I come from a long line of single moms. My mother was a single mom. Her mother was a single mom. So like the blue bloods of monarchy, I boast a three-generation pedigree of single mom genes. All that to say that I’m an expert in my field.
And since I know only too well the challenges of daily life when all you have to count on is yourself and a long to-do list that you know damn well will never go away, following are 3 tips on how to keep your sanity when you feel like your life is about to explode.
1. The importance of ME time. And when I say “me”, I mean YOU.
As a single mom, you give out a lot of yourself every single day. Sometimes it even feels like you’re nothing more than a solar panel, continuously outputting energy.
But even a solar panel in the middle of a field somewhere draws its energy from something else: the sun.
That’s what “me” time does. It recharges your battery and helps you get back in touch with yourself.
(The words “touch” and “yourself” in the same sentence is not a subliminal message. Especially since you noticed. Because that would defeat the purpose of “SUBLIMINAL”.)
Me time: Part of a balanced life.
2. Indulge. It’s not a bad word.
While vegetables and yogurt are good for your body, long showers, chocolate, a good bottle of wine and naps are the essentials for keeping your sanity.
We all have “those” days. You’re drowning in a pool of laundry, your kid comes home with a bad report card and your car decides that this is a great day to blow out a tire.
The remedy?
There’s nothing like a glass of wine or the longest shower in history to help take the edge off.
Trust me on this. I’ve searched the highest mood swings and deepest seas of emotions only to find that after a hard day, all you need is something simple. A glass of wine, a brainless movie, a bag of M&Ms – choose your weapon. They all work.
Indulge: Food for your soul.
3. Friends. Cheaper than therapy. And probably better for your self-esteem.
Many years ago my mother told me that a good friend will let you talk about whatever you need to and will even listen when you start repeating yourself. This is because a good friend will understand when all you need is to get something off your chest.
When you think about it, this makes perfect sense because what do you do in a therapy session? You talk.
Also, “I’m meeting Susan for a coffee” is a lot easier to say than “I’m going over to my therapist’s” don’t you think?
Friends: There to cheer you and cheers with you.
So the next time you’re having one of “those” days, put the kids to bed, grab a friend and share a bottle of wine or chocolate cheese cake – or both – and just talk yourselves silly with a few laughs.
They’re the best treatments in the world, affordable, and just plain old good for your moral.
I don’t even have to put the disclaimer to please indulge responsibly. We all know that no matter what the circumstances, tomorrow is another day and you have no choice but to face it with moxie.
After all, isn’t that what us single moms do best?
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