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5 Ways and Reasons Single Moms Need to Self-Care

I get it. You’re so busy taking care of everyone and trying to knock a dent in that too-long to-do list that the thought of self-care sounds amazing but completely out of reach. Single moms aren’t just busy; they’re busy and going at it alone with no one to handle your family or burdens while you run off to take care of yourself. It’s a double whammy.

Maybe pressing pause for some needed self-care feels selfish when your children need you and the responsibilities are looming. But taking time for self-care can actually be one of the healthiest and most responsible steps you take. Here are 5 reasons single moms need self-care—and ways to make it happen. (No need to get overwhelmed; just try one if you can.)

1. For Your Stress

Single parenting often means chronic stress. There are bills to juggle, constant decisions to make, a household to manage and maintain, and struggles with children. Add to that the emotional needs of kids dealing with a divorce or a parent’s death, and it’s a given that a single mom carries a constant, overwhelming burden.

Many binge late-night movies or carb-load on hard days, but self-care is the healthy way to mitigate stress. Building in time for yourself doesn’t remove the stress altogether, but it can help you manage it by giving you regular time to relax and restore and care for yourself. 

Try this: Take 10 minutes each evening to put your feet up and feed your soul with your favorite podcast, book, or devotional. No social media allowed. 

2. For Your Physical Health

Self-care helps you physically in two ways. First, it’s important to make time for regular health checkups and screenings. I’ll be the first to admit that getting my kids to the doctor and dentist is hard enough. But as an only parent, it’s even more important to make sure you’re getting healthcare as well.

Try this: Go ahead and make your annual doctor or dentist appointment for yourself. Treat yourself to the gift of health. 

3. For Your Emotional Health

When I go weeks without time alone, I find my parenting perspective is off. My nerves get easily frazzled and my emotions are less anchored. I become preoccupied and distant in my thoughts because I haven’t had time alone to process them without interruptions from little people.

Making the time to exercise or engage in hobbies I enjoy is how I boost my mood. Build in emotional margin to make it through the long and hard of parenting.

Try this: Take a walk after dinner to process the day and to think deeply. 

4. For Your Kids

Why is it that time away from my kids triggers guilt? Maybe it’s the text asking when I’m going to be home or the phone call to see where the uniform is that reminds me how much my family needs me. And while being needed is wonderful, giving in to guilt can make me feel like a martyr, which can make me feel bitter or resentful.

Try this: Carve out a coffee date with your favorite, most refreshing friend. 

5. For Your Work

We’re often tempted to think we don’t have time for self-care because of our looming to-do list. The truth is taking time for self-care is one of the best ways to boost our productivity. Taking time to rest, exercise, pray or enjoy a hobby helps us become more efficient when we’re working.

Taking time for self-care can actually be one of the healthiest and most responsible steps you take. Click To Tweet

Try this: Take Sundays off. After church with your family, take the rest of the afternoon to rest or enjoy time with your kids. 

Tell us! When was the last time you took time for yourself and what did you do?

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