10 Self-Care Practices for Single Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed
Being a single mom is one of the toughest, most demanding, and most rewarding jobs in the world. You carry the weight of parenting, providing, and managing everything on your own and while you're making sure everyone else is okay, it’s easy to forget about you.
But here’s the truth: You matter. Your well-being affects everything around you, including your ability to show up for your children. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone and that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.
Here are 10 self-care practices designed specifically for single moms who need to recharge, refocus, and reclaim their peace.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Pause
It’s okay to take a break. The dishes can wait, the laundry can sit another day. When you feel the tension rising, step away even if it’s just five minutes. Take deep breaths, stretch, or sit in silence. You don’t need to "earn" rest. You deserve it.
2. Create a Simple Morning Ritual
Start your day with something just for you. It could be a cup of tea in silence, five minutes of journaling, or a short walk. Setting a calm tone early in the day helps ground you before the chaos begins.
3. Set Boundaries (And Stick to Them)
You can’t do everything for everyone. Learn to say no without guilt. Boundaries protect your energy. Whether it’s declining extra work, limiting time with toxic people, or carving out quiet time each night, boundaries are a form of self-respect.
4. Ask for Help Without Apology
You are strong but strength doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Reach out to friends, family, or local support groups. Whether it’s babysitting, carpooling, or emotional support, you’re allowed to ask for help. That’s not weakness it’s wisdom.
5. Practice “Micro-Self-Care”
Not every act of self-care needs to be a bubble bath or weekend getaway. Think small: Put on your favorite song. Light a candle. Do a 10-minute yoga video. Drink water. Micro-moments of care throughout your day can add up to a big impact.
6. Stay Connected with Other Moms
Isolation can amplify stress. Find a community online or in person where you can talk, vent, laugh, and listen. You’re not the only one feeling this way, and connecting with others reminds you that you're part of a larger circle of strength.
7. Declutter One Small Space
Physical clutter can make mental overwhelm worse. Choose a drawer, a corner, or one shelf and tidy it up. It’s a small act of control that can bring a surprising sense of calm.
8. Nourish Your Body (Even in Simple Ways)
You don’t need a perfect diet but try to eat real meals when you can. Drink water. Keep easy, healthy snacks around. When your body is nourished, your mind can function better and you’ll feel more capable of handling what’s on your plate.
9. Let Go of “Supermom” Expectations
There’s no award for burnout. Your worth isn’t tied to how much you accomplish in a day. Be proud of the effort you’re making. Some days, surviving is thriving. Perfection is not the goal presence is.
10. Do One Thing Just for Joy
You are more than a mom. You’re a human being with passions, quirks, and dreams. Do something that lights you up a hobby, a creative project, reading a book, dancing in the kitchen. Reconnect with who you are outside of motherhood.
Final Thoughts
Being a single mom is incredibly hard and incredibly beautiful. You won’t always get it right, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep showing up, not just for your kids, but for yourself.
Start small. Choose one or two practices from this list. Be gentle with yourself. You’re doing better than you think and you’re not alone on this journey.