Source: Jotina Buck
A single mom’s accountabilities certainly do not end the minute work is over each day. You may have what seems like a jam-packed day’s worth of odd jobs awaiting you at home—from cooking dinner to doing laundry to helping your child with homework. Granting these same commitments are faced by employed mothers who are married, a single mother has to face these responsibilities unaided, with¬out the helping hand of a husband.
For that reason, many single mothers feel regularly pooped. They frequently feel spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally drained and find themselves shouting more at their children. As their children matriculate through adolescence and nor¬mally become more opinionated and challenging of their parents’ points of view, more quarrels may develop.
Here’s the kicker, unless single moms set aside some down time to rest and recover, they can experience burnout and depression, feeling miserable and abandoned about trying to convert their lives into something more controllable. Having a lit¬tle emotional backing or help around the house from another adult can go a long way toward assisting you to cope. However, let’s face it. You’re doing alone what was designed to be a two-person job. The fact that you often feel physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually worn out is not just your imagination, it is real. But because your kids depend on you, you can’t afford to push yourself past a certain point. You must take care of yourself and your health in order to be there for them.
Get in the habit of taking a personal timeout (PTO), even if you have to exchange child care with another single parent you trust to make it happen. Use this time to recharge, refresh, and rejuvenate in some ways that will linger even when the plate spinning kicks back in: with meditation, exercise, pampering, or good old-fashioned sleep. These are all quick and easy energy igniters. NEWSFLASH!!! It’s not selfish to preserve the engine that keeps your home running: YOU.
Regardless of what you choose, the important thing is not to turn your stress-busters into stress-creators! In other words, don’t judge your efforts, and don’t get caught up in trying to find the perfect setting or time. Bathrooms stalls, parked cars, or even your office chair, are all viable spaces to implement some quick and easy energy igniters. Just set aside one minute, stop the plates from spinning, choose your routine, and let yourself relax.
Jotina is no stranger to loss, failure, and hardship. Her story of losses and triumphs evokes change across the world. She is trained in mind mapping, positive psychology, visioning, and spiritual development. Her creative approaches to create change and produce sustainability are truly world class change agents. Check out www.jotinabuck.com for more details on her new book Change Your Language, Change Your Life: Discovering What You Can Say Differently Today to Change Your Tomorrow and for details on her Positive Parenting Workshops. For booking email info@jotinabuck.com. Be sure to follow on social media @jotinab
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