Being a mum is the most rewarding job in the world, almost like being on a lifelong adventure with all its ups and downs. Mother's Day is that special day in the year dedicated to celebrating mums from all walks of life. However, as busy mums, we may find it challenging to take out time for ourselves during this day amidst the whirlwind of chores and responsibilities. But ladies, before anything else, you need to celebrate yourself and indulge in some well-deserved self-care, even when you are consistently on your toes.
Let's explore a few ways in which busy mums can give themselves a treat this Mother's Day, with a special focus on the beauty of journaling.
1. Start the Day with Mimosa and Meditation
Break away from the norm and set aside a calm moment for yourself to start the day with a peaceful session of meditation followed by a fancy breakfast. Make a sparkling Mimosa and indulge your taste buds; remember, today is all about you!
2. Say ‘Yes’ to Pampering
It's important to remember that nurturing others starts with nurturing yourself. This Mother's Day, shower yourself with love and make yourself a priority. Here are a few ways to indulge and pamper yourself:
Spa Treatments
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Book a spa day, or if you prefer staying in, create your own spa at home. Soak in a luxurious bath laden with your favourite bath bombs and essential oils. Pamper your skin with a nourishing face mask, or give yourself a much-needed mani-pedi. The idea is to relax and rejuvenate.
Shopping Spree
Schedule a little retail therapy. Maybe it's that elegant dress you've been eyeing or a lovely piece of jewellery. Online or offline, shopping has its unique way of boosting our mood.
Get Outside
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Connect with nature. Whether it's a peaceful walk in the park, a quiet day at the beach, or a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden, engaging with the outdoors can work wonders for your mental health.
Cater to Your Taste Buds
Treat yourself to your favourite culinary delights. Cook your favourite meal, order from your preferred restaurant, or try out a new recipe. Savour each bite, and let the flavours dance on your tongue.
Find Quiet Time
This could be as simple as enjoying a hot cup of tea amid the morning quiet, or curling up with a feel-good book in the evening. Encourage your family to let you have this moment of serenity.
3. Delegation is Key
Divide your usual chores among your family. They can surely handle things for a day, right? Plus, it's a fun way for the family to appreciate the work you do, giving them a better understanding of your day-to-day life. To help organise this and ensure everything gets done smoothly, you can use Journey's weekly house chore journal template.
Journey offers an intuitive and comprehensive way to plan out the tasks for the day. With this tool at your disposal, you can assign chores effectively and enjoy your Mother's Day without constantly worrying about daily chores. Furthermore, it inculcates a sense of responsibility in your kids, making them appreciate the work you do even more. It's a win-win situation!
4. Self Expression through Journaling
Keeping a journal is an art of self-expression that can work wonders on your mental wellness. As a busy mum, you can find solace in journaling as it creates a personal space for you to pour out your thoughts, concerns, dreams, and feelings. This Mother's Day, find time for reflective journaling. Not only does it help in self-reflection and maintaining mental clarity, but it can also turn into a beautiful keepsake that you can look back on in the years to come.
Take a quiet moment for yourself, brew a cup of your favorite tea, grab your journal app, Journey, and let your words flow out. Celebrate your triumphs, write about challenges, pour your anxieties onto the paper, and imbibe the joy of being a mum. Creating a habit of journaling can be therapeutic and helps in managing stress and enhancing self-awareness.
5. Love Letters
Once you've gotten into the swing of journaling, why not write some love letters as well? These could be to your children, sharing your hopes and dreams for them, or your reminiscing about moments that stand out in your years of motherhood. It's a unique memento that your children will cherish when they're older.
6. Explore a New Hobby
Reserve some time to pamper your creative side and indulge in a hobby that will make your heart sing. This could be an existing hobby that you’ve lost touch with due to your tight schedule or something entirely new that you've contemplated trying out. Here are a few hobby ideas you can explore on Mother's Day:
Gardening
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If you appreciate the beauty of nature, this could be a fantastic hobby. Start with easy-to-grow plants, enjoy the therapeutic activity of gardening and watch your garden flourish.
Arts and Crafts
From knitting to paper crafting, painting, sewing, or even jewelry making, there is a whole world of creative hobbies to explore. These activities have a calming effect on the mind and give you something beautiful to show for your time.
Cooking or Baking
If you've wanted to expand your cooking or baking skills, Mother's Day could be an ideal time. Try out a new recipe, experiment with flavours, and enjoy the process.
Yoga or Fitness
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If you've been meaning to become more active, this could be the perfect day to start. Begin with some mild stretches or yoga postures, or dance your heart out. This incredibly healthy hobby can be great fun, too.
Photography
With a decent phone camera, you can start exploring this hobby right away. You could focus on family portraits, nature photography, or even abstract shots. The sky is the limit!
Learn a New Language
With numerous online tools available, learning a new language has never been more accessible. Besides being a fun hobby, it also opens doors to understanding new cultures.
DIY Home Decor
Find joy in redecorating and reorganizing your home. Not only can it be immensely satisfying to see your handiwork around the house, but it also gives your home a personal touch.
7. Pause for a Cause
While Mother's Day is a time to celebrate and treat yourself, it's also a great opportunity to give back to the community and support a cause close to your heart. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Volunteering
Many organizations could use an extra set of hands. Whether it's helping out at a local soup kitchen, planting trees for a green initiative, or spending time at an elderly care home, your services could bring a smile to someone's face. Check with local nonprofits to see if they need help on Mother's Day.
Donations
Monetary donations to a charity of your choice can make a significant impact. It doesn't have to be a substantial amount; every little bit helps. If money seems tight, consider donating items instead. Old clothes, canned food, or used books can be beneficial to those in need.
Fundraising
If you're already part of an organization, consider organizing a fundraising event. A bake sale, a car wash, or a small concert with local musicians can be fun and effective ways to raise money for the cause you support.
Spread the Word
Use your social media platforms for a good cause. Share information about a charity you appreciate, or post about the cause you're passionate about, urging friends and family to contribute in whatever way possible.
Running for Charity
Many marathons or fun runs support worthy causes. As a bonus, you're keeping fit while doing good.
8. Crown the Day with a Family Dinner
There’s something comfortingly ritualistic about finishing your day with a meal shared amongst loved ones. After all the self-pampering and hobby exploration, a family dinner can be the perfect end to a perfect day. Here's how to prepare a simple yet enjoyable meal:
Planning the Menu
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Start by planning a menu that includes dishes that your family loves and you enjoy making. It could utilize some pre-prepped ingredients to save time or even a new recipe you've been excited to try.
Delegate Tasks
Make the meal preparation a family activity. Assign simple tasks to your kids and spouse, like washing the veggies, setting the table or making a salad. This makes the process more fun and lightens your load.
Prepare in Advance
As much as possible, try preparing some elements of your meal in advance. For example, marinate meat overnight, chop vegetables the night before, or even bake dessert earlier in the day. These small steps can make the cooking process much more relaxed.
Consider a One-Pot Meal
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Simplify your cooking with a one-pot or one-pan recipe. Dishes like casseroles, stews, or skillet meals can be hearty, delicious, and require less clean-up.
Create Atmosphere
Lay a beautiful table and create an inviting atmosphere. Use your best dinnerware, play some soft music, and light some candles. The ambience can transform a simple meal into a special one.
Enjoy the Experience
Once you’ve prepared the dinner, sit down as a family and relish it. Talk about your day, share stories, and savor the food together. Remember, it’s not just about the meal; it’s about the shared experience and the memories you create.
Mother's Day isn't a celebration for you as viewed by another's perspective, but a salute to the fantastic, unyielding person you are. It's a day when you must pause and rejoice the strength, the love, and the dedication that you put in day in and out. It’s a day to relish in the chaos, the beauty, the journey of motherhood and to fondly document down the memories because motherhood, after all, is a journey worth journaling. Let this Mother’s Day be a blend of self-indulgence and thoughtfulness through the magic of journaling.