Mother’s Day can be a difficult holiday for some to navigate. As a mom, I’m overjoyed when my kids give me some extra special love on this day, but as a daughter whose mother passed away, it’s also a day of remembrance. For those who have a strained relationship with their moms or those who were unable to become a mom, Mother’s Day may take on an entirely different challenge. The point is that behind the flood of Mother’s Day commercials, many people simply need a way to make it through the day. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be kind to yourself no matter what the day means to you or how you navigate it.

Five Ways to Make the Most of the Day

No matter your situation this Mother’s Day, I encourage you to stay as present as possible. Try not to get overwhelmed by the commercialization of it all, and say thanks to a role model—past or present—who made a positive difference in your life. For those who prefer to spend the day alone, here are my favorite things to do:

1. Enjoy some self-care

On Mother's Day, it's crucial to prioritize self-care. This term typically encompasses activities that enhance our well-being and contribute to our overall physical, mental, and emotional health. While indulging in ice cream smothered in hot fudge and peanut butter sauce might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of 'healthy activities,' it's definitely on my self-care list for this special day. In essence, treat yourself to whatever brings you joy. Whether it’s a relaxing bath, a rejuvenating nap, a refreshing walk, or a delightful trip to the ice cream shop, do whatever makes your heart sing.

2. Create a new tradition

If Mother’s Day brings up painful memories, try to make something new of the day by creating a new tradition or ritual that you enjoy. Maybe you’ll start a new hobby on Mother’s Day or take a day trip to a new place each year.

For those who prefer to spend the day with others (or maybe you don’t have a choice!), here are some suggestions you may enjoy:

3. Volunteer together

Helping others makes us feel good, so if you’re looking for a way to enjoy the day without putting pressure on the ‘Mother’s Day’ thing, volunteering might be the perfect thing to do. It can be something as simple as offering to take the neighbor’s dog out for a walk, helping an elderly neighbor with some lawn care, or perhaps walking around with some gloves and a bag and picking up cans.

4. Potluck, anyone?

If you’re not into the hustle and bustle of restaurants and reservations on Mother’s Day and don’t feel like cooking (because you shouldn’t have to on Mother’s Day unless you WANT to!), suggest a potluck. And just to make it fun, throw a theme on it like “Pinterest Fails,” “Diner Specialties,” or “Guilty Pleasures.”

5. Go to the movies!

It’s always a great idea to surround yourself with great company, and if you don’t feel like talking, treat yourself to the movies! The movies may seem a little old school when we have so many streaming services, but it’s a great chance to get out of the house, grab some Goobers, and escape for a while.

As difficult as it might be, one of my top recommendations is to take a break from social media. Whether or not we’re aware, social media has so many triggers. Avoid them altogether by taking a break from it all. Most importantly, do whatever you can to be kind to yourself and celebrate female role models past, present, and future. - Mona

Five Ways to Make Mother's Day Work for You