Beyond the Glitz: What Mothers Truly Desire on Mother's Day
Amid the mounting pressure and commercial frenzy of Mother's Day, Shakira Akabusi, founder of Strong Like Mum, offers a refreshing perspective on what genuinely matters to mothers. In a heartfelt reflection, she emphasizes that beyond the sparkle and luxury, the core desires of mothers remain beautifully simple and grounded.
The Evolution of Mother's Day Expectations
Once upon a time, Mother's Day was a modest affair. A handmade card, a slightly crooked bouquet of daffodils, or a lovingly chaotic breakfast in bed prepared by small hands sufficed. Akabusi recalls her own childhood, eagerly jumping onto her mother's bed with a school-crafted card, ready to perform a song and dance as a token of gratitude.
Today, however, the landscape has dramatically shifted. In the weeks leading up to Mother's Day, social media feeds overflow with promotions for spa packages, luxury gifts, and glittering advertisements. While such indulgences are undoubtedly pleasant, Akabusi argues that most mothers yearn for something far more fundamental.
Diamonds and elaborate outings are delightful, but the true appeal lies in smaller, more meaningful gestures. A bit of time, a dash of energy, and a precious moment of solitude rank high on the list. The profound peace that comes from knowing children are safe, happy, and temporarily entertained by someone else is a priceless gift.
The Simple Joys of Motherhood
As a mother of four, Akabusi daydreams about the simple pleasures: a walk uninterrupted by snack requests or a leisurely brunch with friends where she isn't managing leftovers. Motherhood, while wonderful, is often busy and loud, with demands that can feel relentless. She acknowledges the importance of honest conversations about the overwhelming moments, noting that societal dialogues around motherhood have evolved in recent years.
There is now greater openness about the challenges and increased awareness of mental and physical well-being. Expert resources, such as the new StrongLikeMum YouTube channel launched with The Independent, provide accessible postnatal fitness support, empowering mothers with practical tools.
Small Changes for Lasting Well-being
Improving well-being doesn't require a grand overhaul or extravagant Mother's Day gestures. Instead, mothers need support to cultivate small, sustainable healthy habits that integrate seamlessly into daily life. This support might manifest as an early night while a partner handles bedtime without constant interruptions, a peaceful morning cup of tea, or twenty minutes for personal breathing and stretching.
Feeling well also involves supporting the body through life's various stages, from pregnancy and postpartum to perimenopause. Women experience constant flux due to hormonal fluctuations, making self-care an ongoing necessity. Yet, the gift of personal space and time to unwind, though ideal for Mother's Day, is often scarce in everyday routines.
Practical Wellness Tips for Busy Mothers
Through years of working with women on postnatal recovery, Akabusi identifies time as the biggest barrier to health. Juggling school runs, work-life balance, family commitments, and invisible tasks leaves little room for self-care. However, small changes can yield significant impacts. Building simple habits at home proves more effective than intensive workout programs or crash diets. Here are Akabusi's evidence-based tips for lasting wellness:
- Embrace the Outdoors: Fresh air and natural daylight offer unparalleled benefits. Oxygen boosts energy, sunlight regulates circadian rhythms and supports bone health, and stepping outside during overwhelming moments can foster calm and rejuvenation.
- Protect Your Posture: Poor posture during daily activities can lead to aches in the knees, hips, back, and neck, often linked to core imbalances or spinal deviations. It also affects pelvic floor health, potentially causing issues like urinary incontinence. Strength and release exercises, such as the 10-minute core sessions on the StrongLikeMum YouTube channel, can help.
- Focus on Strength Training: Beyond cardio, strength training is crucial for bone, muscle, metabolic, immune, and brain health, especially as women age. Home workouts, like those offered by StrongLikeMum, can build strength without a gym membership.
- Prioritize Hydration: Dehydration impairs physical and mental function, affecting coordination, energy, and mobility. Keeping reusable water bottles in visible spots encourages consistent sipping throughout the day.
- Value Quality Rest: While quality sleep between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. is ideal for stress gland reset and melatonin replenishment, short naps before noon (under 20 minutes) or simply elevating the feet can boost energy and promote recovery.
In essence, Mother's Day should celebrate the simple, supportive gestures that empower mothers to thrive beyond a single day of recognition.
