4 WAYS TO
Pamper Yourself
S A MOM, you’re thinking of other people constantly. Why not use Mother’s Day to pamper yourself for a change? According to Meriam Webster pamper means, “to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention.” What would you do if you had a whole day to indulge in whatever you wanted—without worrying about what anyone else wanted? It’s mind-boggling, I know. Here are some ideas to help you plan your day. This Mother’s Day ask yourself, what would feel good to me right now? The flight attendant’s instructions to put on our own oxygen masks before assisting others in the event of an emergency aircraft landing applies to moms, too. We are better at work, at home, and wherever we are, when we nurture ourselves first—on Mother’s Day and every day.
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GET MOVING Not having enough time is one of the top ten reasons people cite for not exercising. But what if you had ample time to devote to yourself, without the pressures of family, work, and the never-ending piles of laundry. You’d have time to exercise, enjoy a long, hot shower, and even blow out your hair afterward. Exercise doesn’t have to be a punishing sweat-fest, nor does it have to be done regularly to make you feel good. Research shows that moderate exercise can make you noticeably happier and more relaxed— immediately. Just spending time outside has benefits ranging from better sleep to improved mood. If you’re not a regular exerciser—or if you’re a hardcore fitness buff who could stand to step back from an intense regimen—
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consider the following lower intensity activities: • Go for a walk or a hike • Paddle in a canoe
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REJUVENATE Mother’s Day is the perfect day to leave the pampering to a professional. If you feel like you’re constantly moving, take time to slow down. Or maybe even lie down. You could indulge in:
• Explore your city by bike
• a manicure and/or pedicure
• Check out a yoga class
• massage or facial
• Try tai chi or Qigong
• a haircut, color and/ or a blowout
If you are a fitness junkie who enjoys pushing your body’s limits, Mother’s Day is just as good a day as any to get out of your comfort zone. You could:
• acupuncture or reiki
• Try Aerial Yoga, hot yoga, or any type of yoga you’ve never done before • Sign up for a CrossFit competition • Seek out a monster hill and run or ride your bike up it.
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