The average mum roughly gets about 17 minutes for herself every day, a study reveals [1]. This doesn’t come as a surprise because motherhood, while a source of joy and fulfillment, is a full-on 24/7 job. So, it’s a given, every mom deserves a healthy retreat — but not just any kind of getaway. What they need is now being dubbed as a ‘mumcation’, typically a two-day to a week’s worth of holidays without the kids, spent with friends or even better, other mums who understand the need for me time.
The average mum roughly gets about 17 minutes for herself every day, a study reveals [1]. This doesn’t come as a surprise because motherhood, while a source of joy and fulfillment, is a full-on 24/7 job. So, it’s a given, every mom deserves a healthy retreat — but not just any kind of getaway. What they need is now being dubbed as a ‘mumcation’, typically a two-day to a week’s worth of holidays without the kids, spent with friends or even better, other mums who understand the need for me time.
Psychologists are in on this too. On a segment on Sunrise, they said that mums should be taking regular ‘mumcations’ to recharge from the daily grind of motherhood. Guest Dr. Emmanuella Murray, a clinical psychologist explains, “In a nutshell, happy mum, happy family. Mums are going on a vacation and then they’re coming back into their family home and they’re dying to see their kids”. This doesn’t only apply to mums, but for dads too. Dr. Murray adds, “Sometimes, dads are the primary carers too”.
With the emergence of solo female friendly destinations and women’s only retreats, mums now have the option to escape in a safe and nourishing environment and do whatever they want or do nothing at all.
Ditching the guilt
Not only is this form of self-care good for Mums’ physical and mental well-being, but it is also valuable for the kids and the entire family unit. Fellow guest on the show, Lucy Chesterton head of Be Yahoo chimes in, “Forget the guilt, put yourself first for once”.
According to Dr. Murray, “We talk about ditching the guilt, but I guess what we want is to remind mums that they can actually be even better role model for the kids if they’re looking after themselves.”
As stressed in our #StrongHealthyWomen movement, self-care is essential, not as an indulgence, but a necessity to remove external noise, reduce stress and become the best version of yourself, whatever role it is you have in life.
Perfect ‘mumcation’ retreat ideas
Even the shortest of breaks can make the biggest of differences. From a spa weekend with your girlfriends, to island hopping or a luxury cruise, all these can offer a sense of peace and quiet that you can look forward to. Mentioned as one of the most popular mumcation destinations in the show is Tasmania, where you can go for one of the many walks for a glamping adventure.
A mumcation also presents the perfect lead up to a family holiday—as suggested by Lucy, mums can go away before the family holiday to miss out on the stress of getting out of the house and meet the family on holiday.
So, what are you waiting for Mums – let the kids know it’s in their best interest and get packing!
[1] TVbed.com
Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on {lang au}1300 551 353{/lang}{lang en}0203 397 8891{/lang} or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect healthy retreat.
