Celebrate Mother’s Day, every day.

One day a year people everywhere shower their mums with cards, gifts and little celebrations to remind them how wonderful we all think they are. But why should you limit yourself to one day a year when you’re a mother 24/7, 365 days a year?

This year we’re encouraging mums, carers, guardians and anyone playing that vital role in a child’s life, to take some time for themselves and practice some good old self care and love.

Every family is different.

We recognise that there is no single definition of what it means to be a mother. A mum can come from any background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. They can be single or in a relationship. They can work full-time or be a stay-at-home parent. A mum can choose to have children biologically or adopt, be young or old, and identify as a parent whichever way she chooses. And we acknowledge that not all mums may identify as a ‘she’.  So however you  choose to parent, we applaud you! You’re doing a great job.

Self care for mothers. What is it and what does it look like?

We hear this word a lot these days, and while it’s all well and good to hear it, what does it mean and how can you start doing it?

Self-care is the practice of taking intentional actions to improve your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It involves taking care of yourself through activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and self-improvement.

Here are 5 ways you can start practicing self care today:

Take time for yourself: Set aside some time every day to do something that you enjoy. It could be anything from reading a blog like this one, to taking a walk outside.

Get enough sleep: It's essential for your mental health and physical wellbeing to get adequate sleep. While it feels nearly impossible to do this when you have a newborn or toddler, asking your family to take the kids for a few hours when needed so you can get some shut-eye is sure to make a world of difference.

Eat a balanced diet: While sometimes very challenging, eating well can have a significant impact on your mood and energy levels. So instead of just prepping your kid’s meals each week, pack yourself a lunchbox too! Fill it with all of the nutritious foods you want your kids to eat more of too – they love to follow in your footsteps!

Exercise: While running around after the kids does technically qualify as exercise, it’s the time you take for yourself to exercise which boosts your mood and reduces stress levels.
Even if it’s just a few minutes of physical activity each day, you’re mind and body will thank you.

Connect with other mums: Being around others who understand and relate to your challenges can provide social support and validation, reduce feelings of isolation and offer opportunities to learn coping strategies. Additionally, spending time with like-minded individuals can boost self-esteem, promote relaxation and provide a much-needed break from the demands of motherhood. So what are you waiting for? Pick up that phone and start making plans!

Retail therapy: When was the last time you bought something for yourself? If you’re taking a few minutes to think, then it’s time to get that cart firing! Buying yourself little things like jewellery, clothes or even takeaway will give you a psychological and emotional boost. Ready to start shopping? Why not start at New Beginnings where you can find everything you need as a new mum.

At New Beginnings, we're committed to supporting mothers and families from pregnancy onwards and want to take this moment to wish you all a very happy Mother's Day, today, tomorrow and every single day of the year!

Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit New Beginnings, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.