.png){kind=small}
Life as a single mom can feel like a constant juggling act.
Actually, come to think of it — it doesn't just feel like it, it IS a juggling act!
Between work, kids, and the endless list of things to do, finding time for yourself, even for a few minutes might seem like a challenge. Fun fact — when my son was very much younger, I would run to the bathroom just to collect myself and have a few minutes of alone time. It only took a few minutes of separation before he came calling.
Did I think it was self-care? Of course not, but it was what I needed at that moment so that I could continue functioning like a normal human being.
The thing is, when you're a single mom, not many will tell you how important, if not, crucial, it is to incorporate self-care into your life.
It's a common misconception that self-care is selfish, but it really is not—it’s survival!
Self-care is about recharging, even in small ways, so you can keep showing up for your kids in the best possible version of yourself.
In this post, I'd like to share a list of 53 practical and realistic self-care ideas for single moms that you can actually fit into your life.
What Does ‘Self-Care’ Mean?
Self-care isn't all about bubble baths and lighting scented candles, though they can be part of it.
Self-care is really about meeting your basic needs so you can function at your best. And for single moms, that means finding ways to nurture your mind, body, and your soul, even in the chaos of your daily life.
Think of self-care as fuelling your tank from running empty. With that said, moms do have the inner strength to run on empty but for single moms especially, we run on empty a lot of the time because there literally is no one else we can pass the baton to. And regardless of how much determination we have to make things work, we will eventually wear ourselves out.
Nothing but good will come out of taking care of yourself. When you prioritize self-care even in the subtlest of ways, it makes you better prepared to face all the demands of motherhood.
Studies have shown that consistent self-care not only reduces stress, but it improves focus and productivity and gives you a mental and emotional recharge.
We all want to be happy single moms so we can raise happy, well-balanced kids and including self-care in your life is one way of achieving that.
The Different Types of Self-Care
There are five main categories of self-care. Understanding these different types can help you focus on what you need most at any moment in time.
These categories are:-
Physical Self-Care
Let's be honest, when your body feels good, everything else feels a little easier.
It can be as simple as stretching in the morning, sneaking in a quick walk or a jog, or making sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day. Physical self-care doesn't mean you have to hit the gym five days a week—it's about moving your body in ways that feel good to you.
Even small changes, like swapping junk food for something healthier or getting to bed a little earlier, can make a big impact.
Emotional Self-Care
This one is about paying attention to how you're feeling and finding ways to process them instead of bottling everything up inside.
Emotional self-care can be giving yourself permission to cry or setting boundaries with people who simply drain your energy. Journaling can be a great way to let your feelings out, or maybe it's just about calling up a friend who really gets you.
Whatever helps you feel more in control of your emotions counts.
Social Self-Care
Social self-care is about making time for people who are genuinely supportive of you and those who lift you up.
Whether it's a coffee date with a friend, a group chat with other single moms, or just texting someone to say, "Hi, I'm thinking of you". This reminds you through those times when you feel lonely, you're not alone.
You don't need a huge circle—just a few solid connections with people who support you and have your back.
Practical Self-Care
Sometimes, self-care is about taking stock of your life and getting it organized.
Practical self-care means doing things that make your daily routine less stressful. It's about creating a meal plan for the week, setting up automatic bill payments, or decluttering your house so you can actually find stuff!
It might not sound as glamorous as a spa day, but taking care of the little things can make a huge difference in how you handle everything else.
Spiritual Self-Care
Spiritual self-care is about nourishing your soul and finding a sense of inner peace.
This doesn't have to be religious, though it can be, so it's entirely up to you and what you're comfortable with.
It could be meditating for five minutes a day, going out for a quiet walk, or even just sitting down and reflecting on everything you have to be grateful for.
It's about connecting with something bigger than yourself and giving yourself a moment or two to breathe.
Each of these self-care types plays a role in helping you feel and be your best self. You can start with the one that feels most important to you right now and see how it fits into your life.
Remember that self-care isn't one-size-fits-all, and that's the beauty of it!
53 Self-Care Ideas for Single Moms
Here's a list of self-care ideas divided into categories. Some are easy fixes, while others require a bit more planning.
You can pick the ones that you can fit into your life with ease. Or pick the ones that you think will benefit you the most and incorporate them in your life little by little.
Physical Self Care
Take a brisk 10-minute walk after dinner.
Commit to a weekly workout, even if it’s just stretching.
Replace one unhealthy snack with a piece of fruit.
Invest in a supportive pillow for better sleep.
Try a short yoga session on YouTube.
Read. How to Have Better Sleep
Emotional Self Care
Write down three things you’re proud of each week.
Talk to someone you trust about your feelings.
Take a break from social media to reset.
Read an inspiring book or blog.
Use a stress ball during tense moments.
Social Self Care
Plan a low-key coffee date with a friend.
Join a Facebook group for single moms.
Text a family member just to check-in.
Host a casual movie night at home.
Accept help when it’s offered—no guilt.
Practical Self Care
Organize your closet to make mornings easier.
Create a weekly meal plan to reduce last-minute stress.
Use a calendar app to keep track of appointments.
Delegate age-appropriate chores to your kids.
Set up automatic payments for your bills.
Spiritual Self Care
Spend five minutes meditating before bed.
Journal about what you’re grateful for.
Volunteer at a community event with your kids.
Listen to uplifting music or podcasts.
Take a nature walk to reset your mind.
More Quick and Easy Self-Care Ideas
Brew your favorite tea and sip it slowly.
Give yourself a hand massage with lotion.
Watch a short comedy sketch on YouTube.
Take a bubble bath after the kids are asleep.
Sit outside and watch the sunrise or sunset.
Self-Care Ideas for Women Who Need Alone Time
Take yourself on a solo lunch date.
Listen to an audiobook while running errands.
Keep a journal to process your thoughts.
Try a new creative outlet, like painting or photography.
Enjoy a long shower without interruptions.
Self-Care Ideas to Share with Your Kids
Bake cookies together.
Do a family workout like dancing or yoga.
Have a picnic in your backyard or a local park.
Watch a favorite movie with popcorn.
Work on a puzzle or craft project together.
Budget-Friendly Self-Care Ideas
Swap babysitting duties with a fellow mom for alone time.
Check out free events in your area.
Use the library for books, movies, and workshops.
Take a free virtual class in something fun.
Start a gratitude jar to celebrate small wins.
Self-Care for Overwhelming Days
Say “no” to something that doesn’t serve you.
Take three deep breaths whenever you feel stressed.
Give yourself permission to let the laundry wait.
Repeat a calming mantra like, “I’m doing enough.”
Write out your feelings instead of bottling them up.
Self-Care Ideas for Personal Growth
Write a list of goals you want to achieve.
Take an online course to develop a new skill.
Reflect on your week and celebrate what went well.
Taking care of yourself as a single mom is definitely not a luxury. It is a necessity.
Small steps can add up, and these 53 self-care ideas are just a starting point. Whether it's a three-minute breather or a weekend reset, making time for yourself not only benefits you but your kids too!
Remember that self-care is deeply personal and what works for one mom might not work for another. The trick is finding self-care ideas that truly resonate with your needs.
Pick one idea to try today. Your well-being matters, and you deserve to feel your best!
If you enjoyed these tips, I'd love it if you shared this post on Pinterest! Thanks!
