Single Mom That Needs A Break? Here Are 8 Ways To Unwind

Being a single mother presents a unique challenge to your social life. Not only does it complicate having time for friendships, but it can complicate the dynamics of how you take care of yourself. As a single person, it can be easy to get sucked into your responsibilities to the level that you neglect your own needs. 

While it’s noble to put your children’s needs before yours, having an imbalance in your care routine can do you more harm than good.

Self-care is essential to your well-being and mental health, but it can be challenging to find small ways to take care of yourself.

If you’re looking for ways to bolster your self-care routine, refilling your care tank doesn’t take much. 

Here are some reasons why self-care is crucial for single moms, the benefits that single moms can have from self-care, and ways to start replenishing yourself today.

Table of Contents

• Addressing Parental Burnout
• Start An Exercise Regimen
• Take Yourself Out For a Date
• Have a Spa Day
• Run a Hot Bath
• Go To the Movies
• Re-Discover Your Hobbies
• Remember to Go see your friends
• Give Yourself Permission to Relax

Addressing Parental Burnout

Raising children can be one of the most rewarding parts of the human experience, but it can also be hauntingly taxing. Few things can bring a smile to your face, like watching your children grow up, but emotional, physical, and financial strains can drive a wedge between married couples and send single parents over the edge. 

There are an estimated 15.6 million single-mother-led households in the U.S, so there are many single mothers who must shoulder the pressures of raising children on their own.

Burning out from parenthood can cause chronic stress and lead to isolation, frustration, resentment, and guilt. Finding ways to care for yourself is crucial not only for you but can make you a more effective parent.

Start An Exercise Regimen

Most experts advise that getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity is crucial for optimal health. The stresses of being a single parent can lead to poor eating habits and, when combined with a sedentary lifestyle, can have significant effects on your health.

By getting regular exercise, you can ensure that you 

• Keep your blood pressure under control
• Manage your weight 
• Improve your self-esteem
• Keep chronic health conditions at bay

While getting exercise may seem like an additional responsibility at first, you’ll fall in love with the rush of your workout before or after a hectic day.

Take Yourself Out For a Date

Although it can be great to have a nice dinner with a companion, sometimes you just can’t beat being on your own and doing something you enjoy.  Have you been eyeing a new fondue restaurant downtown? Clear out some time in your schedule to go check it out. 

Have you wanted to get some ice cream without hearing the kids argue over who gets more sprinkles? You may want to just take a few minutes to yourself and enjoy the sweet treat on your own.

Taking yourself out doesn’t have to be limited to food. You can spend a few hours at the beach, visit a music lounge, go to your favorite coffee shop, or go to a museum. 

You have a wealth of options at your disposal to go out on your own—-if you carve out the time for it.

Have a Spa Day

It’s hard to beat the benefits of a relaxing spa day. Having a day to yourself to be pampered by others can do wonders for you. Many massage parlors allow you to take advantage of promotional packages, which can include 

• Massages
• Facials
• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Aromatherapy 
• Special discounts

Run a Hot Bath

Who doesn’t love soaking in the tub and letting the stresses of life melt away? Sometimes an hour to yourself in the tub with a good book or one of your favorite snacks can be just what you need to recharge. 

As a bonus, try including relaxing fragrances such as eucalyptus or lavender for extra peace of mind.

Go To the Movies

Every parent has the “pleasure” of having to repeatedly sit through their children’s favorite movie(s). While it may not seem like going to the movies is a form of self-care, it can be refreshing to watch something that doesn’t include a whimsical soundtrack. Going to the movie theater alone can help you remember what it feels like to have interests outside of what your kids may enjoy.

You might even manage to enjoy the opportunity of having a bag of popcorn all to yourself. Just remember to save some for after the end of the previews.

Re-Discover Your Hobbies

One of the first things that fall to the wayside from parenthood is your favorite hobbies. Whether it is due to financial limitations or time constraints, it can be a challenge for single mothers to maintain their interests and keep up with the demands of parenthood. But creating time for your hobbies is essential to maintaining your mental health. 

You may have to find ways to work in your hobby time around your kids’ schedule. For example, if your days are too hectic to have enough time for your hobbies, it may be worth waiting until the kids go to bed for you to do what you like. But, if your hobbies involve leaving the house, you may have to utilize your support system to get some time away from home.

But, in some situations, you just can’t get time away to take part in your hobbies no matter how much you want to. If this is the case, you may have to just grit your teeth and try to do your hobbies in your kids’ presence. However, this doesn’t have to be a negative thing. In fact, you may learn that your children may have interests similar to yours, which can help you form deeper bonds with them.

If you learn that your children have common interests, it can be an invigorating experience that can help revive your relationship and help see each other in a different light.

Remember to Go see your friends

Between running errands, trying to work, going to doctor’s appointments, and trying to make dinner, it can be hard to remember to make time for seeing your friends. Having the right friends in your life can give you a fantastic support system. 

Keeping your friends close throughout your parenting experience gives you an outlet to share your experiences (or forget them). 

Some single mothers have trouble staying connected to friends, and drift apart from them as a result. But, it’s still crucial to have people you can rely on for support. There are many ways to find people to cultivate friendships with, some include

• Joining local social media groups
• Attending seminars
• Apps
• At Your children’s school

However you go about building your friendships, make sure that you nourish them and surround yourself with people who can cheer you on throughout your journey.

Give Yourself Permission to Relax

Many single mothers feel guilty at the thought of doing something for themselves. But caring for yourself is essential for your wellbeing and your relationship with your children. Allowing yourself the freedom to take care of yourself can help you deal with stress, make you less irritable, and improve your state of mind. 

It’s hard work to rewire your mind to not run yourself into the ground, but the end result is worth it.

Give yourself permission to prioritize your care. You owe it to yourself, and your children.