phone call with your best friend.  

Either way, there are hundreds of ways to buffer up your sense of connection today.  Here are my top six.  

6 Essential Social Self Care Strategies for Moms

1. Ask For and Receive Help

Asking for help is one of the most overlooked forms of social self care for moms. Not doing so is also a major source of isolation and loneliness.

Many women carry the belief that being a “good mom” means being endlessly capable and self-sufficient. This is at least partially caused by our society, where expectations are high but support is low for all moms out there.

But motherhood was never meant to be done alone. Reaching out for attention and support isn’t a failure—it’s an exercise of love for yourself and your family.

Reframing help as healthy interdependence changes everything. Asking for support preserves your energy, deepens connection, and models emotional resilience for your children. It shows them that relationships are built on mutual care—not self-sacrifice.

It might be your partner, your family, or maybe even the other mom down the street. Start small and be specific. Ask for one clear thing, without overexplaining or apologizing, and allow yourself to receive without immediately trying to give back.

Letting others show up for you is social self care at its core—and a powerful act of self-respect.

2. Schedule Check-Ins with Your Favorite People

Life can get busy, and before you know it, weeks or even months slip by without touching base with your favorite people.  

Scheduling regular catch-ups—whether it’s a weekly lunch, monthly video call, or even a casual text—can be a fantastic way to stay in touch with your loved ones.  It brings intentionality to your friendships, allowing you to sustain connection through the chaos of day-to-day life.

Having a standing social appointment gives you something enjoyable to look forward to and reduces the odds of friendships drifting apart.  

If carving out time for others sometimes feels tricky, try starting small—text your bestie on the other side of the country and let them know you’re thinking of them.  You might be surprised how even brief moments with the right people can recharge your spirit.

3. Engage in Community or Mom Groups

The right community can not only check your social self care box but also check the boxes for emotional self care and spiritual self care.  The good news is that there are many mom groups that you can join, locally or online.

I don’t know about you, but my town has local mom Facebook groups, school committees, book clubs, and even impromptu meetups that you can join.  And being able to share similar experiences, to vent, and share information is tremendous in lightening the load.

Similarly, I have found that volunteering at your kid’s school, IF you have the time for it, is an amazing way to meet the moms of my kids’ friends or just women who are amazingly fun and can get some serious work done. 

Being part of a community provides a wonderful sense of belonging and purpose.  

Whether it’s the PTA, a book club, fitness, or volunteering, spending time with like-minded people has many benefits.  It provides opportunities to share experiences, learn new skills, and contribute in meaningful ways, which are all vital components of social self care.

Communities can become support networks, offering encouragement and understanding during life’s ups and downs.  They can benefit even those with already strong relationships by introducing new and meaningful connections.  

Plus, community involvement often sparks inspiration or joy through shared goals or creative projects.  And depending on the group, it can help you increase physical activity or expand professional networks.  

If joining a new group feels intimidating, start by exploring low-pressure options like an online mom group.

Remember, the goal isn’t to overhaul your social life overnight; it’s about gently expanding your circle in ways that brighten your days.

4. Manage Your Social Energy

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?  

Knowing where you fall on the social spectrum and when/how to replenish your energy can make a huge difference in your well-being.  

Different social activities take different amounts of energy.  Spending time with a large group making small talk might feel exhilarating for some and draining for others.  

Balancing your social energy levels means tuning in to your own needs and recognizing when it’s time to recharge solo or seek out soothing, smaller interactions.

This self-awareness can prevent social fatigue and reduce feelings of overwhelm.  For example, after a big play date with lots of activities, you might plan some quiet downtime reading or walking outside to restore your calm.  

On the flip side, if you’re an extrovert and feel loneliness creeping in, gently push yourself to catch up with friends or join a community.

The key is to be kind to yourself, honoring your rhythm without pressure or judgment.  Treat your social energy like a precious resource, and with time, you’ll find a balance that feels both sustainable and satisfying.

5. Set Healthy Boundaries

Knowing when to say no and establishing clear boundaries is a must-have for healthy relationships.  

It’s easy to feel obliged to say yes every time someone reaches out or asks for something.  But recognizing your own needs and limits helps prevent burnout in relationships.  

Setting boundaries doesn’t mean shutting people out.  Instead, it’s about respecting your mental and emotional bandwidth while communicating your limits gently and honestly.

Boundaries are also helpful when it comes to people who leave you feeling drained.  If you can, choose to spend time with those who nurture you as much as you nurture them.  Those who support and celebrate you, as opposed to bringing you down.      

Take the time to define what you’re comfortable with.  This approach encourages mutual respect and honest communication, which are crucial for the relationship in the long run.

6. Mindfully Engage in Social Media

Social media can help or hurt, depending on how you use it.  

Used mindfully, it lets you stay connected across distances, discover shared interests, and find community.  

Used without regard, it can take over your social time or expose you to others’ negativity or even fake information.  Moreover, high levels of screen time are associated with many physical and mental problems.

Approaching social platforms with awareness means setting limits on scrolling time, curating your feed to include only positive influences, and engaging with kindness and empathy.  You might also choose to take regular breaks to preserve mental space or focus on real-world relationships.

Remember, it’s okay to protect your well-being by adjusting your digital habits.  Treat social media as a tool for enrichment, not a source of pressure or anxiety, and you’ll find it easier to enjoy the connections it offers.

Final Thoughts

Healthy social connections make our lives better.  Life is better shared with those we love, and the more we love ourselves, the more love we have to share with others.  

Think of social self care as an investment that helps you live longer and stronger, and as a happier mom!  Along the way, you get to share one more laugh and one more hug with someone you care about.  

I hope you take on one thing from this list to improve your sense of connection today.  This post was all about six social self care practices for moms and why you need them.