celebrity writers

5 Tips For a Great Mother's Day

The Benefits of Lowering Your Expectations and Smelling the Roses

May 7, 2007

5 Tips for a Great Mother's Day, stock xchange elenaphoto

Sending roses to your mom on Mother's Day offers psychological benefits for both you and her: a sense of well-being, increased creativity, and a connection to nature

Sending flowers to your mom on Mother's Day is one of the most popular ways to say "I love you." Flowers on Mother's Day can boost her emotional and mental health. A great Mother's Day is almost guaranteed if you send flowers to her work, volunteer job, or other public place – your mom will love the attention!

The Psychological Benefits of Flowers

Research shows that flowers offer a sense of well-being, increased creativity, and a connection to nature. Flowers can immediately increase your mom's level of happiness and life satisfaction. Maybe this is why the term "flower power" is popular…it's a cliché because there's truth behind it. Sending flowers is an obvious tip for a great Mother's Day.

Why Most Moms Love Flowers

Roses (and all flowers) offer the combination of beautiful scents, bright colors, and pleasing shapes. Flowers lift moods and spirits; they show your mom that you're thinking of her. According to an article called Flower Therapy Induces Happiness and Positive Feelings on the Softpedia site, flower therapy elevates emotional states from negative to positive. The psychological benefits of flowers surpass mere beauty.

Emotional health can be rejuvenated through the heady aromas and gorgeous views that flowers offer. Roses in particular "enhance the energy in our body and make us more active by stimulating adrenal glands." (By the way, arguing with your spouse decreases the activity of the adrenal glands and makes you more prone to illness – especially if you're a woman.)

5 Tips for a Great Mother's Day

As a mom, lower your expectations. According to Psychology Today, moms often have high expectations for Mother's Day. If you're a mom and you tend to expect a lot from your children, consider lowering your expectations so you can have a great Mother's Day. Your kids love you, but they may not be able to show it the way you'd like.
Talk about your mom's expectations. If you know your mom has high expectations, you could attempt to live up to them. Better yet, talk about your mother's expecations if you can. Determining what she expects from you this Mother's Day – or any day – could open the door to a whole new relationship.
Really think about sending flowers. Not every woman is into flowers: moms could be allergic, tired of receiving a bouquet every year, or simply ready for something more exciting and thoughtful. Flowers may not be the best tip for a great Mother's Day, depending on your mom.
Put yourself in your mom's shoes. Perhaps you'd prefer a dozen roses and a box of chocolates for Mother's Day; maybe all she wants is an afternoon shopping with you or even just a cup of coffee. Meet your mom where she's at: give her what she wants, if you can. She'll be happy, and you'll feel good that you made your mom feel good.
Accept the day. Whether you're a mom or a child, accepting whatever Mother's Day brings is the best tip for a great Mother's Day. Maybe your kids will make you burnt, soggy French toast in bed and leave the kitchen in a huge mess; maybe they'll go off with their father all day, leaving you alone to read, snooze, and rejuvenate. Either way, enjoy the fact that you're alive, your kids are nearby, and they're showing love the best way they know how.

If you found 5 Tips For a Great Mother's Day helpful, try:

The copyright of the article 5 Tips For a Great Mother's Day in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish 5 Tips For a Great Mother's Day in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.