With all the work a single mother must put in just to keep up with her children, having fun is often the last thing on her mind.
Being a mother is a rewarding and equally challenging experience. But there are steep learning curves and many moments of madness like nursing your baby; making sure he doesn’t get into trouble or handling late night tantrums that can leave you rather exhausted. In fact, it can seem like you’re perennially stressed and tired. And overall, these experiences can be definitely hard for single moms.
It’s crucial to have time to yourself. Here are five benefits of alone time for a single mom:
1. It reduces stress.
This goes without saying; a mother needs any break she can get to help relieve stress. To give your children the attention and care that they deserve, you need to ensure you get breaks at regular intervals. This allows you to come back from the break feeling recharged and refreshed. See if you can get a family member or friend to babysit your child so you can take a few hours off every week.
Use this time to do something you love.
2. It lets you pursue your hobbies or interests.
Just because you’re a single mother, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your hobbies and the things you love and find interesting. You may be a gifted musician, a painter, or gardener, who has lost interest, or can’t find the time to engage herself in your hobby. However, having some time to yourself will give you just the boost you need.
These activities engage your mind actively, make you more creative and put you in a good mood. Moreover, there is the added benefit of meeting new people. We know how tough it can be to have a social life as a single mom. Meeting other people with a shared interest can help you make new friends.
3. It helps you be a better mom.
This sounds like it’s counter-intuitive; the time you spend away from them makes you a better mom? Well, at the cost of sounding didactic, it’s true. Most mothers feel guilty about leaving their kids to try and spend time alone. However, studies reveal that alone time helps boost your nurturing extinct and helps you become a more devoted and caring mother.
4. It improves your overall health.
It’s estimated that a mom gets just 17 minutes of alone time every day. Most times, single moms are are too busy trying to take care of their children that they often neglect their own health. They eat whatever is available with little regard to how bad it is for them. And, there is no way they could even dream of exercising. However, all this can be solved with a little time for themselves. You can plan meals, eat healthy, and even get a little exercise in with a little determination and motivation.
5. It can be fun.
With all the work a single mother must put in just to keep up with her children, having fun is often the last thing on her mind. Parents can also feel guilty about having fun while being away from their children. But, having a good time now and then is good for them. Going out with friends for dinner or watching a movie is essential sometimes. Just because you’re having a good time away from your children doesn’t mean you don’t love them, it just means you care about yourself as well.
So there you have it; five benefits of a single mother spending some quality time all by herself. While it can be hard to find the time to do this, it is essential that you take a break whenever you can.
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