Time Out for Mom 10 Little Luxuries So You Always Feel Celebrated

by Christina Katz

You are the best mom ever if you let yourself feel good about the job you are doing every day, even on the ones that are challenging. Being a great mom also means putting your needs first. Be generous with yourself throughout the year and others will follow suit during special times. You always deserve something special just for being you, so treat yourself!

l Foofy drinks

For her birthday lunch, my daughter wanted a tropical drink with a tiny umbrella in it. You deserve a tiny umbrella too, mom. Or, maybe a dollop of whipped cream with a chocolate swirl or a little heart design atop your coffee foam.

l Exposure to nature

The civilized world gallops at a breakneck pace. But nature helps us slow down to the incremental speed of life. The seeds we plant don’t sprout overnight. And we can regain our patience and our pacing by frequent exposure to the earth, air, sun and stars.

l Your favorite books and magazines

Books inspire movies in our minds. Even the internet with all of its diverse content cannot replace the feeling of hunkering down, one spread at a time, and escaping into artfully photographed and delightfully designed magazine pages. Don’t ever deprive yourself of your daily allotment of mental escape.

l Belly laughs

Phone calls with old friends can be the best medicine. There’s nothing like chuckling over old antics or sharing a giggle with someone who has known you forever. Get your kicks in whatever way works for you and the cascading endorphins are an extra, feel-good bonus. Streaming sitcoms or reading comics also works well in a pinch.

l Delicious food

Keep at-home copies of your favorite take-out menus. Sometimes mom needs someone else to do the meal prep, cooking and serving. Besides, sitting down to be waited on every once in a while is a great way to power up your inner chef. Bon appétit!

l Self-care

A quick nap. A long bath with bath salts and bubbles. Saying no to everything that does not feel like a yes. Asking for hugs. Moms who practice self-care probably live longer. For sure, they live happier.

l Fresh flowers

Flowers are love. They bring cheer to a space and liven it up. It doesn’t have to be a big expense when you choose small, seasonal bouquets from the store or use what’s growing in your yard. If you are feeling cynical about the gift of flowers, try a more playful approach like a cookie bouquet or some balloons.

l Scents you love

Jasmine. Lemon. Rose. Cinnamon. Juniper. Cookies fresh from the oven! You control your environment, so make it smell wonderful to you.

l Self-expression

Be your insouciant self today and every day. What does this mean to you? If you are holding your breath, biting your tongue, biding your time, or practicing any other delay tactics that prevent you from living your life with the volume cranked up, seek assistance. Get around folks who lure you out of your shell and validate all the gifts you have to offer the world.

l Surprises

Don’t wait for others to catch you off guard. Delight yourself with little impulsive decisions that make you happy now. A surprise isn’t just a big, painstakingly planned party. It’s at least 20 opportunities a day to be sweeter to yourself. Go ahead, choose differently.