May 16, 2011
How to Cope with Single Parent Stress
by SingleParents.org at SingleParents.org

If you are one of the hundreds of single parents dealing with stress, this article will give you the ways on how to cope with the problem. Single parenting stress can be handled by spending more time for yourself, getting the support you need, socializing and learning some personal calming techniques.

“Me” Time

A simple stress relief for single parents is by spending more time to be alone and reflect about what’s going on in your life. Find time to be alone in your room or in any place without company. Most single parents develop their stress mostly from not having enough “Me” time and always being with people telling them what to do. Taking time to be alone every once in a while is a way to reduce your stress in being a single parent. You can hire a baby sitter or leave your kids with their grandparents for a few hours every week so you can have a personal date with yourself.

Get Support

Another way on how to reduce stress is to get support from others. For you to be able to spend time with yourself more, you need to get the support you need. It can be from your family or friends. One of the causes of single parenting stress is due to doing overwhelming tasks alone. You may need support from others to do the laundry, cook for your kids, do the grocery or clean the house every once in a while. For sure you have a loved one who understands your situation and is willing to offer you some support.

Socialize

Always find a way to get out of the house and be with other people outside of your family. If your ex is spending time with your kids during the weekends, then use the time for you to socialize. The presence of other grownups will help reduce single parenting stress. You may also ask your parents to visit your home once a week to be with your kids while you’re out. Another way for you to socialize is to enroll to a program or join organizations.

Calming Techniques

Stress is a very unhealthy for everyone and according to studies; it is the main cause of all physical diseases. There are some calming techniques that you can use and choose any type of technique that works for you. Some people use yoga, meditation, breathing techniques or simply taking a nap. If you want to try yoga, you can enroll to a yoga clinic or maybe hire a personal yoga teacher. Some people find calmness in meditation which is according to studies, a good way to reduce stress in general. Meditation can be done through breathing techniques – being aware of your breathing and slowly inhaling and exhaling. If you want an easier stress relief for single parents, simply take a nap. This will help give your body the rest it needs apart from the regular sleep you take.

Being a single parent is not easy and it leaves you with a lot of responsibilities that you should be sharing with a partner. Taking time to lessen single parenting stress will help you cope with everything that you are going through. Make sure to get some “me” time, get support from your loved ones, socialize and perform some calming techniques. You will then see how wonderful life is even though you are a single parent and you will enjoy life more.

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