A Guide to Making Self-Care Work as a Single Parent

9 Dec

Being a single parent often means juggling a multitude of responsibilities. From school runs to household chores, managing your career and supporting your children emotionally – the list is endless. It’s no wonder that many single parents feel overwhelmed and close to burnout. However, there is a way to prevent that. It’s called self-care and creating a self-care toolkit is one of the most effective ways to bring balance and calm back into your life. If you need help getting your self-care routine up to scratch, book your free coaching consultation to find out how we can work together. In the meantime, here are some tips to get you started.

A self-care toolkit isn’t about finding the time for hours of pampering or indulging in expensive luxuries. It’s about discovering simple, small activities that can support you in different moments of your day. Think of it as a go-to list that you can turn to when life feels overwhelming, helping you recharge and reset so you can approach each day with more ease. Here’s how to build your own self-care toolkit, tailored to your unique needs as a single parent.

1. Understand the Purpose of a Self-Care Toolkit

A self-care toolkit isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine. It’s a collection of tools that work for you in different moments, depending on what you need. Some days, you might need something energising and fun to lift your spirits. Other times, you might need a calming activity to unwind and relieve stress. The key is variety – having different tools in your toolkit means you can respond to the situation at hand.

2. Start with Simple, Nourishing Activities

Some of the most effective self-care practices are the simplest. These aren’t activities that necessarily excite or entertain you, but they can have a big impact on your overall wellbeing. For example, reading a book, listening to a podcast or even tackling a small cleaning task can help you feel more in control and grounded. These activities might not seem glamorous, but they can provide a sense of accomplishment and calm amidst the chaos of daily life.

3. Add Fun and Joyful Activities

Every parent needs moments of joy and fun. As a single parent, it can be easy to get caught up in the responsibility and forget to do things just for yourself. Adding fun activities to your self-care toolkit is essential. This might include seeing friends, diving into a good TV show, or doing something spontaneous like visiting a new place. These light-hearted moments can help you recharge and bring a sense of balance to your day.

4. Prioritise Physical Activity

Physical activity is one of the most powerful tools in your kit. Exercise helps to clear your mind, release tension and boost your mood. Whether it’s swimming, yoga or a simple walk, moving your body regularly can have a big impact on your overall mental and physical health. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine – even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.

5. Get Creative – What Worked for You as a Child?

Think back to your childhood – were there activities that made you feel happy and relaxed? Maybe it was riding a bike, drawing, or watching a certain TV programme. Reconnecting with these simple pleasures can be a great way to rediscover self-care activities that bring you comfort. Don’t be afraid to try out childhood hobbies again – they might surprise you by helping you find joy and ease in your adult life too.

6. Involve Your Kids Where You Can

Self-care doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone. Sometimes, the best self-care moments involve spending quality time with your children. Going for a bike ride, watching a family movie or visiting the park together can offer both relaxation and connection. These moments not only support your emotional wellbeing but also help strengthen your bond with your children.

7. Challenge Your Excuses and Prioritise Yourself

It’s easy to come up with excuses for why self-care isn’t possible – “I don’t have time,” “I’m too tired,” “I don’t know where to start.” But it’s important to challenge these thoughts. Self-care isn’t about adding more to your already packed schedule; it’s about carving out small, intentional moments for yourself. Even just 10 minutes of alone time can make a difference. Prioritising self-care isn’t selfish – it’s essential for your wellbeing and sets a positive example for your children.

8. Create a List and Use Your Toolkit

Once you’ve gathered your self-care tools, write them down in a list and keep it handy. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, instead of trying to figure out what to do, you can simply pick something from your list that suits your current needs. The more you use your toolkit, the more natural it will feel to turn to these activities when you need a break or a reset.

9. Use Your Toolkit with Flexibility

Not every tool will work in every situation. Be mindful of your needs in the moment. Are you feeling physically drained? Maybe a run or a yoga session is what you need. Do you feel mentally exhausted? A relaxing bath or some quiet time might do the trick. Be open to switching things up depending on how you feel, and give yourself the freedom to adapt your toolkit as your needs change over time.

Building a self-care toolkit is a powerful way for single parents to navigate the ups and downs of daily life. It’s about taking small, consistent actions to support your mental and emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s a quiet moment to yourself, a fun activity with your kids or physical exercise, the key is finding what works for you. Your self-care toolkit doesn’t need to be complicated – it just needs to be effective and tailored to your life. By prioritising self-care, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of single parenthood, and create a more fulfilling, balanced life for yourself and your family.

Work With Me

I help single parents, co-parents and solo parents who are struggling with prioritising themselves to find balance in their lives and build a life they love for them and their children. If you’d like to find out more, book your free, no-obligation consultation call.

Orla Donoghue