With Mother’s Day around the corner, a recent survey sheds new light on North American moms, from their current stress levels, to what keeps them up at night, to their health and wellness routines.
The “State of Moms 2014” survey, conducted by Spafinder Wellness 365, finds that 87% of mothers feel they suffer more stress today than their own mothers did a generation ago, indicating their top stressors are: Concern over health (70%); financial pressures/making ends meet (65%); and balancing work and family duties (56%).
The findings also indicate that moms are proactive in trying to keep healthy, either “regularly” – or, more often “sometimes” – engaging in a wide range of fitness activities, such as going to the gym and participating in fitness, yoga or Pilates classes.
And given mothers’ high stress levels and very little “me” time, it’s not surprising that nine in 10 report that they would rather receive an “experience” than a “thing” this Mother’s Day – with a trip to a spa ranking #1.
Key Findings
•Vast Majority Are Stressed: 91% of moms surveyed report they’re either “frequently” (39%) or “occasionally” stressed out (52%).Interestingly, twice as many fathers (18%) as mothers (9%) report they’re “rarely” or “never” stressed.
•No Free Time: 27% of moms report they have essentially “no” free time each day, with another 37% reporting they have just one hour. So, two-thirds of moms have an hour or less of “me” time daily.
•More Stressed Than Their Moms: But Does Dad Understand? 87% of mothers today claim that they’re more stressed out today than moms were a generation ago, with a commanding 57% reporting “significantly more.” But dads may not understand moms’ stress levels: only half the number of fathers (26%) report that the moms they know are “significantly” more stressed than a generation ago.
•Top Stressors are Family’s Health & Financial Pressures: Health issues are the number-one worry, and despite a recovering economy, two in three moms stress over making ends meet. Interestingly, taking care of children is only experienced as a “stressor” for less than a third of moms (32%).
•Top Ways Moms De-Stress: Mothers also identified their favorite ways to de-stress: 1) have massage/go to spa; 2) exercise; 3) watch TV/movies/play video games; 4) read; and 5) do “nothing.” While mothers are likely to take action to alleviate stress, fathers are more likely to take the “couch potato” approach: their top way to de-stress is to watch TV/movies/play video games.
•Health Routines Are Mainstream:The majority of mothers pursue a strikingly wide range of fitness and healthy living options, including eating healthfully, going to the gym, taking fitness, yoga, and Pilates classes, practicing meditation and mindfulness – at least sometimes.
Although significantly more moms report doing these healthy behaviors “sometimes” rather than “regularly,” the findings are a clear indication of how much wellness is now incorporated into the mainstream mom’s life. (Only roughly one in five moms report they’re not interested in going to the gym or fitness classes, or trying yoga or Pilates.)
•Fitness Increasingly a Family Affair: 86% of moms report that families are now more likely to make fitness a family activity than they were a generation ago: 37% say “significantly” more likely, 49% “somewhat.” A significantly smaller percentage of dads agreed (62%), suggesting that moms may be more in charge of family fitness as a group exercise.
“This report makes it clear that moms throughout North America are looking for some healthy time off from one of the world’s most demanding jobs,” said Mia Kyricos, Chief Brand Officer, Spafinder Wellness 365.
Six Spa Specials for Mother’s Day
The Modern Honolulu, Hawaii
Located at the edge of Waikiki, this lifestyle hotel is an urban getaway noted for its chic design. The Spa at the Modern Honolulu is offering the Spring Retreat Package, featuring a special 80-minute Enzymatic Facial and 50-minute rejuvenating massage. themodernhonolulu.com
Topnotch Resort, Stowe, Vermont
An award-winning 35,000-square-foot spa that’s nestled in the picturesque village of Stowe, Topnotch is an ideal retreat for moms. In celebration of Mother’s Day, the resort spa is offering complimentary Decleor hydrating eye treatments with all facials reserved on that Sunday. For those booking massages, a complimentary deep-conditioning hair treatment is to be had at the end. topnotch resort.com
Spa Ssakwa’q’n, Worley, Idaho
This gem of a spa, tucked away at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort, is celebrating mom for the entire month of May. Situated on a reservation that covers 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, farmland, and old-growth forest, this three-year-old spa just may be the best-kept secret around. Filled with natural light, water, and stone, the 15,000-square-foot spa features an open-air pool and three soaking tubs, among other fine details. Mother’s Month” offers special rates on select services, including a Seasons pedicure and one-hour massage for $110, a one-hour massage and one-hour Ssakwa’q’n Facial for $130, and a Seasons pedicure and one-hour Ssakwa’q’n facial for $110. cdacasino.com/spa/
Shizuka New York Day Spa, New York City
A variety of spa specials are available from May 3rd through May 19th, at this well-loved New York City day spa, including “A Day of Beauty.” This four-hour package includes a session in the far infrared sauna, an Aromascape Massage, a Classic facial, a Bamboo-Scrub pedicure, and a soy candle as a parting gift. shizukany.com
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, San Diego, California
Pamper mom with a unique spa treatment, The Sixth Sense Ritual. This I the resort’s signature body ritual, beginning with a soothing bath soak to relax the body and mind, muscles and joints. A massage of mom’s choice follows, including a Harmonizing Scalp Massage using organic essential oils. The experience ends with a hand and foot paraffin treatment. The resort is also offering a special spa package throughout the month of May. An Essential Summer Prefix Detoxifying back treatment facial (60 minutes), a bikini wax (30 minutes), and signature pedicure (60 minutes). ranchovalencia.com
WELL Spa + Salon, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Located at the AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, moms can sit back, relax and enjoy nature at its finest in a landscape that boasts rolling hills and pristine lakes. The Mother’s Day Grand Style package includes one night accommodations in a deluxe guest room, a $300 spa credit, and a $100 dining credit. grandgeneva.com/well-spa-lake-geneva/