WellWithSamantha

Tag: working single mom self-care

  • May Is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here’s What That Means for Solo Parents Like Us

    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.

  • Thriving as a Career Driven Solo Parent Amidst Inflation: A Wellness-Centric Approach

    It’s elephant in the room that everyone is talking about. Inflation has become an undeniable reality, impacting even those with higher incomes. For solo parents juggling high-powered careers and family responsibilities, the financial squeeze adds another layer of complexity. Beyond budgets and spreadsheets, there’s the pressing need to maintain personal health and wellness. Here’s how I’m navigating this challenging landscape, prioritizing well-being while managing the economic pressures of solo parenting.

    1. Redefining Wellness Within Time Constraints

    Traditional wellness routines often demand time—something in short supply for working solo parents. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good 60 minute instructor led yoga class, but the reality is I can’t always squeeze it in. Instead, I’ve embraced micro-practices: a 10-minute morning meditation, a quick core workout between meetings, or a 10 minute virtual yin yoga session before bed. These brief moments of self-care have a cumulative positive effect on my mental and physical health. It feels better than doing nothing at all.

    2. Smart Grocery Shopping

    Eating healthily doesn’t require spending a lot of money. I buy the majority of my food at Aldi or Trader Joe’s (not sponsored). Both options offer organic and clean foods at a fraction of the cost.

    3. Financial Mindfulness and Wellness Investments

    While my income provides comfort and I have access to a yoga studio for in person classes, inflation necessitates a more mindful approach to spending. I’ve started allocating funds towards wellness investments that offer long-term benefits, such virtual fitness memberships, and at home workout equipment. These choices support my health and productivity, proving invaluable in the long run.

    4. Prioritizing Mental Health

    The mental load of solo parenting amidst economic uncertainty can be overwhelming. Mindfulness and meditation practices have become non-negotiable aspects of my routine. These practices help me process stress, maintain emotional balance, and stay present for my child and career.

    Are You Navigating Similar Challenges?

    If you’re a career driven solo parent striving to balance career demands, family responsibilities, and personal wellness during these inflationary times, you’re not alone. I’d love to hear your strategies and experiences.

    Let’s Connect:

    Share your thoughts in the comments below. Subscribe to my newsletter for more insights on solo parenting and wellness. Follow me on Instagram for tips and inspiration.

    Together, we can build a supportive community that thrives despite economic challenges.