Happy mums ... happy families

> Ways and means for mums to care for themselves

IF you are a mother reading this, listen up – don’t feel guilty taking time off from being mum. It is alright and very necessary that you make time me to indulge in your passions, hobbies, likes and wants. Do not lose yourself in your responsibilities as a wife, mother, r, someone in the workforce ... whatever r your role in society. You matter. Your health and happiness matters. The best st way to love and care for your family and nd loved ones is to first, care for yourself. f.

Here are a few simple ways to get started caring for you. However, do take note that what relaxes one may be stressful to another. So, be creative and do what pleases you.

1) GET ENOUGH SLEEP OR SIMPLY SLEEP IN

Which mother knows not of sleep deprivation? No matter how busy your schedule or your children’s schedules, do try to make arrangements every now and then for someone to take on your responsibilities so you can enjoy a sleep in. This is especially so for the mum who is up and about, the chauffeur, the maid, the cook, the cleaner, the ironing lady, the working woman and whatever else supermum sees to. Another way of doing this is to go on a short getaway to get in some extra snooze time while recuperating and re-energising.

2) EXERCISE AND MOVE

While exercise works for this mum, putting her in happy mode, it might not do the same for other mums. Those who dread even the word exercise, may not find this activity helpful. For those who do, just the feeling of being out in nature, the outdoors, the open air, then listening to your heart beat, your breathing, and if in a group, the company and camaraderie – let all these and more lift your spirits and help “centre” you and bring you peace. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity helps one control weight, combat health conditions and diseases, improves mood, boosts energy, promotes better sleep, sparks one’s sex life and it can be fun too. These are only some of many more benefits.

3) GET A NEW HAIRDO AND A MAKEOVER

What is it with a new hairstyle that it can make or break a person’s day? So for some positivity, ensure you get your hair done at a professional salon, one where the stylist knows exactly what he or she is doing. Get the stylist to re-style your current look and go for something new. A cut you’ve always wanted to try perhaps but never got the

guts to. Then finish off the look with a cosmetic makeover. Go for hip and edgy or subdued and mellow, whatever pleases you. At the end of it all, put on something lovely and have a ball of a time in great company, whether its with your other half, besties or even (as they say)“me, myself and I”.

4) PURCHASE PRETTY INNER WEAR OR LINGERIE

There is something magical in wearing pretty underwear. Whatever fancies you, small prints, designs with flowers, abstract shapes with loud colours, satin, lace, cotton ... the list goes on. The comfort and feel of pretty lingerie has an unbelievably positive effect on the wearer. According to studies, “good quality underwear that is cut well to fit nicely makes one feel comfortable and confident, inside out. These have a positive effect on the overall personality of the wearer”. If you haven’t come to realise this, try it and find out. Perhaps it’s time to clear out those old and faded knickers and get some bright and modern-day undergarments.

5) HAVE A MANI/PEDI OR SPA SESSION

There must be some reason why the words manicure and pedicure both end with “cure”. Having one’s finger and toenails done by professionals at a shop does wonders. Perhaps it’s the colours that surround or the attractive and even delectable looking nail designs. The sight of smooth, delicate and impeccably done nails are both pleasing to those who receive the treatment as well as the on-looker. Maybe it’s the power of touch that leaves one in a feel-good mood, which brings us to spas. These sessions come with soaks, scrubs and rubs, pampering from head to toe. A massage is therapeutic and known to reduce stress and promote a relaxed state of mind and body. It is also effective in relieving and managing pain, relaxing tight and strained muscles and stimulates the brain to produce endorphins, the happy hormone.

6) DANCE IN THE RAIN OR PLAY IN THE MUD

Nature has a way with us, hence the effect rain and mud have on us, among other natural elements like stone, clay, sand, metals/magnets, et cetera. While there are some places that do mud therapy, you could also enjoy time with your kids and actually get down and dirty playing with them in mud. For those whose faces are already cringing thinking of the dirt and muck many often associate mud with, try dancing in the rain. Other than the neighbours who might think you’ve gone nuts, the positive effects this simple yet pleasurable activity brings, will leave you in happy spirits.

7) ENJOY A LATE NIGHT OUT AND PAINT THE TOWN RED

Have you ever wondered what it means to paint the town red? Far from its literal meaning of painting the town red, the Collins English dictionary explains the phrase as “to celebrate uninhibitedly; to revel or large it in British slang; to go on the town or go on a spree”. So, find great company to enjoy with over a night of fun about town doing whatever makes you happy. Just remember not to get into trouble with the law and have good, clean fun. You could indulge in late night shopping, pig-out on supper or early breakfast at the stalls over stimulating conversations, go dancing at the clubs or simply club hopping, perhaps take a drive down memory lane in the wee hours of the night/morning reminiscing on the good old days.

8) CONNECT WITH YOUR INNER SELF BY MEDITATING OR GET LOST IN YOUR OWN THOUGHTS

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While meditation requires one to focus one’s thoughts, the latterer urges one to go wild and d allow the mind to wander.er. Benefits of meditationation include improved concentration, reduced stress, increased self awareness, deeper happiness, slowed ageing and better cardiovascular health. However, day dreaming or drifting off into “la la land” as some call it, has its perks too. These include facilitating creativity, learning from past mistakes, connecting the dots, planning for the future, escaping boredom and more.

9) INDULGE IN LAUGHTER OR WHATEVER THAT TICKLES YOUR FUNNY BONE

The saying “laughter is the best medicine” can be taken seriously (no pun intended). In fact, there are many health benefits to humour. These include boosting the immune system, triggering the release of endorphins, protecting the heart, relaxing the whole body, lowering stress, decreasing pain, improving mood, strengthening relationships, defusing conflicts, and much more. Laughter and a sense of humour ar are said to help one stayst emotionally healthy. A studystu states that humour helpsh shift one’s perspective.perspecti It allows one to see situationssit in a more realisticre and less threateningthreat light. “A humouroush perspectivepe creates psychologicalp distance,d which helps one avoid feeling overwhelmed.” So keep with the happy crowd and learn to look at life from the funnier side.

10) TAKE PLEASURE IN A GOOD READ

Besides reading being a good habit, there are other reasons to sit back and put your feet up over a great read. According to studies, a good book can stimulate the mental, reduce stress, increase knowledge, expand one’s vocabulary, improve the memory, sharpen analytical thinking skills, enhance focus and concentration, develop one’s writing skills, administer tranquility and provide free entertainment. You can also take your book and read in your favourite spots – a quiet corner in the home, in the bath while soaking, at your favourite coffee joint, under shade in a park or for some, “on the throne”.