"In order to mother our children, we must first love ourselves."
— Karly Randolph Pitman
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| It's the month of Mother's Day. Check out five creative ways to treat yourself — without all of the guilt. You deserve it! |
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- Being a mom is a special vocation. From running after toddlers to biting your nails as your children venture off to college, it's a challenge. This is the one day to celebrate yourself — or your mom, who did it all for you.
You work hard. You deserve a break sometimes. Treating yourself doesn't have to be rough on your wallet or your waistline.
"Self-care is love in action," says author Karly Randolph Pitman. "In order to mother our children, we must first love ourselves. From this place grows our compassion, patience, love and empathy, allowing us to be present and available to our children and families." Check out five creative ideas for celebrating Mom.
1. Give yourself permission to play — now!
"Playing brings meaning to our lives," says Pitman. "It taps into our still, quiet center, our passions and loves outside of home and family that clamor for our attention." Make peace with the fact that you never will be "done" with all of the tasks of caring for a home and family. Pitman recommends making time to play now, in the midst of the race, rather than waiting for an unforeseeable finish line.
2. Take a gardening class.
As the weather warms up, brush up on your gardening skills. Whether you're a beginner or a novice, you can learn different techniques, expert ideas and much more. It's a healthy way for you to get outside and keep busy while making your yard beautiful.
3. Enjoy low-calorie treats.
Eating healthy doesn't have to mean no treats. Instead of munching on calorie-ladden candy, try:
• Fat-free pudding. Each cup is less than 40 calories.
• Dark chocolate. It only contains about 110 calories per ounce, and studies show it's good for your heart.
• A fruit sundae. Instead of ice cream, top some fruit with chocolate syrup, which only contains 25 to 50 calories per tablespoon.
4. Create a spa in your home.
Start your spa day in your home by soaking in the tub. Before you get in, put yourself in a relaxed place by playing soft music and lighting candles. Create an even more luxurious spa experience by making it a bubble bath! Use scented bubble baths; the power of aromatherapy really can soothe you. After you bathe, apply a rich conditioning cream to your skin. Then, take your time in giving yourself a manicure and pedicure. When you're all done with your in-home spa experience, you might feel a boost of confidence — and isn't it great for kids to see a confident mother?
5. Nurture your creativity.
"Revive the hidden girl within — your inner identity before you became a wife, mother and colleague," recommends author Debbie Mandel. "When the mother is happy, the whole family benefits."
Choose an activity that really excites you — not your husband or your kids — and dive into it. "Write a story or poem, paint a canvas, photograph your world or register for an online class," says Mandel.
Spend the whole day doing what makes you happy!
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