How to protect your mental health on Mother’s Day: 11 mindful ways to care for yourself 

Whether you’re grieving, upset, or just not in the mood to celebrate Mother’s Day, know that you have options. These tips can help you navigate the holiday with a little more ease.

1. Give yourself full permission to skip it

If Mother’s Day is difficult for you, you don’t have to celebrate it. You can treat it like a regular Sunday, or give yourself permission to sleep in, ignore texts, and binge-watch reality TV. Do what feels best for you. 

Try this: Tell your people ahead of time if you’re unplugging. You may also consider explaining to a close friend what’s going on, so that they know to check on you.

2. Plan ahead for emotional triggers

You know your patterns. If being in a crowded restaurant filled with happy families celebrating Mother’s Day is going to upset you, don’t go. If family gatherings or phone calls feel like too much, give yourself an out. Emotional triggers are easier to navigate when you know they’re coming.

Try this: Make an escape plan for any social events you’re expected to attend. Decide on a time limit, enlist a buddy who can help you leave early, or schedule another obligation so you can slip out gracefully.

3. Curate your social media space like your peace depends on it (because it does)

The highlight reel hits harder on days like this. Scroll with caution. You’re not weak for feeling triggered by filtered family tributes — those posts aren’t telling the full story anyway. If the feed makes your chest tighten, it’s okay to step away. Or better yet, tailor it to show you only what feels kind.

Try this: Use the mute button liberally. Set a time limit for apps. Or, better yet, delete them. You can always replace that time with a playlist, podcast, or actual silence — whatever your nervous system needs.

4. Redefine what this day means to you

You don’t have to mark Mother’s Day in the traditional way. Maybe you honor a mentor, a best friend, your therapist, your inner child. Maybe you make space to mother yourself — especially if no one else ever really did.

Try this: Light a candle, write a letter you’ll never send, cook a comforting meal, or do something that’s just for you. It can be as simple as buying yourself flowers without pretending they came from anyone else. Need more inspiration? Try one of these 20 self-care practices.

5. Let yourself grieve — without the need to fix it

Grief shows up in unexpected ways. It might be overwhelming, or more of a dull pain. Maybe it’s strangely absent until a TV ad unexpectedly brings you to tears. Whatever form it takes, don’t rush it. Just let it be.

Try this: Create a small ritual that holds space for your grief. That could be journaling, lighting a candle, looking at old photos, crying in the shower, or just laying under a weighted blanket until it passes. 

💙 Grief can ebb and flow. Lama Rod Owens’ Caring for Your Grief series can help you navigate the journey.