Maternity leave is often painted as this slow, sacred pause—filled with sleepy baby snuggles, cozy moments, and time to just be. And while that can be true, so can the restlessness, the identity wobbles, and the “wait, what did I even do today?” kind of fog. If you’ve been swinging between gratitude and overwhelm, peace and boredom, joy and “Is it bedtime yet?”—you’re in good company. This season is tender and transformative, and it asks a lot from your heart and mind. 💫
Because while your body may be healing, the rest of you is doing its own kind of recovering—mentally, emotionally, even existentially. You might catch yourself wondering, “Who even am I right now?” That’s the magic (and mayhem) of matrescence. And truthfully, your mental wellness deserves just as much care as your physical body—because feeling like you matters. A lot. Especially now.
This isn’t a list of chores or things to “check off.” It’s a lovingly curated lineup of seven ways to help your mind feel soothed, your spirit feel seen, and your days feel just a little more you. Think mindful rituals like journaling and gratitude practices, creative hobbies that spark joy, and nature-filled pauses that help you exhale. And yes, some dreamy self-care moments too—like those tucked inside a rumbly box.
Gentle Ways to Care for Your Mind and Emotions
Sometimes, the emotional rollercoaster of maternity leave feels a little less like a cozy ride and more like… well, the wild kind with no seatbelts. If you’re somewhere between “I should be resting” and “Why am I crying at that phone commercial?”,  you’re not alone. These first three ideas are about soft landings, not big leaps, and gentle ways to feel grounded, supported, and a little more like you again.Â
1. Journaling & Expressive Writing
Not every thought wants to be spoken out loud. Some just want a page to land on. Whether it’s a stream-of-consciousness scribble or a love letter to the you, you’re becoming, writing can be incredibly cathartic.
Studies show expressive writing can ease postpartum stress and reduce depressive symptoms — basically, your journal might just be your new bestie (after snacks).
And if you’re not sure where to start, Rumbly’s Month 4 Subscription Box is thoughtfully curated around the theme Capturing This Moment—and includes one of our all-time favorite tools for turning “I don’t know what to write” into “Wow, I didn’t know how much I needed this.” ✨
2. Gratitude Practices & Mindful Moments
Gratitude doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect, it’s about spotting those tiny sparks of good: the baby kicks, the fresh sheets, the partner who finally remembered how to make your tea just right.
Try jotting down three things each day that made you feel seen, soothed, or joyful. Even if one of them is “finally shaved my legs.” That counts! lol
Moments of mindfulness can be microscopic but mighty. Lighting a candle, sipping tea slowly, or kicking your feet up on the couch, it all adds up.
3. Connecting with Other Moms
You don’t need a huge mom tribe, just one “me too” can make all the difference. Online groups, local meet-ups, or texting a fellow mom-friend can gently pull you out of your own head and into a space of shared understanding.
There’s magic in being reminded that the thoughts you're having are totally normal… even the wild ones (well, especially the wild ones). Because motherhood isn’t meant to be navigated alone, and connection is one of the kindest gifts you can give yourself!
Simple Activities to Stay Uplifted & Engaged
Maternity leave isn’t exactly a vacation—it can be beautiful yes, but also exhausting and a little disorienting all at once. And while your body might be slowing down, your mind doesn’t always get the memo. These next two ideas are about helping to lift the fog, break up the monotony, and invite a little playful energy back into your day.
4. Gentle Exercise & Movement
We know, some days, the idea of getting off the couch feels heroic. But hear us out: gentle movement can do wonders for your mood. Even a ten minute stretch session or a slow walk around the block can ease that cooped-up feeling and help you feel a little more like yourself.
Postnatal yoga? Total vibe. A few squats in the kitchen while waiting for the kettle to boil Honestly? Kind of genius! Moving your body isn’t about getting back into shape, it’s about reconnecting with it. As research has shown, physical activity during pregnancy is linked to lower levels of stress, anxiety, and even postpartum depression.
So whether it’s a guided flow or a one-song solo dance party in your socks, give yourself permission to move in a way that feels good.
5. Creative Outlets (Art, Music, DIY Projects)
You don’t need to be “artsy” to make something beautiful. You just need to be bored enough to try watercoloring with one hand while eating chips and holding baby with the other (it happens). Creating something, even if it’s just for you, can help shift your energy and turn a long afternoon into something kind of lovely.
Paint, doodle, or build a baby mobile out of pompoms and pipe cleaners. Curate a playlist of songs you’d love your baby to hear—or rearrange the bookshelves by color just because it looks pretty. Your creative spark doesn’t have to go dormant just because you now have a baby.
Need more ideas? Our favorite list of fun, mindful ways to beat pregnancy boredom has a few gems that might inspire your next couch-bound masterpiece - even after baby comes.
Give yourself permission to be a little silly, a little inspired, and totally in the moment. You deserve it.
6–7 Soul-Soothing Practices to Recenter Yourself
Sometimes, the best way to feel like yourself again is to step outside, or into, the calm. These next two practices are less about checking things off a list and more about sinking into a moment that belongs completely to you. 🌼
6. Nature Time & Sunlight Exposure
There’s something about the way sunlight hits your skin that feels like a love note from the universe. Even just a ten-minute stroll around the block, yes, in your softest joggers and your partner’s hoodie, can lift your spirits more than you’d expect. Fresh air, sunlight, the smell of the trees... it’s a reset button wrapped in everyday magic.
And it’s not just a feeling. Getting outside can increase serotonin levels and reduce the fog that sometimes sneaks in during long days indoors. Cabin fever? Consider it gently kicked to the curb.
Let yourself breathe. Let your mind wander. And if you're around to catch a sunrise or sunset, that’s a free therapy session right there.Â
7. Indulging in a Mindful Self-Care Ritual
We’re not talking about a rushed face wash while reheating yesterday’s tea. We mean a real, intentional moment, the kind where you light a candle, cue up your favorite playlist or TV show, or sink into a steamy shower like you’re starring in your own feel-good movie.
Self-care rituals during maternity leave are more than pampering, they’re anchoring. They remind you that you are still you, even as you stretch into the role of mama.
Whether it’s a cozy robe and your favorite face mask or treating yourself to a curated box of mood-boosting goodies, like the ones we pack with love at Rumbly, these rituals are your daily dose of grounding. Our boxes were literally made for this moment, the quiet ones where you remember that your well-being matters, too.Â
So sip the tea. Fire up the shower. Unbox the softness. You’re doing an incredible thing, and you deserve every snuggly second of peace.Â
Maternity leave can be a personal unfolding, where your identity as a mother begins to stretch into something new. The beauty of these seven gentle practices is that they remind you that you still matter in all this. They are not about productivity or performance. They are about letting your mind exhale, letting your emotions feel heard, and letting your soul find small, steady moments of joy. Whether you find peace in a gratitude journal, a short walk in the sunshine, or by simply lighting a candle and taking one whole minute to breathe... every little choice to care for yourself is a quiet revolution.
And if you're craving some extra softness during this wild and wonderful chapter, our Just For Her Gift Box For New Moms is packed with mindful tools and mood-lifting treats made just for you, the woman and the a mom. You deserve support that is as thoughtful and nourishing as the love you are already giving.
You have got this, and we are cheering you on. Always.
rumbly đź’ś
