44 Self-Care Tips For Moms And Busy Single Mothers
Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Lori Pace
For us as single moms, it’s easy to forget to make ourselves a priority too, which is why I compiled a list of my favorite self-care tips. You are so busy taking care of your child, your job, your apartment, and your bills that you put yourself last. All. The. Time.
On top of that, taking time for yourself often comes with a super bad conscience because you believe it to be selfish, unnecessary, and wrong. It’s better to be selfless, focus on others and be the giver all the time, right?
Well, no.
It’s essential to nurture yourself, your needs, and your desires, especially as a single mom. Single moms practicing some form of self-care and following these tips daily usually have the most to give at the end of the day.
Self-care Is Joyful And Never Selfish
After all, who will take care of everything when you are depleted and depressed? Nobody. That’s why it’s crucial to have a steady self-care routine.
Developing a nurturing self-care routine is super easy and fun to do. It’s best to experiment a bit to figure out what feels right for you. But if you’re struggling to get started, here are some tips for you.
44 Single Moms Self-Care Tips
You can try them all, pick those that speak to you, and adapt them to your liking.
1. Go complaint-free for at least a day
Not complaining will free your mind of negative thoughts, and it’ll instantly improve your mood.
2. Get sweatin’
Being physically active nurtures your well-being and your inner balance.
3. Do something badly and be proud of it
Screw up and smile.
4. Have a romantic candlelight dinner with yourself
Go all out and treat yourself to a delicious delicatessen, champagne, and classical music.
5. Kiss your reflection in the mirror
Give yourself a big smooch.
6. Unfriend annoying people on Facebook
You don’t need people who pull you down. Just click the button, and you’ll see how free you’ll feel.
7. Educate yourself
Quench your curiosity by learning something new. Kill two birds with one stone by going to a museum with your child or taking him or her to the library.
8. Watch “The Notebook” or “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”
Make yourself some popcorn and maybe invite a friend.
9. Say goodbye to false beliefs about yourself, your self-worth, and your parenting skills
What assumptions are you holding on to, and do they hold any truth? Dig deep.
10. Smile
Smiling is the best way to brighten your mood, especially on a rough day.
11. Feel the grass tickling your naked feet
The grass will ground you. Literally.
12. Draw a picture of your inner child
Relax, breathe, and then let your hands show you the way. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and your needs if you can let go of thoughts like “I’m not good enough” when painting. Drawing is super fun to do with your little one too.
13. Feel the beauty that surrounds you
Tune in to the incredible people in your life, the gorgeous flowers in your garden, the breathtaking view of the mountains, or the clear water of a lake.
14. Unplug for a few days
Unplugging will quiet the noises of “not good enough,” “not pretty enough,” or “not skinny enough.”
15. Describe yourself in 5 words
Fun, loving, ambitious, witty, shy?
16. Tap into your intuition
Let your gut guide you for a change.
17. Breathe deeply
Whenever you’re stressed or tense, breathe deeply and consciously.
18. Cry
Release your emotions. It’s OK to be sad, feel lonely, or hurt. Embrace those feelings as part of you.
19. Get lost in doing a puzzle
One of my favorite self-care practices and something you can do with your child.
20. Pamper yourself
Soak in a hot bath, reward yourself with a relaxing face massage, get a new haircut, or get a manicure and pedicure. Don’t shy away from spending time and money on yourself. You deserve it.
21. Jump in piles of leaves
Be a child again – with your child.
22. Delight in little things
Enjoy the sun on your face, the taste of chocolate on your tongue, the excitement in a loved one’s voice, or the laughter of a child.
23. Create a vision board
Get creative. Use images you’ve found in magazines, pictures you’ve taken yourself, glitter, and lots of colors.
Your child will be excited to unleash his or her creativity with you, and together, you can imagine a whole new future for yourselves.
24. Let go of the past
Holding on to the past hurts your health and your soul.
25. Hug yourself
Show yourself some love.
26. Read “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brene Brown or “You Can Heal Your Life” By Louise L. Hay
Eye-opening and inspiring books.
27. Go through pictures of your last vacation and indulge in memories
Good memories always make me feel better.
28. Schedule a few hours of “nothingness“ into your day
Doing nothing for an afternoon, a whole day or two will do wonders for your soul and your stress levels. Delight in knowing that you are allowed to sit on the couch, take a nap, listen to music, or meditate for a while because no task requires your immediate attention. After all, you’ve scheduled it.
29. Be your own best friend
Rely on yourself, trust yourself, and love yourself.
30. Care
Care about yourself, others, and the world.
31. Show compassion towards yourself
Stop going after perfection and instead embrace fulfillment.
32. Take a break from self-improvement
Just be lazy and relax.
33. Play revenge on someone (but only in your mind)
This exercise helps when you have trouble letting go of the past.
34. Indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure.
Come on, we all have some.
35. Close your eyes for a few minutes
Whenever you feel overwhelmed or need a few minutes to breathe, close your eyes and notice your breath.
36. Sigh deeply
Sighing is super refreshing.
37. Stop dieting
Diets only hurt your self-confidence. There’s nothing wrong with who you are, don’t let diets tell you so.
38. Walk around naked (at home, of course)
That’ll deepen the relationship you have with your body.
39. Create boundaries
Say “no” to others more often and thereby “yes” to yourself.
40. Sleep in
Oh, rest is so crucial for your well-being. Sleep in every once in a while.
41. Look up to the sky and feel the power of the universe
You’re part of it all. Do you sense it?
42. Tell your loved ones how much you love them
Write a letter if you can’t say it out loud.
43. Tell yourself how much you love yourself every single day
If you can’t believe it just yet, you soon will. You have to be willing to change, though.
44. Embrace spring by going on a bicycle tour – alone or with your child
Take a day off to go on a bicycle tour. Explore your neighborhood, your city, or even venture out a bit further. You’ll easily be able to leave your everyday worries behind.
I want to hear from you. Have you given my self-care tips for single moms a try? What are your favorite ways to practice self-care? If you feel like you need more of a pick-me-up, check out some of my beloved uplifting single mom quotes.
