KALYANI JHA | NT BUZZ
Motherhood is a full-time job and the payment is the love that fills the heart in a way that only a mother can understand. But it is an undeniable fact that mothers, while taking care of their children, sometimes forget to look after themselves. But taking care of themselves and taking time out to recharge, is also vital to be a better mother.
As we celebrate Mothers’ Day this Sunday, NT BUZZ asks some mothers how they like to spend their ‘me-time’, how important they consider it, and what kind of support they wish they got from their families
Mothers often put everyone else first, but taking care of ourselves matters too. When we take even a little time for rest or to do something we enjoy, it helps us feel better and be more patient. But between my family, work, and everything else, quiet moments are very rare. When I’m really tired, sometimes I try to take small breaks, like sitting quietly for a few minutes or just scrolling through my phone.”
– Gulafsha Bepari, Margao, Mathstutor
Balancing ‘me time’ with motherhood is less about perfect harmony and more about gentle negotiation with the day. Some moments, I’m fully with my son — wiping tears, packing lunches, answering endless questions. Other times, I reclaim small pockets of time for myself — a quiet cup of coffee, a page of a book, a deep breath before walking back inside. It isn’t always equal, but it’s deeply intentional. Because when I nourish who I am beyond ‘mom,’ I return to him fuller, calmer, and more present. That, to me, is the quiet art of balance.”
– Karthika Dineshram, Dona Paula, home-maker
I wished I had a bit more support from my close ones, as that would have helped me to have a smooth career. But the best part of these struggles was that I realised the importance of self-love and self care. I try to incorporate this with small workout session where my five year old also gets involved, prioritising home cooked meals over junk, and taking short intervals during which I read or paint or dance or sometimes just sit alone observing nature’s beauty. In fact, my daughter tries to copy whatever I do without disturbing me.”
Akshata Naik, Corlim, ex-teacher
I believe every mother deserves her own time and space without any interruptions. Having some personal time is not selfish—it’s necessary. Doing Zumba, relaxing with a massage or some form of therapy, writing poetry, spending time in nature, and simply enjoying peaceful moments, are things that bring me joy. But I wish my family was more understanding and supportive of my needs, not just as a mother, but as an individual. There have been times when I had to leave work or cancel plans because someone at home needed something. It would mean a lot if they respected my time and gave me room to focus on my work and myself.”
– Priya Almeida, education entrepreneur, life and language coach, and Zumba instructor
Every woman needs her ‘me time’. For me, painting or any other art activity relaxes me. I also enjoy spending time with friends, chatting over the phone, taking a small nap, and having a coffee in the morning. I try my best to incorporate this into my daily routine by making a plan beforehand but it does not always work. I have also realised that mothers need to learn to ask for help when necessary and learn to say no sometimes. Also, it would be nice if the immediate family supported the mother with the many chores around the house and made her life easier.”
– Radha Heblekar, Margao, teacher
Having a child and working simultaneously is a luxury today. It is always a struggle and the onus of care giving is usually – if not always – on the mother (not only for biological reasons but also ideological). My idea of space is more or less my workplace. While the thought of returning to work post maternity leave wasn’t exciting it did bring some balance and a semblance of normalcy. I have been able to manage somehow till date due to my excellent support system, especially my sister, who took on that role of “full-time mother” when I had to return to work. I am forever grateful for the help received from my family right through.”
– Nafisa Oliveira, assistant professor, Goa University
Motherhood is not just a role—it’s a journey. It involves responsibilities and activities that demand significant time, energy, and emotional investment. As a mother of a 10-month-old, I always wondered if I would find time for myself. But my family’s support has given me so much strength and confidence that I have started feeling to be myself again. During my free time, I take up tutoring, which helps me unwind and stay mentally active.”
Pratiksha Prashant Govenkar, teacher
