Happiness Makeovers

Happiness Makeovers

Sanity saving indulgences for Moms

It is one of those days when you begin with your favourite litany `It’s great to be a mom’ and it doesn’t seem to do the trick. You can’t seem to summon the energy to be all that a mom should be … relax…you’re suffering from that common malady we all go through once in a while – parental burnout. The remedy – take a real break. For five minutes stop worrying about being mother, and start enjoying being one. It could become a habit. Try these simple idea.

Relax and re-energize.

A warm soak

A long relaxing bath, music playing in the back-ground and the company of a good book is a favourite escape recommended by many of our readers. The warmth of the water releases tension and relaxes you completely. This small pleasure offers enormous returns.

The Happiness Factor: Getting your brood in and having a whale of time together in the shower.

Body work

Some form of physical pampering where for a bring interlude you have skilled hands taking care of you, while you relax.

The Happiness Factor: Having small unskilled hands pampering you and getting each of your nails painted a different colour, and your hair looking well…er...different.

Healthy indulgences

A walk in the fresh air, an invigorating aerobic routine, a leisurely swim, or a game of whichever sport you enjoyed can get you re-energized.

The Happiness Factor: Choosing a favourite activity that gets you out of your everyday routine and into another dimension – rolling on the grass, running around playing peek-a-boo, dancing in the rain, jumping into mud puddles with your kids.

Deep sleep

The chance to sleep late in the morning or an afternoon siesta – any kind of shut-eye is something of a miracle, but these are by far the best moments, easily managed with planning and cajoling. These hard to catch-up-on REMs can do a lot to recharge batteries.

The Happiness Factor: Having that small warm body snuggled close beside you.

Mini - makeover

A shopping spree – and a new outfit can do wonders for the psyche. Like a mini-makeover it will help you feel renewed. Although don’t be surprised if you return with bags laden more with baby things than yours.

The Happiness Factor: Shopping, shopping and more shopping. Does it matter – what’s whose!

Things that grow

Try your hand at gardening. The fresh air, exercise and rewards of watching your garden, are truly rejuvenating – and provide a sense of accomplishment when the rest of yor life seems to be mired in piles of washing and dirty dishes.

The Happiness Factor: Striking the secret gardens.

Time alone

A solitary movie-viewing, a solo walk provides a simple break. Snatch this time whenever you can and gradually fit it into your schedule. Re-acquaint yourself with the ability to disconnect and retreat into your own pleasure pockets.

The Happiness Factor: Catching up with yourself.

Reading

Time alone to read a book – or even just a magazine – all the way through is a major feat when you’re a mother. Snatch the time when you can, and you’ll find that reading provides a cohesive narrative when your own life feels fragmented.

The Happiness Factor: Reading is an infectious activity. Who knows you might just get everybody hooked to it. A family of bookworms – wow!

Allow yourself to grow

Learn something new, take up a hobby, and link up with your friends. The joys of motherhood and the joys of being you are not mutually exclusive domains. Finding the connection is what growth is all about.

The Happiness Factor: Enjoying the mysteries of life.

Involve your partner, your children in chores

Get chores done quickly on holidays, so that you can all enjoy time together. Delegate according to age and ability so that you are not called on to finish tasks – and try not to be perfectionist. Once the chores are done go out for a spin, with a relaxed frame of mind knowing that you can return to a clean house.

The Happiness Factor: It’s nice to know that work is being done, and for a change you are not the one struck with it.

Spend time with your partner

Go for an unplanned long drive, put on the music, dim the lights and have a late candlelight dinner, just the two of you. With a little bit of planning set the children off to bed early when you want to have those quiet moments together – share love, life and laughter. Allow yourself to feel cherished. Let the woman in you live.

The Happiness Factor: What more do you want?

Ask for a kiss

“Give me a kiss.” When those tiny arms go around your neck and those baby lips give you the sweetest kiss you realise that going insane once in a while may be worth it!

The Happiness Factor: We don’t need to tell you this, do we?

The Supermom Myth

Stop trying to be the perfect mother, you’ll find yourself consciously relaxing and becoming a happier person. Allow your children the space to do their own thing without constantly overseeing every activity.

If keeping your house in spotless condition all the time is causing you strain and also making you a strain to be with, try to let go a little – both you and your family can then relax.