By Dr. Catherine Jackson – Brain Psychologist, Author, Coach & International Speaker
Traditionally, Mother’s Day is a time for many to connect with and celebrate the mothers in their lives – yourself if you are a mum, your mother, a godmother, an aunt who is like a mother, sisters who have children, and more.
Growing up, my Mother’s Day celebrations focused on love and gratitude toward my mother. We would attend church. Mother’s Day Sunday services were always nice, though typically more packed than usual. Nonetheless, I embraced it. After the service, we would share a meal either braving crowds and long waits at a restaurant or enjoying a home-cooked meal.
Gifts were always part of celebrating Mum. As children, we gave handmade cards and small gifts. As I grew into adulthood and had more financial resources, I began giving flowers, cards, candy, perfume, jewellery, and more. So many wonderful memories were made, and beautiful joy was created.
If you are anything like me, depending on where you live in the world and your traditions, your Mother’s Day may feel very similar.
However, while there have been beautiful memories in the past, this year—as both my mother and I grow older—I have been reflecting on how to enhance tradition and make Mother’s Day a more mindful, mental health connection.
While flowers, cards, perfume, and jewellery are lovely, this year I invite you to take your Mother’s Day celebration to the next level with the following suggestions:
- Ways to Create a Mental Health Connection on Mother’s Day
- The Gift of a Mental Health Journal
Gift a journal to yourself as a mum or to your mother. This provides a space to express thoughts, feelings, and gratitude. You could elevate this by getting a journal for both of you—or a shared mother-daughter journal—to exchange reflections and deepen emotional connection.
- Mindfulness & Meditation Subscription
Consider a mindfulness or meditation subscription for yourself, your mum, or as a shared experience. This can create a deeper sense of connection and calm.
Platforms such as Headspace or Calm can support this journey.
- Get Out in Nature
Plan a relaxing outdoor activity such as a walk in the park or a scenic hike. Nature provides a calming environment that supports both mental wellbeing and meaningful conversation.
- Read for Growth & Connection
Choose a book on mental health, wellness, self-compassion, or personal growth. Whether read individually or together, it can create a lasting experience of learning and connection that extends far beyond the day itself.
- Offer a Therapy Session
If your mum is open to it, consider gifting a session with a mental health professional, such as a therapy or counselling gift card.
A helpful resource is The Couch Experience: A Guide to Good Therapy, which offers guidance on finding the right therapist for yourself or a loved one.
- Get Artsy with Emotional Expression
Engage in creative activities such as painting, sketching, or crafts to express emotions and connect with yourself or your mum. Ideas include:
- Creating an “emotions tree”
- Painting abstract colours that reflect how you feel
- Designing artwork that symbolises releasing what no longer serves you
- Creating gratitude-based art
The possibilities are limitless—simply focus on expression and connection.
- Experience a Sound Meditation
A sound meditation or sound healing session can support emotional release and relaxation. It helps calm fast brainwave activity and encourages slower, more restorative states of mind.
- Support Physical & Emotional Wellness
Book a yoga or exercise class, or subscribe to an online programme. Movement can help release stored emotions and improve mood.
Gentle practices like Yoga—particularly restorative, yin, or somatic yoga—are especially effective for deepening the mind-body connection.
- The Power of Presence
Spending quality time with loved ones- talking, listening, and simply being together—can be the most meaningful gift of all.
When Mother’s Day Feels Difficult
It is important to recognise that this holiday is not joyful for everyone. It can be deeply challenging for those who are:
- Grieving the loss of their mother or a maternal figure
- Experiencing infertility or unable to conceive
- Longing to become a mother but unable to
- Navigating strained or complicated relationships
- Experiencing miscarriage or stillbirth
- Mourning the loss of a child
- Living without having had a maternal figure
For anyone who finds this day difficult, the following is for you.
Know that it’s okay to feel how you feel. In fact, acknowledging how you feel without guilt or judgment is better than holding it in or pretending all is alright. To honour the day in a special way, should you desire to, you may want to create a ritual such as lighting a candle, planting a flower, etc. If being around particular people or even social media triggers you, plan to set boundaries that reduce your exposure to these. It’s okay to give yourself permission to not engage with or in anything that will not feel good on and around that day. Be sure to give yourself grace and to engage in self-compassion, through kind words toward yourself, positive affirmation, space to meditate and reflect, etc., during this time. Sometimes feelings can flood and overwhelm you and other times you may feel fine. Give yourself space to allow room for whatever comes. Be sure to plan self-care. Rather than staying focused on what’s missing or not present during this time, schedule time to do something that pours back into yourself via dedicating the day to activities that nurture your mental health (i.e., a nature walk, engaging in a hobby, etc.). Self-care can also include a change of scenery like getting away for a few days, going to the movies or spending the day at a park or a beach. If and when thoughts become overwhelming practice mindfulness that will help you stay in the present moment rather than focusing on pain in the past or the future. Identifying and expressing gratitude for what you do may also be helpful during this day as it would allow your brain to focus on the good instead of anything negative. Be sure to connect with support rather formal (a therapist, grief group, etc.) or informal (family and friends) to share feelings, receive comfort and discuss plans for managing emotions related to the day. Also, make sure to remain open and flexible allowing yourself to do what fells best in the moment rather it be resting, honouring/celebrating and/or having a quiet day to yourself.
A Meaningful Mother’s Day
No matter what your Mother’s Day looks like use it as a mindful mental health day that allows you to connect with yourself and/or others and to express and release emotions as needed. While Mother’s Day is traditionally celebrated with gifts and meals, you can take it to a deeper level with many of the tips provided here.
May this Mother’s Day be one of your best yet!