Is Mother's Day All It's Cracked Up To Be?
May 9, 2007

Mother’s Day Can Be A Stressful and Sad Time For Many

Atlanta, GA – May 9, 2007 – When most people think of Mother’s Day, it conjures up images of kids bringing Mom breakfast in bed, or Dad bringing home flowers and expensive jewelry commemorating Mom’s sacrifices for the family throughout the year. But these dream images are just that for many…a dream. Dr. Kathleen Hall, international Stress Expert, founder and C.E.O. of The Stress Institute, has experienced first-hand the disastrous effects that Mother’s Day can have on those living with dysfunctional families.

“We tend to idealize the holidays as a happy, perfect time for everyone,” said Dr. Hall. “But, failing to acknowledge the stress and pain associated with Mother’s Day for many is failing this demographic so desperately in need of our support.”

Dr. Hall has spent countless years assisting at women’s shelters, and hosting inner-city kids at her farm, interacting with people suffering from the stressful effects of dysfunctional families. Hollywood has portrayed such families in movies including, Mommie Dearest about Joan Crawford, Postcards from the Edge starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine or Stepmom with Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts. These various dysfunctions can cause severe stress on the entire family and are not as uncommon as you might think.

It is approximated that one in four family members has a mental disorder and the national divorce rate has soared above the 60% marker – couple those statistics with the families suffering from abuse (substance, verbal, physical, etc.), abandonment, infertility or terminal illness, and the majority of Americans quickly fall into the dysfunctional family category.

“There are many ways women mother throughout their lives, whether it is supporting a friend, co-worker, extended family member, sibling or pet, so the key is to find balance, be present in the moment and create your own joy this Mother’s Day,” said Dr. Hall.

Dr. Hall has developed a program called S.E.L.F. that will help families and mothers remain calm and de-stressed this holiday.

S is for Serenity – Bring peace and calm into your life. Allow at least 5 minutes a day to practice serenity. Serenity is the opposite of stress, anxiety, worry and depression. Take a deep breath and create a calm loving saying in 3-5 words. Repeat it over and over. Do this after your alarm goes off in the morning, before the day begins. Studies reveal it lowers blood pressure, changes blood flow to the brain & body and releases healing hormones.

E is for Exercise. Exercise is great. We all know that now science tells us exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, gets more oxygen to the brain, causes endorphins to be released—lot of health benefits. If things begin to get stressful or a little heated, take a walk around the block, clear your mind and return with a refreshed, positive attitude.

L is for Love – Love is a community—relationships, connections, with people, animals, groups, this is what makes your life rich and rewarding. Again, there are many health benefits. You live longer and have less disease with social support. Discover extended family in co-workers, aunts/cousins, a book club, a meditation group, a bird lovers group, it doesn’t matter what flavor it is, just get together with a group and surround yourself with people who fill you with love, especially around Mother’ Day.

F is for Food – Food is medicine. Food is healing. Food regulates your moods, your sleep, your health. Eating a meal together with loved ones, filled with your favorite comfort foods, whatever they are can fill you with sense of satisfaction and love. However, food doesn’t necessarily mean only what goes in your mouth. By food I mean anything that nourishes you. It could be a funny movie, a good book, your favorite song…feed yourself properly and you’ll feel the benefits immediately.

“When you’re sitting around with your family this Mother’s Day, take a moment to give thanks and be gracious for the blessed gift you’ve been given,” stated Dr. Hall. “I urge you to reach out to a women’s shelter, orphanage, neighbor or single mother and give them the gift of your time and support…you won’t regret it. And, if you are a Mother or child having a difficult time, seek out support in the form of friends or your local community whenever possible.”

“By learning to appreciate one’s good fortune, while being mindful and helpful of others less fortunate, a sense of fulfillment can be found, and its effects can reduce stress and cause a positive, healing ripple effect throughout society,” she continued.