Whenever there’s a vote for the most beautiful word in the Finnish language, the word “äiti” (mother) rises to the top—or at least comes very close. Another perennial favorite is “rakas” (dear). Although both of these words are linguistically stiff and awkward to pronounce, their meaning is, for many of us, unparalleled—especially when used together. A mother is the giver of life and a symbol of security—someone who has the strength to care, show concern, help, and support. Or at least, hopefully, she does, because a mother’s well-being is in the best interest of the whole family.
Is investing in one's well-being a selfish or a caring act?
A mother is a biological or social parent—a female—of her offspring who carries the child in her womb until the child is ready to be born. Afterward, the mother gives birth and usually breastfeeds her child. Her responsibilities certainly don’t end there; instead, a mother nurtures her child, ensures their hygiene and provides for their meals, helps with homework, drives them to activities, comforts them in times of trouble, endures tantrums, and is available 24/7… all the way until the child reaches adulthood. And the workload isn’t limited to caring for the children, since the father—that male member of the family—is often just as helpless and keeps the mother just as busy.
Even though it sometimes seems like Mom isn’t in a hurry to go anywhere, she still has many irons in the fire at once: folding laundry, cooking, emptying the dishwasher, and mending a hole in the knee of a pair of jeans all get done at the same time as she watches *The Bold and the Beautiful*. It’s only when Mom leaves for a business trip for a couple of days or is bedridden with an illness that reality hits the rest of the family: The floor of the entryway is hidden beneath a pile of clothes, the trash cans are overflowing, the poodles are running around, the fridge is gaping empty, and nothing runs as smoothly as it does when Mom is around.
From the perspective of family well-being and harmony, it is therefore of the utmost importance that the mother has the energy to cope and is in good health. Just as the safety instructions on an airplane say, “Help yourself first, then help others,” a mother must also remember to take care of herself so that she has enough energy and strength for more than just running the family and the household.
What's important to you?
When mothers are asked what is important to them, the following values almost always rank higher than the rest: family, children, spouse, home, and health. And specifically, the health of their loved ones. Work, career, free time, hobbies, friends, and personal development come only at the very bottom of the list. It is often part of a mother’s nature to put herself and her own needs on the back burner, especially when the children are still young.
Living in accordance with one’s values—caring for one’s family and home—requires a mother to be in good health and have the stamina to keep going. If the workday drains her energy and she runs out of steam by the afternoon, she will no longer have enough attention, care, and energy left for her family or for enjoying active leisure time.
The Model of a Thriving Parent
For many mothers, it is important that their child has a good foundation at home for a healthy, active life. Children learn far more from their parents’ actions than from their words. That is why it is important to set an example at home as a parent who is active and takes care of their own well-being. Research shows that this has a lasting impact throughout life.
The whole family benefits from Mom's great shape
A mother’s good physical condition benefits the whole family. It brings joy not only to the mother herself, but also to her children and spouse. A mother in good shape has the energy to run the household, join in her children’s games and activities, enjoy an active leisure time, and do fun things even after the children have fallen asleep. In addition to all the physical and health benefits, studies have shown that exercise reduces a mother’s stress and improves her quality of life, mood, and overall life satisfaction. Regardless of the intensity, duration, or frequency of exercise, it has also been shown to improve a mother’s self-esteem, sense of self-efficacy, and body image.
Now, all you dads and kids, listen up! Let’s work together to encourage moms to get active and take care of themselves—not just in honor of Mother’s Day, but as part of the family’s everyday routines. Believe it or not, you’ll benefit from it, too. If you don’t believe me, just think back to your mom’s last business trip or day at work.