Last Updated on April 7, 2024

As mum’s we often put ourselves last. Even on Mother’s Day, we can end up doing things for everyone around us, when honestly it’s the one day when part of it should be spent doing something for ourselves.

If the idea of combining family time and alone time on Mother’s Day sounds great, then here are 12 things to do for yourself on Mother’s Day, so you have a much needed break on the one day that’s meant to be about you, and not those around you.

If however you do want to do some things with your family, but you want to do things you enjoy, here are 5 Mother’s Day activities the whole family will enjoy, but most importantly, you’ll enjoy them too.

Take time out for yourself

This is the most obvious of the things to do for yourself on Mother’s Day, but one that we may feel guilty asking for.

However, if you can’t take time out for yourself on Mother’s Day, then when can you?

Taking time out for yourself means asking your other half to take the kids somewhere for a couple of hours so you can do whatever you want, alone.

This could mean enjoying the silence, doing yoga, reading, catching up on your favourite TV show, or even ticking something off your to do list that’s been on there for sometime.

Ticking something off your to do list doesn’t sound like a thing to do when you finally get time to yourself, but for me, whenever I get some alone time, I like to do a quick declutter, which once done makes me feel great, and feel like I’ve used my time well.

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Ban chores

If you’re not able to take time out for yourself, then take time out of doing chores.

This means enjoying your day by not cooking meals from scratch, cleaning, or doing anything else you normally do to keep your house running, and instead enjoying your day to the fullest.

This is something that I’m definitely going to do this Mother’s Day, which will be a challenge, because I have a hard time not cleaning, but it’s the only way I will fully relax and enjoy the day.

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Write a service gift list

So that you get a gift that you actually want, take some time on Mother’s Day to write a service gift list, which is a list of things that your family can do for you, instead of them buying you a gift.

This could mean asking them to fold laundry, clean dishes, cook dinner, make beds, or anything else that you don’t like doing, for however long a time period you want.

Buy yourself something that you really want

If you’d rather have a tangible gift instead of a service gift, then let your family know that you’re happy to buy your own Mother’s Day gift, and then on Mother’s Day spend some time shopping online, or going to an actual shopping centre to buy it.

Treat yourself to something delicious

I love this idea as one of the things to do for yourself on Mother’s Day, because I’m always up for eating delicious food.

If there’s a food or meal that you love, that you’ve been craving, or that brings back memories of Mother’s Day past, then treat yourself to it.

Similarly, if someone in your family is a great cook and there’s something that they cook that you love, ask them to cook it for you.

Catch up on the latest trends

One of my favourite things to do pre kids was go to a café, enjoy a hot drink, and read the lifestyle section of the paper, or a current magazine.

This could be something that you consider doing as well this Mother’s Day.

Sleep in

Sleeping in is a great way to start Mother’s Day.

Even if you sleep in just 15 minutes longer than usual, it allows you to start the day a little bit more relaxed.

If you have little kids who wake up early, or through the night, then consider getting your other half to take on night time duties, so you can actually get a proper night’s sleep.

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Go for a walk

Going for a walk is a great way to catch up on your favourite podcast or playlist whilst getting some much needed fresh air, before the day gets too hectic and loud.

Go to the park

If you’re unable to go out for a walk by yourself, you can still get some fresh air, and maybe even a chance to escape for a bit on your own, by going to the park with your family.

Take control of the TV

It’s your day, so use it as an excuse to take control of the TV for a day.

Make it a rule that only TV shows or movies that you choose can be played, which may also mean that you can watch shows with your family that you used to watch when you were younger.

This can also be done once the kids are in bed, with or without the delicious treat spoken about above.

Have an at home spa day

Once the kids are in bed, or if you are lucky enough to get time to yourself during the day, one of the things to do for yourself on Mother’s Day is an at home spa day.

This can include using a face mask, running a bath, doing a foot treatment, painting your nails, or wearing a heated eye mask.

Go to a hotel for 24 hours – solo

This is one of the absolute ultimate things to do for yourself on Mother’s Day, and allows you to fully relax, and watch and eat what you want, so you’re as recharged as possible for whatever the next few months hold.

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I hope you’ve found some inspiration on how you can enjoy Mother’s Day so you take time out to do something just for you.

What would your perfect Mother’s Day look like?