A Mother’s Job
ITV’s parenting expert Sue Atkins tweeted recently, ‘Me’ time could be the best hours you give not only yourself but also your children!‘ So, make today another happy day – by giving yourself one (or more!) of these low cost, happiness-boosting treats!
Last week, we gave you some free ideas for treating yourself. You liked them so much that we’ve gathered a week’s worth of our favourite low-cost indulgences, so you can treat yourself every day for the next week too. Enjoy!
1. Make yourself a mini Xmas meal.
Turkey contains the feel-good chemical tryptophan, which works best when combined with carbs. A perfect excuse, if one were needed, for a turkey sandwich and a piece of steamed pud. Yum! (And if your little one’s already on solids, then they’ll appreciate turkey and vegs too…)
2. Have a girls’ night in.
You might not have time for a girls’ night out anymore, so why not catch up with the girls at one of your homes? With each of you bringing the drinks and nibbles, you can keep the cost down and still enjoy each others’ company and support. And if it’s hard to plan ahead, then just pick up the phone and invite whoever’s around. Spontaneous parties are the best of all!
3. Give yourself a mani-pedi.
Pamper your hard-working fingers and toes, by soaking them, exfoliating them with a body scrub then smoothing on thick moisturising lotion. Finally, put on some cotton socks and gloves and relax for 15 minutes while the moisturiser does its work. Nail trim and polish could, of course, follow…
4. Buy yourself some flowers.
It’s official – according to various studies, fresh flowers improve people’s mood. And thanks to our supermarkets, a big bunch doesn’t have to break the bank. Babies and toddlers will appreciate looking at or touching them too…
5. Make proper hot chocolate.
It was the ancient Aztecs who said hot chocolate is ‘…a divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue.’ And it also stimulates the release of a host of chemicals in the body that promote well-being. Hit the internet to find your favourite recipe, whip it up then sit back and relax as you drink it. Lovely! (You do need to get real cocoa though, as those instant drinks don’t have the same effect.)
6. Keep a gratitude journal.
Whether you use a real book or one of the new gratitude apps, find a way to record the things you’re thankful for. Studies have shown that simply recording five things you’re grateful for in the past week can increase happiness, motivation and optimism. How about ‘My baby’s first smile’, ‘An unbroken night’s sleep’ or ‘A night out with my partner’?
7. Buy some new undies.
Yes, really…there’s nothing like new scanties, especially frivolous ones, for lifting the mood (even better if there’s a 3 for 2 offer on!). Then promise us you’ll ditch those saggy grey ones. Because we know you have them…
So go on, treat yourself again today – you’re worth it! Which will you do first??
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