By Peggy Kline 

On one day every year, a mother may wake up to an entourage of admirers at the side of the bed with breakfast in hand. She may be presented with pretty posies or smell the scent of crayons on hand-made cards. Maybe she’ll get a rare kiss from her teenage son, who is usually abashed by motherly affection, making the other months of debate and discipline all worthwhile.

It is the sacred season of flowers, perfume, rings and other sparkling things. And of course, there are the traditional beautiful boxes filled with our confection addiction…chocolate. While all these expressions of love and gratitude are greatly appreciated on the special day that honors her, a mom must learn the importance of how to pamper herself the other 364 days of the year:

A Wake Up Call: According to the National Sleep Foundation, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from insomnia, and three out of four women do not get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Chronic sleep loss increases our risk for infections, headaches, irritability, poor concentration, weight gain and memory loss (Was that hair spray I just sprayed under my arms?).

To create sweet slumber, try keeping your room a little cooler and as dark as possible. Keep to a sleep schedule as best you can. Stay away from caffeinated, fatty or spicy foods. They can take a toll on the tummy. It may take some time and self-discipline to make sleep a necessity and not a luxury, but it will pay off in splendid ZZZZZZZZZZ.

Baby Your Body: Just like a child throwing a tantrum, your body’s muscles, bones, brain and ability to function will scream out when it’s being neglected. An ache or a pain, feeling like your brain is in a fog, or experiencing your very own energy crisis may mean that all that wonderful nurturing you give to others needs to also be given to you. Work time into your weekly routine to baby your body with some exercise to feel fit, and eat foods that will nourish you.

Create a Little Comfort: The word “comfort” comes from the Latin word confortare which means to strengthen greatly. While mothers have a true gift of giving comfort to those they love, they must also learn to create a little comfort for themselves as well. Some may feel this to be a bit too self-indulgent or may actually be un-comfortable with placing emphasis on themselves and not on everything and everyone. However, the ability to find a bit of comfort and calm in your life is what revitalizes you. Curl up on the couch with a good book, bask in the sun, sit in a comfy chair and sip your tea, take a tiny retreat in a weekend nap. These small touches of the pure pleasure, of just relaxing will fill you up with a little more fuel for the often fast and frenzied ride of motherhood.

Say A-H-H-H at the Spa: When was the last time that you had people pampering and trying to please you? Had the luxury of a facial? A relaxing massage?  Picked out a pretty color for your fingers and toes? Pedicures and manicures, massages and many more tantalizing treatments can make even the most pressure-packed mom feel like a queen.Treat yourself now and then to some pampering. You deserve it!

Get the Giggles With Your Girlfriend: When was the last time that you got a case of the down-to-your-toes giggles? We watch children immerse themselves in the wonderful pleasure of fun and play, and we reminisce about our youthful days of long ago as if that part of our life is all but lost. It is not truly lost; we may just be out of practice! We need to create more giggles and grins in our lives. Laughter is very therapeutic. It releases endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers. Fun with other mom-friends is a beautiful buffer for stress.

Every Maternal Marvel mystifies Father Time with all she accomplishes. Her days are crammed with kids, careers, car pools, budgets to balance and too-long to-do lists. She can love away more hurt and pain than any potion or pills. Her hours are long with a job that is guaranteed from colic to college and beyond. Mother’s Day and every day, remember to lovingly nurture not only your family, but yourself too!

Peggy Kline, C.N.O. (Chief Nurturing Officer tm) is a national speaker for women and founder of www.MotheringMoms.com.