Being a single mum is exactly a 24/7 job where the boss is a tiny human who never stops demanding snacks and attention. Between juggling kids, work, and trying to remember when you last had a moment to yourself, self-care can feel as mythical as a unicorn. And if one more person suggests more self-care ideas as a mental health tool, I might just lose it and start throwing punches.
Social media and corporations would have you believe that regular self-care activities are all about blowing your budget on spa days, luxury skincare and manicures, and endless “treat yourself” splurges. They’ve turned self-care routines into a cash grab, pushing the idea that you need to spend big to feel good. It’s all about overpriced products and picture-perfect moments. Well, guess what? You're a single mum!
Here’s the thing: it's not all about bubble baths and scented candles. True self-care doesn’t have to be another task you force onto your already overflowing to-do list. And you don't have to deal with the spending requirements either. In fact, it can be as simple as finding creative ways to give yourself a well-deserved break.
Here are five simple yet unconventional ways to practice self-care you can incorporate into your everyday life. Because, let’s face it, you’ve got enough of that already!
Why Single Mums Need Self-Care
For single mums like you and me, self-care means prioritising personal well-being amidst the demands of daily life. Exploring different types of self-care activities can significantly enhance your physical and emotional health.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it's essential to recognise that self-care helps to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, making you feel more balanced and centred. Taking a moment for yourself not only boosts your mood but also sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Implementing self-care ideas into a busy schedule can seem daunting, but it’s vital to learn how to practice it effectively. Whether it’s through joining communities to promote health or seeking guidance from a therapist or psychologist, these practices can lead to improved health outcomes.
Ultimately, making self-care a priority allows us to become the best version of ourselves, helping us prevent disease and stay physically and mentally healthy.
5 Non-Conventional Self-Care Tips to Save Your Sanity
Take a One-Day Leave from Parenting
Parenting is relentless, and the idea of taking a break might seem impossible. But imagine giving yourself permission to take just one day off from the pressures of being a supermum.
This means doing the absolute minimum for a day. No cooking elaborate meals from scratch. No enforcing strict schedules. And no unnecessary chores. Instead, let the kids fend for themselves a little. Serve easy meals like sandwiches or cereal, and allow them to watch more TV than usual. This kind of self-care is about letting go of perfection and embracing simplicity.
A one-day leave from parenting can be a game-changer. It allows you to recharge your batteries and come back to your role as a mum with renewed energy and patience. The world won’t fall apart if you take a day to focus on your own health and well-being. And by the end of the day, you will feel like you’ve been on a mini-holiday — without even leaving the house.
And if you're anxious about nutrition, remind yourself your parenting break is just one for day. They can go back to whole grains and vegetables tomorrow.
Skip the School Event (Gasp!)
The PTA puts a lot of pressure on mums to be present at every school event, from assemblies to fundraisers to parent-teacher nights. While it’s great to be involved in your child’s education, it’s also important to recognise that attending every single event is draining you. Sometimes, the best self-care is knowing when to say, “No, not this time."
If attending that school assembly or bake sale is going to drain you, skip it. Skipping the occasional school function doesn’t make you a bad mum; it makes you a healthier mum who understands her boundaries.
I once skipped a school fest because I simply couldn’t face another evening of small talk and awkward mingling. Instead, I stayed home, read a book, took more time for meditation, and slept for eight hours. The next day, I was a better mum for it — energised, calm, and not even a smidge guilty. And it didn't make the teachers hate my kids!
By selectively choosing which events to attend, you free up time for yourself. Taking the time to relax, do something you enjoy, or simply rest. It’s about finding a balance between supporting your child and taking care of your own needs. After all, your mental health is just as important as your little one’s gold star.
Embrace the Not-So-Clean House
We’ve all been there: staring at the laundry pile that’s beginning to resemble Mount Kosciuszko or the dishes that seem to multiply overnight like gremlins.
The pressure to maintain a spotless home is real, especially when you’re the only adult in the household. But here’s a little secret: your house doesn’t need to be perfectly clean to be a happy home.
Embracing a bit of mess can actually be a form of self-care. It means you’re prioritising your well-being over the unrealistic expectation of being Australia's Martha Stewart.
Instead of spending time scrubbing floors or folding laundry, give yourself permission to let things slide now and then. A messy house is a sign of a lived-in, loved-in home. Plus, those chores will still be there tomorrow, but your need for rest and relaxation can’t always wait. Imperfect is healthier for your mental and physical health.
Have a Super Secret Chocolate Stash
Sometimes, self-care is about the little indulgences that bring you joy. Yes, a massage is perfect, but having a secret stash of chocolate hidden away is also one such indulgence. It’s a simple pleasure that you can turn to when you need a moment of peace in the midst of chaos. The best part? It’s just for you.
My secret stash is hidden in the back of the pantry, behind the tinned chickpeas (the kids will never look there). On particularly stressful days, I sneak a piece of chocolate and just savour it. It's like a tiny, delicious act of rebellion. It’s my secret weapon for staying calm.
Whether you hide it in the pantry, your bedside drawer, or even the freezer, having that little bit of chocolate reserved just for you is a small act of self-love. It’s a way to carve out a moment of sweetness in your day, no matter what else is going on.
And let’s be honest, sometimes a square of chocolate is exactly what you need to get through the day. Doctors say they can help prevent heart disease, right? And I heard they improve your mood.
Choose Clothing That Doesn’t Need Ironing
Life as a single mum is already like running a marathon in flip-flops. The last thing you need is to waste precious minutes ironing clothes. Let’s be real: ironing is the bane of existence for anyone who’s ever tried to keep a household running smoothly. It’s one of those tasks that just doesn’t deserve your time. I mean, why does each piece of clothing take 10 minutes to straighten out?
That’s why choosing clothes that don’t require ironing is the ultimate self-care hack. It’s like giving yourself permission to skip one more annoying chore. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics or outfits that still look fab, even with a few creases. Seriously, who’s got time to iron when you’re busy being the CEO of your household?
I used to iron everything — shirts, pants, even the kids’ school uniforms. But after one too many mornings spent frantically pressing wrinkles, I made a life-changing decision: I was done. Now, I embrace the beauty of wrinkle-resistant clothes. And guess what? No one has noticed the difference except for me. I now have those precious extra minutes to actually enjoy my morning coffee.
It’s a small change that makes a huge difference, reducing stress and giving you one less thing to worry about. Plus, you’ll still look pulled together without ever having to touch an iron again.
(This is your sign to start wearing more linen, which everyone already expects to wrinkle.)
Final Thoughts: Non-Conventional Self-Care Tips for Your Mental Health
The process of self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. Instead, it's important to make small, unconventional choices that prioritise your overall wellness.
Taking a one-day leave from parenting, skipping a school event, embracing a not-so-clean house, indulging in a secret chocolate stash, and choosing clothes that don’t need ironing are ways to give yourself a break. These self-care practices may not be traditional, but they’re effective in helping you recharge and maintain a good mental state.
Hey, you’re doing an incredible job, and taking care of yourself is a vital part of being the best mum you can be.
