Advertisement feature
Single moms are among those creatures that really require self-care
Being a mother is no easy task. It’s especially challenging without the added support of another parent. With all of the responsibilities that come with being a single mom, it can feel impossible to set aside time for self-care.
The best way to practice self-care as a single parent is to keep it simple; little moments go a long way. Here are five tips for self-care as a single mom.
Celebrate Small Wins
When you’re busy and stressed, it can feel as though nothing is going right. However, even the worst days have a bright spot. Learn to identify that bright spot and taking a moment to acknowledge and celebrate it. This is a small, simple thing that will help shift you from a negative, fixed mindset to a positive growth mindset.
For example, if you feel as though your house is a disaster, and you only have time to get a load of laundry done, celebrate that simple accomplishment. If you have no money in the bank but a fridge stocked with food to feed your children, celebrate it.
Gratitude and positivity is a form of psychological self-care that goes a long way.
Nourish and Hydrate
Eating nutritious food can be challenging, as a single parent. It’s a known fact that healthy food, such as fresh produce, costs significantly more than processed goods. However, eating healthy food is a form of self-care that can’t be ignored.
Hydration is another form of self-care that can have an impressive impact on your overall health and well-being. It’s one of the important pregnancy tips that should stay at the top of the priority list well after your child is born.
Dedicate yourself to drinking enough water every day, as well as eating nutritious food as much as possible. There are multiple ways to eat healthy while on a budget; it just takes some creativity and planning.
Set a Standing Date With Yourself
While some days it might feel like there’s not enough time to get everything done, it’s always possible to carve out ten minutes. Evaluate how you spend your time with low-value activities, like scrolling social media. Using screen time measurements can help show you that there’s always time in the day.
Determine a time that works for you and set a standing date to do something that rejuvenates you. Maybe it means waking up fifteen minutes earlier to enjoy your coffee in peace. Maybe it’s during a quick break at work to do some stretching and listen to your favorite music. Find something simple that makes you feel great.
Go Outside
Spending time in nature is amazing for your mental and physical health. It’s also a form of self-care that you can do with your children. Practicing “Forest Bathing” can help lower your blood pressure and combat depression and anxiety. All while having an adventure with your children and spending quality time together.
If you live in an urban area where forests are few and far between, try to get out of the city limits or head to a park where there are plenty of trees. Turn your phone off, take some deep breaths, and enjoy the natural splendor.
Vent Your Frustrations
It’s unhealthy to keep things bottled in. There are many ways that you can vent your frustrations and clear your mind. For single moms, speaking with a professional can be very helpful, especially when facing the challenges of parenthood. If seeing a therapist or counselor isn’t possible, talking to a trusted friend can help.
Another way to vent frustrations is through journaling. Set aside a few minutes every day to write about what went well and what didn’t. Remember to always end on a positive note. If the traditional pen and paper aren’t your style, there are plenty of apps nowadays that are diary-based.
Setting aside time for self-care will not only help protect your health and well-being, but it will also set an example for your children. Taking care of yourself and conveying the importance of self-love will teach them to do the same as they grow.