When you’re raising kids on your own, self-care can feel like a luxury — or worse, impossible.
For a long time, I believed I didn’t have time, energy, or even the right to focus on myself. But the truth? Burnout was silently stealing my joy, my patience, and my health.
I didn’t need a spa day or a silent retreat. I just needed a few small, intentional habits that reminded me I matter, too.
Here are 5 self-care habits that truly changed my life as a solo parent:
1. 10 Minutes of Movement (Even in Pajamas)
I stopped aiming for hour-long workouts and started moving my body for just 10 minutes a day.
Stretching, a quick yoga flow next to my bed, a ride on my Peloton — whatever felt doable. Movement became less about “fitness” and more about releasing stress and reconnecting with myself.
Bonus: My girls often join in. It turns into a mini bonding moment instead of a chore.
2. Creating a “No List” Without Guilt
This was hard but powerful. I wrote down things I can’t give my time or energy to right now — even if they seem “normal” or expected.
That included:
-Hosting playdates I don’t enjoy -Overcommitting to school events -Responding to texts immediately
Saying “no” is hard, but it gave me space to say “yes” to things that actually refuel me.
3. Protecting My Morning Peace
I don’t wake up at 5am. But I do wake up 15 minutes before my child, just to sit, sip tea, journal, or stretch in silence.
That tiny window of quiet time sets the tone for my whole day. No phone, no emails, no noise — just me.
Some mornings it’s peaceful. Others it’s a rushed 4 minutes. But I still claim it.
4. Weekly Check-Ins With Myself
Every Sunday night, I ask myself:
What drained me this week? What filled me up? What do I need more of?
This check-in helps me course-correct. Some weeks I need more rest. Some, more connection. Self-care became easier when I started actually listening to what I needed — not what someone on the internet told me to do.
5. Letting Go of “All or Nothing” Thinking
I used to think if I couldn’t do self-care perfectly, it didn’t count.
No time for a full workout? Skip it.
Too tired to journal a whole page? Don’t bother.
Now, I do what I can, when I can.
5 minutes of yoga. 2 lines in my journal. One deep breath in the bathroom while my kid watches cartoons.
And guess what? That counts.
Final Thoughts
Being a solo parent is demanding — emotionally, physically, and mentally. But you deserve care just as much as anyone else in your life.
Start small. Choose one habit. Give yourself permission to show up for you.
You don’t have to do it all. You just have to start.
Because when you care for yourself, you parent from a place of strength — not survival.
Do you have a favorite self-care tip that was not mentioned here? I’d love to hear from you!
WellWithSamantha 
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