These 12 very surprising tips will make you a better mother

You want to be the best mother you can be — and surprisingly, sometimes that means taking a step away from your kids and actually doing something for yourself. By yourself. (We know, crazy, right?) But seriously, getting time to yourself, to refresh and recharge, is key to being a sane, happy mum. "Self-care is necessary for being the best parent as well as the best person possible," says Mia Redrick, a strategy coach for mums and author of Time for Mom-Me. "Whatever you do, however you take care of yourself, your family benefits directly."

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Laugh a Little

Just one good belly laugh will reduce stress by 70 percent, and make you

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Start a Daily Gratitude List

Want to accentuate the positive in your life?

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Eat Out -- Alone

Your meal will actually be hot when you eat it and cooked by someone else.

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Read a Hot Book

Sure, that highbrow book club selection can help you chill out -- one 2009

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Channel Your Inner Social Butterfly

If you haven't had a spare moment to spend with your friends, now

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Rock Out in the Car

Listening to music can cause your brain to release dopamine, which gives you a feelin

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Get in a Good Workout

Putting exercise in your calendar (and, um, actually doing it) is a double-wh

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Pour Yourself a Glass of Wine

Have a little wine to help you deal with the whine.

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Have a Good Cry

We all feel good after we shed a few tears -- and some research indicates that crying may

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