How to Prioritize Self-Care as a Single Parent

Advertisement feature

being a new mum

Being a single mum can challenge even the strongest of women. From making ends meet and putting food on the table, to raising children without a paternal figure, the number of obstacles we face never ends.

We tend to beat ourselves up over our perceived shortcomings and stress ourselves out around the clock—but what many mummies fail to realize is that the best parents are the ones who are present and positive. Before you can win the Mum of the Year Award, you need to take care of yourself first and foremost.

It’s far too easy to put ourselves on the backburner in our never-ending quest to give our children and our careers everything we’ve got. You need to deliberately carve out time in your day to prioritize self-care. Here’s how you can check in with your mind, listen to your emotions, and tend to your body to be an even better single parent.

  1. Make a Morning Routine – and Stick to It

If you hold down two jobs as a single mum and working woman, it might be heard to grow your career while keeping up with your household responsibilities. Mornings will inevitably feel rushed and chaotic as you scramble to get yourself ready for work and the kids ready for school, with breakfast served on the table and the car loaded up to go.

Don’t let your day get off on the wrong foot in this hectic way. Even if you have to wake up a little earlier, or meal prep the night before, make a peaceful morning routine and do your best to stick with it every day.

Whether you pour yourself a cup of Earl Grey and set an intention for the day while taking warm sips of tea, or you step into the garden to smell the budding blossoms, these morning meditations will help you feel grounded and present throughout the rest of the day—no matter what’s thrown your way.

  1. Find Little Bits of “Me” Time throughout the Day

As the pace begins to quicken and all the tasks on your to-do list begin piling up, you might feel as though you’re on the brink of another mid-life crisis running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Halt anxiety in its tracks by finding blissful moments with little bits of “me” time.

Whether it’s taking the scenic route home or waiting for your favorite song to end before stepping out of the car, hang on tight to the things you love and remember them dearly throughout the day. It’ll help keep you sane and your spirits high, even in the face of stress and adversity.

  1. Set Aside a Specific Evening for Something You Love

Speaking of the things you love, you should consider hiring a sitter once a week to engage in a hobby or activity that leaves you feeling happy and fulfilled. From yoga classes, paint nights, financial planning sessions, and beyond, it’s important to not give yourself entirely away to the kid’s sporting events and extracurricular activities. You matter, too!

  1. De-Stress and Decompress Every Night

When anxiety gets the better of you and your mood takes a turn for the worse, restore your inner clarity by clearing your mind of all the clutter. CBD tinctures are much beloved for their ability to soothe anxious thoughts, but a hot bath filled with aromatherapy can also do the trick. If you have plenty of downtime during quarantine, you could also make DIY facials for an at-home spa experience that leaves you feeling rejuvenated.

  1. Never Compromise on the Sleep Your Body Needs

Last but certainly not least, be sure your body is getting all the rest it needs to put up a heroic fight the following day. Sleep is your body’s best defense against stress, plus it strengthens your immune system so you stay feeling at your finest even in the thick of flu season.

You might feel as though you have too many chores to do before you can call it a night, but that pile of laundry can wait—you need to get to sleep.

Being a single mum can be rough, but when you prioritize self-care, it’ll feel oh-so rewarding in the end.

Follow:

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.