How did mothers ever get a whole day of our own, start to finish? If you left it up to most of the super-busy women I know, Mother’s Day would get squeezed into two minutes every hour for a few days in a row, threaded between the soccer drop-offs, meetings at the office, and grocery shopping. Imagine...It's a whole, dawn-to-dusk day: 24 hours. 1,440 minutes. 86,400 seconds. 

It’s like moms need their own Occupy movement: Occupy Your Day. You're going to be a lot happier to connect with your partner if you devote some of those precious minutes and hours to yourself this Mother’s Day. Here are Ten Ways to Take Back Time, to do on your own or with your partner:

1. Go for an amble. Forget the power walk. Just let yourself wander past some charming shops, under trees, along the water. Notice everything.

2. Primp. You know about getting a mani pedi, but try treating yourself at home:  slather on the skin-care samples, experiment with new lipsticks, brush your hair for five minutes.  Don't forget to close the bathroom door and relax.

3. Yoga.  ‘Nuff said.

4. Visit the cosmetic counter. Last time I was rushing through a department store I couldn’t believe the make-up lessons, two-minute touch-ups, and complete makeovers offered -- and all for free. Nothing’s wrong with how you look. This is a way to grab some minutes for yourself and enjoy getting fussed over.

5. Have a dance party. Turn the radio up and get down to the music.

6. Make scents. Light candles. Spray on those perfumes you’ve been leaving in the drawer. Brew some spicy masala chai.

7. Hang up the car keys. Just for today, slow down to the speed of life by walking where you need to go. Or sending someone else in Mom’s taxi.

8. Lie on the floor and stare up at the ceiling. Better yet, spread out a blanket, lie down outdoors, and stare up at the clouds or the stars.

9. Eat a bowl of berries. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries...Just make sure they’re ripe. Pop them into your mouth one by one. Use your fingers.

10. Pray. Start by closing your eyes and noticing your breath. Keep it simple, focusing on each inhale and exhale. Let these slow you down. Say a familiar blessing...or just give thanks.

Happy Mother’s Day. Hope you enjoy every minute.