MAKE MAKE IT IT MOTHER’S DAYS!
... BECAUSE ONE DAY ISN’T ENOUGH
MOTHER’S DAY – it’s the one day each year that our children, whether by birth or otherwise, are bound by an internationally accepted moral clause of parenting to treat mothers as the queens they truly are.
However, like all good things, this, too, comes to an end once such obligations are fulfilled and mothers the world over dutifully smile and hug upon receiving their gifts, and promises of good behaviour for the rest of the year.
While Mother’s Day ends on May 14 at midnight, being a mother is a neverending, fulfilling but tiring task. Forget about having it all – the 21st-century mom wants to do it all and seems, at times, to get the formula right – until she breaks down in a mountain of stress higher than the over-flowing two-week laundry basket she has repeatedly told the family members to take care of.
So how can you keep the celebration of Mother’s Day going?
1. LAUGH OUT LOUD
That’s right! A recent Japanese study found that laughing can directly alleviate anxiety and may aid in keeping you looking younger. So how do you do that when Andy has just washed the cat in purple paint in honour of Prince, or Sarah melted another cup in the microwave? Find your happy place. Take a step back and go through your memory bank of much happier times – when the two currently annoying kids were cute-as-buttons babies; the day you got married; the day you first ate chocolate-covered strawberries. Whatever turns the frown upside down, go there!
2. FALL IN LOVE WITH YOURSELF
We’re not advocating narcissism. We’re promoting a healthy dose of self-love. Love yourself enough to start taking care of you. One of the best ways to start is by taking a close look at what goes in your body. Think about it. You ensure that your kids and husband are fed well, but you totally neglect eating well yourself. Up your fruit and vegetable intake; drink more water; make regular visits to your doctor and lay off the sweet snacks. Also, treat yourself now and again to something that will make you happy, like shoes, a movie, new book or make-up.
3. MAKE THE TIME TO MOVE – FURTHER THAN THE CAR
Yes, we are aware of the myriad things you have to do. But there’s always time for exercise. Don’t believe us? OK, try this – while brushing your teeth, do 15 squats before rinsing; 10 ab exercises before you get out of bed; push the stroller around the neighbourhood for 30 minutes. Are you following us? Your daily tasks can serve as much more than chores, so forget the excuses and find other uses for your mop stick!
4. MAKE YOUR KITCHEN A SANITY SAVER
After working all day, stopping at the supermarket before picking up the three kids from three separate locations, the last thing you want to do is cook. But you may still have to, since you are stuck with three hungry mini-you and a husband. Save your sanity by taking some time on the weekend to cut up and freeze produce. You can season and parcel meats in portion sizes to make meal preparation much easier. By doing so, you may also find it easier to convince dad to cook.
5. RECONNECT
So many times, mothers become so engrossed in being an awesome parent that they forget how to be awesome women. Take time each week to reconnect with yourself – remember what your goals are as an individual and create new ones that will lead to you becoming better. Reconnect with friends – make the time to talk and spend time with friends who make you laugh and return, if just for a moment, to a lesser stressed you. Reconnect with your partner – find new ways of having fun with your partner without the kids. It doesn’t have to be an official date night.
Do nothing. Trust us, we know there are times when you want to just make a list of nothing and complete it. Go right ahead. Schedule time to close your door, turn the radio on, light a few scented candles, close your eyes and think about nothing. Of course, knowing mothers and their tendencies to over-compensate, you may not last in this moment for too long, but at least you’ll feel like you found time for you and that’s what matters.