5 Ways to Overcome Single Mom Stress Syndrome and Enjoy Life

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by the pressure of single parenthood that you think you might break? Single mom stress syndrome is prevalent among single mothers, and it can be a huge problem for your physical and mental health. In this article, I’ll explain what single mom stress syndrome is and give you five tried and true ways to combat it. 

What is Single Mom Stress Syndrome?

If you are a single mom, you probably feel overwhelmed by the stress of parenthood, work, housekeeping, and everything else that single mamas deal with. Being a mom is hard enough, but when you don’t have a loving partner by your side to help you with the day-to-day, it can feel deeply exhausting. 

But if you feel like you’re at a breaking point, you may be experiencing single mom stress syndrome. Single Mom Stress Syndrome is a condition characterized by chronic stress and overall mom anxiety. 

You may experience: 

• Feelings of exhaustion
• Persistent anxiety
• Depression
• Headaches
• Stomach problems
• Insomnia. 

So single mom syndrome can be a huge burden—not just on you, but your family and professional life as well. 

How to Deal with Single Mom Stress Syndrome

Thankfully, you can take steps to combat single mom stress syndrome so you can be your best self for your children—but most of all, for you. 

1. Make Time for Yourself

One way to overcome single mom stress syndrome is to make time for yourself. Try to schedule some “me time” into your week, even if it’s just for half an hour. Take the time to read a book, soak in the tub, or put your feet up and watch TV. 

In those quiet moments, focus on what you’re enjoying now, and try not to think about everything you have to do. You may find it helpful to begin your self-care time with a prayer or meditation to help you transition into a state of peace and gratitude.

2. Ask for Help

Another way to reduce stress is to ask for help when you need it. Many single mothers feel they have to do everything independently, but this is not the case. More often than not, people are willing to help you. 

Whether it’s a family member, neighbor, or a trusted friend, don’t hesitate to ask for a helping hand. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. And balancing the demands of work, housekeeping, extracurriculars, homework help, and all the rest is nearly impossible by yourself. 

Remember, when you spread yourself too thin, you’re more likely to find yourself short-tempered and absent-minded. So don’t try to be supermama! Instead, do your best and ask your support system for help. 

You’re not a burden to the people around you. Believe it or not, people like being asked for help. Your friends and family know you’re a single mama trying to do her best, and they want to help you. 

3. Take Care of Your Body

It’s too easy to slip into bad habits when you’re stressed. Healthy eating and exercise are often the first things to go when your nerves are frayed – it takes time to hit the gym, go grocery shopping, and prepare a healthy meal.

But one of the best things you can do for stress management is to take care of your body. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting properties. And as good as it feels to eat fast food, a poor diet is also linked to poor mental health. 

So try to schedule time into your week for meal prep, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily – even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood. You’ll feel a million times better, guaranteed.

4. Prioritize Sleep

Sleep is an invaluable aspect of taking care of your body, but it deserves its own spot on the list when it comes to combating single mom stress syndrome. After all, it’s one of the first things to go when you become a mother. 

But as a single mom, you should prioritize sleep above all else. Not only is lack of sleep associated with poor mental and physical health, but it also exacerbates the stress and anxiety you feel. And the absent-mindedness that occurs when you’re sleep-deprived can cause easily preventable tragedies. 

So always aim for seven to nine hours of sleep. Of course, it’s not always possible, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family.

5. Connect with Other Single Mothers

Finally, one of the best ways to overcome single mom stress syndrome is to connect with other single mothers. Having friends to vent, laugh, and commiserate with will take the edge off of single mom stress syndrome.

Many support groups and online forums such as Single Mom Spot offer advice and support from other single moms who have been through what you are currently experiencing. So post on your local NextDoor group, attend the PTA meetings, and do what it takes to connect with other strong women in your community. 

Not only will you feel less stressed about what you’re going through, but you can also form valuable bonds and even create a support network for things like carpooling and babysitting. Us mamas need to stick together!

Final Thoughts

If you struggle with single mom stress syndrome, you are not alone. By prioritizing your mental and physical health and establishing a strong support system, you can combat single mom stress syndrome and build a more beautiful life than you ever thought possible. Implement some of the tips above, and you will be on your way to a healthier and happier life in motherhood!

Do you have any other tips for overcoming single mom stress syndrome? Please share in the comments below!

Support Other Single Moms: We Need You

Single Mom Spot is an online community for single moms to create real, offline change. Our resources are curated for women struggling with single motherhood and want to create a new way forward. We are a new and quickly growing community, and we would love your participation! 

Please support the other women that are on journeys through single motherhood in any of the following ways:

• Have a suggestion to help other moms with anxiety? Struggling with this topic yourself? Comment on this post!
• Share your single mom story with us. We call these the ‘single mom diary entries,’ and they are glimpses of your Life as a single mom. The highs, the lows, and everywhere in between. 
• Pray for our single mom community or specific requests on our Single Mom Prayer Requests page. 
• Forward this post to a friend! 
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