Being a mom is a full-time job — and then some. In fact, data shows that moms log 14-hour “work” days. Moms typically start their day at 6:23 a.m. and don’t get a moment of personal time until 8:31 p.m. Between managing work, kids’ activities, and household duties, carving out time for yourself can seem like an impossible task.
But as Dr. Jaime Seeman, board-certified OB/GYN, reminds women: “If your pitcher is empty, you can’t fill other people’s cups.”
Making fitness and wellness a part of your daily life has made a world of difference, as Brandie Petras has discovered. With a H2X Fitness Swim Spa and Chilly GOAT Cold Tub at home, Brandie has been able to prioritize her health and well-being, even amid the busyness of motherhood.
Moms are busy — really busy
Dr. Jaime Seeman is a mom to three active daughters and knows firsthand the challenges of balancing a demanding career and family life. Her days are unpredictable: delivering babies in the middle of the night one moment, then rushing off to a softball tournament or meal planning for the week the next. Between her work schedule and balancing the needs of her kids, it would be easy for Dr. Seeman to put her health on the backburner.
“We are the leaders in our homes,” Dr. Seeman says. “If we don’t take care of ourselves first, we can’t take care of anyone else.”
Still, many mothers struggle to make that time to take care of themselves. According to Motherly’s 2024 State of Motherhood Survey, 61% of Gen Z and millennial moms report having less than an hour of time to themselves each day. Even more concerning, 56% of moms say they get less than 15 minutes of “me time” daily.
In fact, a 2021 survey by OnePoll found that parents spend an average of 27 hours a week on basic tasks like cooking, cleaning, and driving kids to activities — and moms, on average, log nine more hours than dads. With just over two hours of free time per week, it’s no wonder that many moms find it hard to prioritize their health and relaxation.
Brandie’s journey to prioritizing wellness
Brandie Petras is a lot like many moms, juggling a full-time job, four kids, and the busyness of family life. She’s not alone in this balancing act; according to recent data, 82% of moms with children ages 6 to 17 work full time. With such a packed schedule, finding time for herself can feel unattainable, and carving out space for wellness becomes an even greater challenge.
But with the addition of an H2X Swim Spa and a Chilly GOAT Cold Tub to her backyard, Brandie has found a way to prioritize her health and well-being, making her a better person overall — both as an employee and as a mom and wife.
“Having a Master Spa and a Chilly GOAT right here on our property has been everything to me,” Brandie shares. “I don’t have a lot of free time, but having them at home means I can walk outside in the morning or evening and get in a quick routine.”
Her dual-zone H2X Swim Spa, designed for year-round use, offers both a swim area and space for water exercise and relaxation. For Brandie, the swim spa has become a regular part of her fitness routine. She exercises three to five times a week, often incorporating aqua jogging into her sessions. The ability to adjust the current in the swim area allows her to tailor the intensity of her workout, making it as challenging or gentle as she needs.
“I love swimming, I love the water, and I love my family,” Brandie says. “I love us all doing things together and being together, and we can do that with the swim spa.”
Schedule self-care like an important meeting
Dr. Seeman believes that women, especially moms, often neglect their own well-being in the rush to meet the needs of everyone else. But self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. “If you don’t have your health, you have nothing,” she says.
Her advice to women is simple: pay yourself first.
“We are the leaders in our homes, and our children will eat the food that we eat,” Dr. Seeman explains. “So cleaning up your diet, scheduling workouts, and even scheduling time for your Chilly GOAT cold tub session is essential. Treat those moments as you would a meeting with your boss. It’s the most important part of your day.”
Tips for busy moms: How to carve out time for self care
Whether you have 10 minutes to spare or an hour, making time for self-care can help you recharge and show up as your best self for your family. Here are some practical tips to help you prioritize yourself — even with a mom’s busy schedule.
Start small
Even a 10-minute routine can have a meaningful impact on your health and well-being. Whether it’s a quick swim in your swim spa to boost your heart rate or a refreshing session in your cold tub to reduce stress and inflammation, these small, intentional actions can lead to significant benefits over time.
Short workouts or recovery sessions are perfect for busy schedules, offering a manageable way to prioritize yourself without feeling overwhelmed. A brisk swim can improve your cardio health and mood, while a few minutes in the cold tub can leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle the rest of your day.
Involve your family
Brandie’s large family loves spending time together in their swim spa, turning it into a hub of connection and activity. Whether it’s splashing around with her kids or challenging each other to a short swim workout, the swim spa offers a unique way to bond as a family while staying active. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about creating memories together.
Why not involve your kids in your swim spa routine? A quick swim workout can become a playful and engaging family activity that everyone can enjoy. From water games to light laps, the swim spa offers something for all ages and energy levels. Plus, introducing kids to healthy habits like exercise in a fun environment helps set the foundation for a lifelong love of movement.
Don’t feel guilty
Constraints on scheduling, feelings of guilt, lack of support, work responsibilities, and family commitments are all major obstacles that prevent working mothers from prioritizing physical activity.
However, taking time for yourself should not feel like a luxury — it’s essential for both physical and mental well-being. As Dr. Seeman wisely explains, “We often believe other things are more important, but if we don’t take care of ourselves first, we won’t have the energy, mindset, or capacity to care for others.” By making self-care a priority, moms can replenish their own energy and show up stronger for their families, work, and other responsibilities.
Make it part of your routine
Consistency is key. Even if it’s only for a few minutes a day, make your wellness routine a habit. Whether it’s first thing in the morning or before bed, having a dedicated time for your swim spa or cold tub session will help keep you on track.
A better quality of life starts with you
Taking care of yourself is the foundation for a better quality of life, according to Dr. Seeman.
Studies have shown that meeting physical activity guidelines is linked to improved self-rated work productivity and quality of life.
Having wellness tools like a H2X Fitness Swim Spa and Chilly GOAT Cold Tub at home makes it easier to prioritize your health.
“It’s the best investment we’ve ever made,” Brandie says. “It’s a game-changer for our family.”
Are you ready to create a personal sanctuary in your backyard? Relax, unwind, and reinvent family time with a Master Spas swim spa. Click here to discover the secrets to creating a backyard oasis. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about spa ownership. How much does a swim spa cost? Request a quote here.