Do you ever feel like you have those moments when it is your time with the kids and you feel like you are running on empty? If you do, don’t despair. It doesn’t mean you are a bad parent, just that you are a divorced parent.
Being a divorced parent means that the onus for raising your children when they are with you rests squarely on your shoulders. It also means that when your kids are with you, they are with you. No breaks, no downtime and no “me” time. And, that can feel like you are running on empty all the time.
In order to be a good parent and to be there and in the present with all fuel cells going at capacity, you have to have downtime. Don’t forget that a happy parent means a happy kid. So, how do you do that when you are going and blowing 24 hours a day 7 days a week with no end in sight?
Do you know those times where you hit the wall? You are so tired you can’t keep your eyes open for another minute and every time one of your children asks you for something you snap their heads off? If you are feeling this, it is time to recharge those batteries so you can make it another day.
You might be thinking to yourself, “Lee, how can I recharge when I can hardly breathe?” Easy!
- Eat healthy. Sound too easy, but rarely do we get our fill of fruits, veggies and proteins during the day. All of these things provide energy and not only will you feel better and have a clearer head, but you are adding fuel for your body to make it through the day.
- Don’t skip breakfast. This is the most important meal of the day, and this is where your energy is going to come from. Start the day off right with some protein and some fruit. Stay away from donuts, sugary cereal and Starbuck’s doesn’t count as breakfast!
- Exercise. Not only does exercise clear the mind, it gets the blood pumping and gives you energy. Even if it is just 30 minutes a day, get out there and grab a walk!
- Meditation. Meditation or centering yourself is a great way to release the negative and replace it with healing energy. 10 minutes a day is all it takes, and you will feel recharged and repowered.
- Hugging. Nothing will recharge you like a big tight hug from one of your kids. It will melt all those worries away and you will feel renewed immediately.
- Hot Baths. Most people think of a hot bath filled with your favorite scent and lit candles all around as a luxury, and it is one, but when the kids are in bed, and you have that extra time, instead of jumping on the computer or zoning out in front of the TV, treat yourself and let your troubles melt away and go down the drain.
- Laughter. Sometimes it is hard to laugh away your troubles, but a laugh that comes out of nowhere and ends with tears running down your face is a great way to release stress.
- Sleep. Nothing beats a good nights sleep. As we get older, we not only require less sleep, we also don’t always sleep through the night. If you are having sleep issues, talk to your doctor about it. It could be something as easy as taking a little melatonin, but a good 8 hours goes a long way when you are a single parent.
- Read a book. Pick up your favorite book or kindle and read before you go to bed at night. This not only quiets the mind, making sleep easier, but it also transports you to another realm, where all the worries of the day will disappear.
- One day at a time. That’s right. Take each day as it comes and take it one day at a time. Everyday you will be presented with new challenges to tackle being a single parent. Don’t overwhelm yourself by worrying about the tomorrow’s or the yesterday’s, just focus on the day at hand.
