Mother’s Day wellness tips: Small ways moms can start putting themselves first

Mothers often skip basic checkups, assuming they can handle minor discomforts. But ignoring routine tests like blood pressure, sugar, thyroid, calcium, and mammograms can delay critical diagnoses (Image: Canva)

Mothers are often seen as the heart and soul of a family, loving, nurturing, and endlessly giving. But in caring for everyone else, they often neglect their own health and happiness. This Mother’s Day, doctors are urging women to start focusing on themselves too. When a mother is healthy, she can care for others more efficiently.

Most mothers juggle multiple roles without a pause, says Dr Poonam Agrawal, Unit Head and Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi. "From managing a job to household chores, and emotional needs of family members, they tend to everyone. Their personal well-being often falls to the bottom of the list, thus resulting in fatigue, hormonal imbalance, and chronic stress that go unnoticed and untreated,” shares Dr Agarwal.

Mothers often skip basic checkups, assuming they can handle minor discomforts. “But ignoring routine tests like blood pressure, sugar, thyroid, calcium, and mammograms can delay critical diagnoses,” warns Dr Agarwal.

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She further explains that maintaining a balanced diet with vegetables, pulses, fruits, milk, and water is essential, and skipping meals or overloading on tea and coffee can weaken immunity.

Mental health matters:

While physical health is important, mental wellness is equally vital. “The emotional strain of constantly being available can lead to burnout, anxiety, and low mood,” suggests Dr Navneet Kaur, Diabetologist, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chirag Enclave, Delhi. She stresses on the connection between body and mind: “Regular physical activity like a 30-minute walk or yoga helps lower stress and boosts energy. Sleep, too, is vital, mothers must aim for 6 to 8 hours of rest daily,” says Dr Kaur.

She also encourages women to do things they love, like, writing, gardening, or simply listening to music. “And if stress becomes too much, it’s okay to reach out, connect with friends or seek professional help,” she suggests.

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Take time for yourself:

For many mothers, the idea of dedicating time to themselves feels indulgent. Dr Ritika, Consultant Psychiatrist, Chhatrapati Shivaji Subharti Hospital, Meerut explains, “Every mother should commit at least one day a month just for herself. Go for an outing, watch a movie, enjoy a salon visit, anything that brings joy. These small acts offer mental refreshment and help prevent emotional fatigue.”

Overexertion is avoidable:

Another common issue is overexertion, often disguised as productivity, cautions Dr Manini Patel, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur. “Prolonged household chores like deep cleaning or laundry marathons can lead to physical strain and exhaustion. Instead, tasks should be spread out with breaks in between. Health must come first,” she says.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.