Being a single parent can be challenging. Aside from all the hard work you need to churn out every day, you also need to be a consistent source of emotional strength for your children and yourself. Sometimes, the grind can get overwhelming, and without a proper break, you may not be able to keep everything up. But don’t let it come to that.
If you have the chance to take a break and look after yourself, you should take it. And to help you out, here are a few ideas on how to spend your “me” time.
Meditation
As a single parent, you’re no stranger to having one million thoughts running through your mind at any given moment. Have my kids eaten? Are they doing okay in school? Did I lock the door? Am I late for work? These worries can quickly stack up and will eventually take their toll on you.
Reduce your stress levels during “me” time by meditating. According to Psychology Today, mindful meditation teaches your mind to focus on just the present moment. It allows your brain to let go of all those worries, even just for a time, so that you can breathe more freely.
Along with relieving stress, meditation can also help you get better quality sleep. It also reduces the risk of anxiety and depression. Meditation also helps in managing chronic pain. It can even improve brain function when done regularly.
Try it out and give your brain a break it deserves.
Arts and Crafts
You likely have a hidden artistic side that you may or may not be aware of. Well, now’s the time to bring it to light. Creating art is one of the most rewarding activities you can engage in during “me” time.
According to Very Well Family, parents can lose their sense of self after they had children. That is arguably more relatable for single parents. Art can help you with that. As a form of expression, art can help you find yourself again.
It doesn’t matter if you want to create woodworking masterpieces, write songs or poems, or just fill out a new sketchpad. This activity will bring you solace.
The best part is, you can involve your kids in this newfound interest. Just don’t forget that when it’s “me” time, you should focus on yourself.
Pamper Yourself
Of course, when it’s “me” time, anyone’s first thought is pampering themselves. Rightly so. After years of taking care of your children, you deserve to take extra special care of yourself, too, even for just a day or two.
There are a lot of things you can do to pamper yourself. You can start with the basics. Book a spa appointment. Get your hair done, or get a Botox shot. Watch a movie. Party with friends. It’s really up to what will make you relax the most.
At the End of the Day
Hopefully, this article has given you a few ideas on how to spend that precious “me” time. What’s important is that you feel refreshed and replenished enough to take on the challenges of a single parent again. It is a long but very rewarding road. Just don’t forget your “me” time.
