Okay, no matter how amazingly confident and secure you are—no matter how organized, happy, and financially secure you are, there are going to be those days as a single parent when you are pretty worn down. For the rest of us, those of us who are managing along and would not qualify ourselves as amazingly confident or rolling in financial security, we can really have those overwhelming days when we wonder how we are going to face one more half-empty refrigerator or make it through another parent-teacher conference without losing our minds, what can WE do when we really need a boost?
To tell you the truth, I admit that some days are so rough and rugged that all I do is decide to go to bed early and get some sleep, promising myself that tomorrow will surely be better and I may as well be well-rested for it! Other things that give me a boost? Trying to stop being “the mom” for a half hour and really enjoy my kids—often their youth and different perspectives can help me loosen up and forget about my stressors; talking to a fun and great friend (not someone who needs my help or wants me to listen to his or her problems); baking never fails to boost my spirits and spending thirty minutes kneading a big wad of bread dough should be classified as therapy in itself.
These are just a few of my single parent boosts. Stopping off at the bookstore, splurging for a great cup of coffee, buying myself a little treat (even if it is just a pair of socks or new chapstick—just doing one small thing for myself makes a big difference), sorting through the stack of unopened mail—these amazingly simple, tiny moves toward sanity make a huge difference when I am at the end of my rope or at my wit’s end. Single parent survival tips do NOT have to be complicated or expensive—just take one small step to get yourself back on track or stop the craziness long enough to get your bearings. Tomorrow WILL be a better day.
Also: Self-Care can be in the Details