With all those big, heavy balls we single parents struggle to keep in the air, being exhausted and over-stretched can become a way of life. We may just come to expect so much from ourselves that we don’t see when our over-extension is actually getting dangerous. Become too overworked and overtired isn’t just a nuisance, it can actually put our own health, and our children’s safety at risk.
What are some of the signs and symptoms that let you know that you are entering into the danger zone? Be aware if you are having trouble remembering things, making sound and cohesive decisions and keeping track of things (like your purse, keys, permission slips, etc.). Additionally, a tendency to be accident prone or off-balance in your physical movements can also be a sign that you are over-stressed and running on empty.
Believe it or not, having trouble sleeping, insomnia, or sleeping too much can all be signs that your body is not functioning properly from being too overworked. If you find yourself relying on caffeine to get you through the day, sleeping pills at night, or can’t quiet your mind enough to get to sleep, you may need to get some help to sort through your fears and worries.
It is a fact that individuals who are overstressed and operating in a perpetual state of crisis (and this CAN be some of us single parents) are more prone to automobile accidents and accidents on the job. This can put our children’s safety at risk. We also might make poor parenting decisions and exercise a lack in judgment that we wouldn’t otherwise do if we weren’t so over-extended.
If you feel like you are running on empty, it is important to take the time to get healthy–even if you don’t think you can spare it. Remember that a healthy parent is the cornerstone of a healthy family. We really do owe it to our children to keep ourselves rested, healthy and well-adjusted.
See Also: Are Single Parents More Susceptible to Illness? and Finding Me Time as a Single Parent