Psychologist gives the green light for a week-long mum-cation so pack your bags
In news that won’t surprise anyone, taking a break away from the family is in the best interests of your health as a mum.
Even better, doing it with a bunch of mum friends means you can get away for some fun and laughter, which would be a welcome break for so many of us overstretched mums.
Psychologist Dr Nava Silton told Fox5 that motherhood was demanding on women and for many, this can be stressful. “Whether it’s financial stress, time stresses, just trying to get a whole lot done in a very short period of time,” she said. “I think it’s really important for mothers to be rejuvenated and refreshed.”
Read more about self-care:
- Self-care for mums: 8 ways you should treat YOURSELF like a toddler
- Mum self-care truth: “If you’re not at the top of your priorities, you’re last”
- “I feel restored”: The most underrated ten minutes of my day as a mum
It’s true, all of it
Having written about my mum-cation earlier in the year, I totally agree with what Dr Silton is suggesting. Getting away from my family for a weekend was a luxurious treat. I got to spend the weekend with girlfriends, where we held uninterrupted conversations, ate what we liked and slept in until we were good and ready. I’d put off the idea of a break for so long, worried that my kids would miss me too much and my husband wouldn’t cope without me, they all got along perfectly fine without me.
Not only is this great for our wellbeing, but Dr Silton says that getting away to recharge your batteries is good for your kids too, who get to see you taking care of yourself and understand the importance of lifestyle balance. With so many of us suffering from mental overload, it makes sense that our kids would benefit from seeing us doing something positive to look after our mental health. And of course, we’d come back as a happy and relaxed mummy – so they win too.
A mum-cation is NOT out of your reach
It’s not always possible to book a flight and jet set off to spend a week in a hotel, so if budget’s an issue for you, think about what you could manage instead. Staying in an Airbnb with a few of your besties won’t break the bank, and camping is another great budget-conscious idea. This is not about travelling to a 5-star resort, but a basic get away from the hustle and bustle of family life, which could be found just an hour north or south from where you live right now, in a modest house that will fit you and your pals for a night or two.
On the other hand, if your family can manage without you for more than a weekend, then Dr Silton has given the green light for a week-long mum-cation if it suits you and your pals.
You know what this means, don’t you? The mum-cation trip to Bali that you’ve always dreamed of is ON, lady. Go ahead, start ringing around your gal-pals and lock in the details!
