Let’s be honest:
As a solo parent juggling work, life, and everything in between, mental health isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a survival tool.
For me, Mental Health Awareness Month is a needed reminder to check in with myself. Not just physically, but emotionally. It’s a cue to pause and ask: How am I really doing?
Because when I’m not well, mentally, emotionally, energetically, it ripples into everything: how I parent, how I show up at work, how I feel in my body. And if you’re anything like me, you already know: we can’t pour from an empty cup.
The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
My mental health turning point came when I started asking a simple question: Does this actually matter?
I realized I was spending energy on things that didn’t: clutter, comparison, perfectionism, trying to “do it all.” And none of it was making me happier or healthier.
Now, my mantra is simple:
Life is short. The small stuff can wait.
That shift, letting go of the unnecessary, created so much more space to feel better. To breathe. To enjoy.
One Tiny Habit That Helps Me Stay Sane
I’m not just a minimalist in the aesthetic sense, but am also minimal when it comes to mental energy.
Keeping my home decluttered and low-maintenance is my way of protecting my peace.
When the space around me feels light, my mind follows.
Fewer piles = fewer decisions = more space to actually live.
And when I’m in that space of calm and clarity, I parent better, I work smarter, and I take better care of myself.
If you’re craving a reset this month, start with one drawer. One corner. One hour of digital silence. Little shifts change everything.
My Go-To Mental Wellness Support Tools (Amazon Finds Clickable Links)
[Portable essential oil diffuser] my evening ritual to shift from chaos to calm, best of all, it’s portable!
[Essential oils] I love this brand because they are organic and clean
[Weighted blanket] helps me fall asleep faster and sleep deeper
[Daily greens] for when I don’t have time to meal prep, but still want to support my body
[Noise-canceling earbuds] a must for 10-minute meditations or quiet work time
[Mini massage gun or tension-relief tools] for sore muscles after carrying kids + stress all day
[Gratitude Journal] 5 minutes of mindfulness and self reflection
You Deserve to Feel Like You
If no one has told you this lately:
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to take up space.
You are allowed to protect your peace, fiercely.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, start with one small act of care. For you. Not your kids. Not your job. Just you.
That’s not selfish. That’s smart, sustainable parenting.
If you’re ready to take the first step, check out my favorite tools for solo-parent self-care.
Follow me on social media for more tips.
Let’s normalize caring for ourselves, not just in May, but always.
WellWithSamantha 