Being a single mom is truly a 24/7 job with a boss who is a little guy who never stops asking for snacks and attention. Between juggling kids, work, and trying to remember the last time you had some alone time, self-care is as mysterious as a unicorn. If one more person brings up the idea of more self-care as a mental health tool, I might lose it and start throwing punches.
Social media and businesses would have you believe that regular self-care means spending your budget on spa days, luxurious skin and manicures, and endless “treat-yourself” splurges. They turn daily self-care into a money grab, promoting the idea that you need to spend big bucks to feel good. It’s all about overpriced products and picture-perfect moments. Well, guess what? You are a single mother!
Here’s the thing: It’s more than just bubble baths and scented candles. True self-care doesn’t have to be another task you shoehorn into an already packed to-do list. And you don’t have to deal with spending requirements, either. In fact, it can be as simple as finding creative ways to give yourself a well-earned break.
Here are five simple yet unconventional self-care methods you can incorporate into your daily life. Because, let’s face it, you’ve had enough!
Why single moms need self-care
For single moms like you and me, self-care means prioritizing personal well-being amid the demands of daily life. Exploring different types of self-care activities can significantly enhance your physical and mental health.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to recognize that self-care can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression and help you feel more balanced and centered. Taking a moment to yourself not only boosts your mood, but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
The idea of implementing self-care into a busy schedule may seem daunting, but learning how to practice it effectively is crucial. Whether you promote your health by joining a community or seeking guidance from a therapist or psychologist, these practices can improve health outcomes.
Ultimately, making self-care a priority allows us to be our best selves, helping us prevent disease and maintain a healthy mind and body.
5 Unconventional Self-Care Tips to Help You Stay Sane
Take a day of parental leave
Parenting is unforgiving and taking a break can seem impossible. But imagine giving yourself permission to take a day off from the stress of being a super mom.
This means there is the absolute minimum to do in a day. No fancy meals cooked from scratch. No strict schedule is enforced. And there are no unnecessary chores. Instead, let your kids take care of themselves for a little while. Offer light meals like sandwiches or cereal, and allow them to watch more TV than usual. This kind of self-care means letting go of perfection and embracing simplicity.
A day of parental leave can be a game-changer. It allows you to recharge and return to your role as a mother with new energy and patience. If you take a day to focus on your health and well-being, the world won’t fall apart. At the end of the day, you’ll feel like you’re on a mini vacation without even leaving the house.
If you’re feeling anxious about nutrition, remind yourself that your parental leave is only one day. They can go back to whole grains and vegetables tomorrow.
Skip school activities (gasp!)
The PTA puts tremendous pressure on moms to attend every event at school, from assemblies to fundraisers to parent-teacher nights. While it’s great to be involved in your child’s education, it’s also important to realize that participating in every activity can be exhausting. Sometimes the best self-care is knowing when to say, “No, not this time.”
If attending a school assembly or bake sale exhausts you, skip it. Missing school activities occasionally doesn’t make you a bad mom; on the contrary, it makes you a bad mom. It will make you a healthier mom who knows her boundaries.
I once missed a school party because I simply couldn’t face another night of small talk and awkward interactions. Instead, I stayed home, read a book, spent more time meditating, and slept for eight hours. The next day, I was a better mom—energetic, calm, and not even a little guilty. This does not make the teacher hate my child!
By being selective about which activities you participate in, you can make time for yourself. Take time to relax, do something you enjoy, or just rest. It’s about finding a balance between supporting your child and taking care of your own needs. After all, your mental health is just as important as your child’s gold star.
Embrace a not-so-clean house
We’ve all been there: staring at a laundry pile that’s starting to look like Mount Kosciuszko, or a dish that’s multiplied overnight like an elf.
The pressure to keep your home spotless is real, especially when you’re the only adult in the house. But here’s a little secret: Your house doesn’t need to be perfectly clean to be a happy home.
Embracing a little chaos can actually be a form of self-care. This means you prioritize your own well-being over unrealistic expectations of becoming Australia’s Martha Stewart.
Instead of spending time mopping floors or folding laundry, give yourself permission to let things take their course from time to time. A messy house is a sign of a home that is lived in and loved. Plus, these chores will still be there tomorrow, but your need for rest and relaxation can’t always wait. Imperfection is healthier for your physical and mental health.
Own a super secret chocolate stash
Sometimes, self-care is just the little indulgences that bring you joy. Yes, the massage is perfect, but the hidden secret chocolate is also a treat. It’s a simple pleasure when you need a moment of peace amidst the chaos. The best part? This is just for you.
My secret stash is hidden in the back of the pantry, behind the cans of chickpeas (the kids will never look there). On particularly stressful days, I’ll sneak in a piece of chocolate and savor it. It was like a small, delicious act of rebellion. This is my secret weapon for staying calm.
Whether you hide it in the pantry, in your bedside drawer, or even in the refrigerator, keeping a little chocolate just for you is a small act of self-love. It’s a way to spend a sweet time in your day, no matter what else is going on.
Let’s be honest, sometimes a bar of chocolate is just what you need to get through the day. Doctors say they can help prevent heart disease, right? I’ve heard they can improve your mood.
Choose clothes that don’t require ironing
Life as a single mom is like running a marathon in flip-flops. The last thing you need is to waste precious time ironing your clothes. Let’s be honest: For anyone trying to keep their household running smoothly, ironing is the bane of their existence. This is one of those tasks that isn’t worth your time. I mean, why does each piece of clothing take 10 minutes to put together?
That’s why choosing clothes that don’t require ironing is the ultimate self-care tip. It’s like giving yourself permission to skip an annoying chore. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabric or clothing that will still look great even with a few creases. Seriously, who has time to iron clothes when you’re busy being the CEO of your family?
I used to iron everything – shirts, pants, even my kids’ uniforms. But after too many mornings frantically pressing wrinkles, I made a life-changing decision: I was done. Now, I embrace the beauty of wrinkle-resistant clothing. Guess what? No one noticed the difference except me. I now have precious extra time to actually enjoy my morning coffee.
It’s a small change that can make a huge difference, reducing stress and giving you one less thing to worry about. Plus, you’ll still look put together without having to touch the iron again.
(This is a sign you’re starting to wear more linen, and everyone already expects linen to wrinkle.)
Final thoughts: Non-traditional self-care tips for mental health
The process of self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. Instead, it’s important to make small, unconventional choices that prioritize your overall health.
Taking a day off, missing school events, embracing a less than clean house, indulging in a secret stash of chocolates, and choosing clothes that don’t require ironing are all ways to give yourself a break. These self-care practices may not be traditional, but they can be effective in helping you recharge and stay in good spirits.
Hey, you’re doing a great job, taking care of yourself is an important part of being the best mom you can be.
