Self Care for Single Moms: 13 Practical Ways to Make Time for Yourself Every Day

Life as a single mom can feel like juggling flaming torches—beautiful, challenging, and oh-so-demanding. You’re the CEO, chef, chauffeur, comfort provider, and whatnot. And while you’re giving your all, it’s easy to forget someone important—you. 

This blog is a friend’s gentle nudge to remind you that you deserve care, too. Let’s explore some nurturing ways to refill your cup.

13 Self-Care Tips for Single Moms

Here are 13 self-care tips for single moms that are easy and doable.

Create a Personal Space

When your entire home feels like it belongs to your kids, it’s hard to feel like you have any space. But having even a tiny corner that’s just for you—where no toys go and no chores live—can help you mentally reset.

This doesn’t have to be a whole room. It could be a corner of the couch, your side of the bed, or even the car when you’re parked in the driveway for 5 extra minutes. 

• Pick a chair, a cozy corner, or even a windowsill
• Add something calming: a candle, pillow, or small plant
• Make it your go-to spot for quiet moments
• Even 5 minutes there a day makes a difference
• Let your kids know—“this is mom’s chair” or “mom’s corner”

Say No Without Guilt

Boundaries are hard, but necessary. You have a right to say no to extra events, last-minute favors, draining conversations, or anything that costs your peace.

Start small:

• Block off 15–30 minutes just for you, daily
• Don’t overcommit
• Practice saying “I can’t right now” or “Maybe another time.”
• Turn off your phone during certain hours
• Let your kids know that moms need breaks, too

Breathe In, Breathe Out 

Sometimes the best thing you can do is just breathe intentionally. When stress takes over, your body goes into overdrive. Deep, slow breathing helps calm your nervous system and bring you back to the moment.

Try this when you’re overwhelmed:

• Pause and plant your feet flat on the ground
• Inhale for 4 seconds, hold, exhale, hold
• Do this 3–4 times (takes under a minute)
• Use it before a tough conversation, tantrum, or work call
• Pair it with closing your eyes if you can (helps even more)

Keep a Gratitude Journal

I know—this one sounds like a cliché. But gratitude isn’t about pretending things are perfect. It’s about noticing the tiny wins. The smile your kid gave you. The fact that you remembered to drink water. That you got through a hard moment.

Studies show that writing down just a few good things each day helps train your brain to see what’s working, not just what’s hard.

• Keep a notebook by your bed or on the kitchen counter
• Jot down 2–3 good things at the end of each day
• It could be “I didn’t yell today,” or “My kid said something funny.”
• No pressure to write a lot—just be real
• Re-read your entries on tough days to remind yourself how far you’ve come

Get Outside Whenever You Can

You don’t need a hiking trail. Just fresh air, sunlight, and a break from four walls. Nature is one of the fastest ways to reset your brain. It boosts your mood, helps you sleep better, and gives your eyes a break from screens and clutter.

Here’s how to sneak it in:

• Drink your coffee on the porch or steps
• Take a quick walk around the block, even with the kids
• Sit in a park while they play
• Open windows or bring plants indoors if you can’t get out
• Play nature sounds if you can’t get out

Exercise Consistently

You don’t need a gym membership or a full workout routine. Just movement. When you move, your body releases feel-good hormones, endorphins, that can lift your mood and energy, especially when you’re feeling sluggish or stuck.

Easy ideas:

• Dance to one upbeat song while doing the dishes
• Walk while the kids ride bikes or scooters
• Follow a 10-minute YouTube workout
• Turn cleaning into cardio 
• Walk to the store instead of driving if it’s safe

Make Tiny Spa Moments at Home

A full spa day might not be realistic, but you can turn ordinary moments into something calming. A warm shower with your favorite scent. A face mask during nap time. A soft robe after bedtime routines. These mini rituals help you reconnect with your body and slow down.

Try this:

• Keep a drawer with your “mom spa” tools—mask, tea, lotion
• Use calming scents (lavender, eucalyptus, citrus)
• Do a foot soak while your kids watch a movie
• Turn the lights down and play soft music in the evening

Start Your Day with 10 Minutes Just for You

Creating a short, quiet routine in the morning before the chaos begins. Only ten minutes may not sound like a lot, but trust me, it helps you feel grounded and in control, even on busy days.

How to do it:

• Wake up 10–15 minutes earlier than your kids, if possible.
• Use that time for something that fills your cup, like journaling, stretching, a cup of tea, or just sitting in silence.
• Keep your phone on airplane mode during this time so it’s truly yours.
• Prep the night before to make it easier (set out clothes, pack lunches, etc.).

Celebrate Small Wins

When you’re doing it all, every little success counts. And celebrating those small victories helps remind you that you’re doing a good job—even if no one else says it.

Try this:

• Keep a “done list” instead of a to-do list
• End the day with 3 things you got through
• Celebrate out loud (“Hey, I nailed bedtime tonight!”)
• Write them on sticky notes to revisit later
• Treat yourself to a small reward when you need motivation

Use Screen Time Wisely

Screen time can be a lifeline when used wisely. It can give you a chance to reset while your child watches a safe, calming show. It can also be your way to zone out, laugh, or learn something.

Ways to use it with intention:

• Let kids watch something while you do yoga or journal
• Save a favorite show for your wind-down time
• Use “quiet screen time” for breaks, not just distraction
• Listen to audiobooks or podcasts while cleaning

Find a Hobby

You’re more than “Mom.” You’re a whole person with interests, talents, and passions—and reconnecting with that version of you is part of healing and self-care.

Ways to start:

• Revisit something you loved before kids (painting, music, writing)
• Try a new low-pressure hobby (journaling, baking, puzzles)
• Set aside 10 minutes a few times a week
• Keep your hobby stuff in one easy-to-reach place

Find Your People

Doing this alone doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. Having even one or two people you can text, talk to, or share the load with can be a lifeline.

Remember that every mom, especially single moms, needs support. It could be emotional, practical, or just someone who listens without judgment. 

Ways to find your people:

• Join online groups for single moms (Facebook, Peanut app)
• Ask a friend to trade babysitting or carpool
• Schedule weekly check-ins with someone you trust
• Reach out to other moms at school or daycare

Talk to Someone When You’re Struggling

Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone who wants support, clarity, or better coping tools. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in a cycle, talking to a professional can help you breathe easier. You deserve that space.

Getting started:

• Try telehealth if childcare is an issue
• Ask your doctor for referrals
• Look into single-parent support groups
• Even one session can make a big difference

You Can Do It, Mama

I know life as a single mom can feel nonstop, but you deserve care, too. These little self-care moments aren’t extra… they’re what keep you going. You don’t have to do them all. Just start with one that feels doable today.

You’re doing so much, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself along the way. Remember that self care for single moms is a necessity, not a luxury.

Suggested Reads:

• How to Be a Successful Single Mom
• Unique Single Mom Family Picture Ideas
• States That Help Single Mothers

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