Consider this your reminder to make a phone call or plan a visit, because Mother’s Day is almost here! Whether you’re a mom yourself, or you’re celebrating your mom or a special person who’s been there for you, we can all use May 8th to take the time to treat ourselves and loved ones to a little TLC. Here are 6 self-care tips to do alone for some well-deserved peace and quiet, or together with someone you want to celebrate with. 

6 Mother’s Day Self-Care Tips 

According to a 2018 survey, an average parent gets only 32 minutes to themselves every day. Between dirty diapers, work demands, and piles of laundry and dishes, moms likely feel the strain more acutely as they juggle family needs and daily to-do lists. 

Here are a few ways you and that special woman in your life can take advantage of “me time.”

1. Move Your Body (In the Morning if Possible)

Whether it’s a yoga class, bike ride, or even just dancing in the kitchen while preparing dinner, it’s important to take the time to get a little movement in. 

To harness benefits like reduced stress levels and better sleep, it’s recommended to start the day with some outdoor physical activity. Exposure to morning can help to calibrate your circadian rhythm, or your body’s sleep-wake cycle. On days where a morning walk or workout are impossible, even sitting by a bright window can help to boost sleep and mood. 

2. Get Pampered

There’s no better day for a trip to the spa than Mother’s Day. Treat yourself and/or your mom to a relaxing massage or body treatment. Feel refreshed and revived after a haircut. Or, if budget-friendly pampering is in order, stock up on face masks and gemstone rollers and plan an at-home spa session. You may even want to make a DIY face mask—here’s how:

1. Ground ¼ cup of rolled oats in a blender, then add to bowl. 
2. Add ½ of a mashed avocado. 
3. Add 1 tbsp. lemon juice and 1 tbsp. honey. 
4. Mix all ingredients well. 
5. Apply directly to clean face. 
6. Relax, and leave on for 10 minutes. 
7. Rinse off with AquaTru water. 
8. Apply toner and moisturizer. 

Regardless of how it’s accessed, the relaxation that comes with being pampered will reduce blood pressure and stress hormones, while calming nerves and improving digestion.  

If facials and manicures aren’t you or your mom’s cup of tea, there are other types of pampering that may be more suitable. These include a car wash and detailing, a whole-house clean by a professional, or some essentials for a night of R&R (a new candle, a bath fragranced with organic essential oils, a bottle of wine, etc.). 

3. Sleep

For parents with young ones (under six months old), a study found that they get just one to three hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. Not surprisingly, moms typically get less sleep than their male partners. Combined with the demands of caring for a young child, sleep deprivation can really take its toll. 

That’s why there may be no greater gift than a night of zzzs for a new mom. Consider offering a night of babysitting so that a mother in your life can get a little shuteye. Or, if you’re the one with a newborn, don’t be afraid to ask for some sleep support on May 8th. Just one uninterrupted eight-hour period of sleep can make all the difference for a new mom. 

4. Indulge in Your Favorite Treat

While we call it “Mother’s Day,” “Breakfast in Bed Day” might even be more appropriate! There’s no better wake-up than one that smells like hot waffles or freshly-squeezed orange juice. Don’t be afraid to luxuriously start the day with a meal in your pajamas—or arrange a breakfast delivery or homemade meal for a loved one. 

Mother’s Day ideas involving food are many and can also include these gifts for yourself or a mom in your life:

• A homemade lunch or dinner
• A restaurant gift card
• A visit to that cafe or restaurant she’s always wanted to try
• A community supported agriculture (CSA) subscription for locally-delivered produce
• A basket with her favorite sweet treats and teas
• A cooking class
• A new recipe book 
• A new kitchen tool 
• A gift card for a food delivery service (Uber Eats or Doordash)

5. Reconnect with Yourself 

Mother’s Day can afford a busy mom with some time to ground and reconnect with themselves. It can be used to kick-start a journaling practice, or time can be spent writing down goals or creating a vision board. Time permitting, May 8th could also be spent taking an online class, reading a new book, or making a bucket list of activities. 

If there isn’t already one, consider dedicating a space, room, or nook to you and only you. Fill it with plants and other favorite items of yours, and use it as your designated place for a recharge. Or, provide the essentials and cleaning support to help a mom do the same.  

6. Support a Mother You Don’t Know

Mothers are generally known for their kindness and generosity, making Mother’s Day a perfect day to extend that love and compassion to someone you don’t even know. There are many organizations that support new moms and/or single moms. Find one in your area and consider donating time or money—then reap some of the feel-good benefits from doing so. 

Show Yourself Some Love on May 8

We all know a mom, meaning we all know someone who’s well-deserving of a little self care. That said, feel free to share this list of self care tips with those you love. Consider it the gift that keeps on giving!