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Alena (@wellnessmomfitness) strolls through her neighborhood, sneakers on and earbuds in, ready to get her sweat on. But before she hits her stride, she drops a line that will resonate with countless parents, “something has got to give with you taking the time to run, work out, whatever it is that you need to do for yourself. I am sacrificing a clean house most of the time,” she says in the video.
In her viral TikTok, Alena captures a truth many moms feel but rarely voice. She adds, “your health is the thing that matters most in the long run and when you have little kids, when is the house perfectly clean anyways? ”
The invisible struggle of motherhood
Scrolling through the comments under Alena’s video, it’s clear she’s not alone.
One mom @debrosolin writes, “Yes! Mum of 3 kids. Nothing makes me skip my workouts”
Another mom @nereydacam admits, “I just started working out again two weeks ago… I still need to figure out how to take care of family, house, and myself.”
These reactions illuminate the tension many parents feel: visible productivity versus invisible, long-term care for their own health and wellbeing.
In a Culture where rest is often equated with laziness, moms like Alena are quietly rewriting the rules. The conversation around self-care is shifting: from bubble baths to boundaries. And in 2025, when so many parents are carrying the invisible weight of burnout, even a quick run can feel radical.
Related: The ‘mental health walk’ that wasn’t: this mom’s viral tiktok is our collective parenting nightmare
Why letting “something give” actually helps
Prioritizing self-care is essential for parents’ mental health. Many parents, especially mothers, report feeling a loss of identity and heightened stress due to the demands of caregiving.
Experts agree that even small pockets of movement—like a quick run or walk—can ease stress and restore perspective. But beyond the science, it’s about reclaiming a piece of yourself. When you choose your well-being over the spotless kitchen floor, you’re modeling balance for your kids, not neglect.
The key is intentionally setting aside time for yourself, whether it’s a quick walk, a short workout, or a few quiet minutes to breathe, without guilt.
Related: The invisible labor that’s breaking moms: How unequal mental load impacts mental health
A compassionate nudge for moms
Alena’s message is a reminder: small acts of self-care are essential. For parents juggling countless responsibilities, naming “what might give” in their own lives this week could be transformative.
Maybe it’s letting the dishes sit while you go for a run, skipping vacuuming in favor of a walk, or delegating one chore to a partner or older child.
Because sometimes the most loving thing a mom can do for her family is lace up her shoes, step outside, and take a breath for herself.
Source:
- Parents. 2025. “Why 49% of Parents Feel They’ve Lost Their Identity After Kids.”