It’s hard to describe the constant state of exhaustion that comes with being a mom, let alone a single mom of twins. Every day feels like a marathon, a never-ending cycle of cooking, cleaning, and sleepless nights. When you’re in survival mode, taking care of yourself can seem like a luxury you can’t afford. But as I learned the hard way, ignoring your own physical and mental health can come with some serious consequences.

At first, I thought I was doing the right thing by putting my kids’ needs first. But as weeks turned into months, I found myself feeling more and more depleted. I was constantly irritable, had trouble sleeping even when my twins were sleeping, and struggled to find the energy to get through the day. It wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I realized I needed to prioritize my own health in order to be the best mom I could be.

That’s when I decided to make some changes. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I also knew it was necessary. So I started making time for exercise, focusing on eating healthier and practicing mindfulness. I set boundaries around my time and made sure to stay connected with friends and family, even when it felt like there were never enough hours in the day. In short, I started prioritizing my own health and well-being alongside that of my children. Here are seven ways I’ve found to be especially helpful in this journey.

Making Time for Exercise

One of the biggest challenges of being a single twin mom is finding time for exercise. But I’ve found that even just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a big difference in my physical and mental health. To make it easier to fit exercise into my busy schedule, I’ve started waking up 30 minutes earlier each day to do a quick workout. I’ve also started going for walks with my twins in the stroller, which is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while spending time with my kids.

Eating a Balanced Diet

As a busy mom, it can be easy to rely on fast food or other unhealthy options for meals. But I’ve found that when I eat a balanced diet, I have more energy and feel better overall. I make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables in my meals, and I try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. I’ve also started meal planning and prepping on the weekends, which makes it easier to eat healthy during the week.

Getting Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep can be a challenge as a single twin mom, but I’ve found that it’s crucial for my health and well-being. I try to make sure I’m getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, even if that means going to bed earlier or waking up later than I’d like. I also try to establish a bedtime routine for myself to help me wind down and relax before bed.

Related: Why I Appreciate My Parents More Now That I Am A Single Mom

Practicing Mindfulness

Being a single twin mom can be stressful, and it’s important to take time to de-stress and focus on my mental health. I’ve started practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises to help me stay calm and centered. I’ve also started keeping a gratitude journal, where I write down three things I’m grateful for each day. This has helped me focus on the positive things in my life, even when things are tough.

Setting Boundaries

As a single twin mom, it can be easy to feel like I need to do everything myself. But I’ve realized that setting boundaries and asking for help when I need it is crucial for my health and well-being. I’ve started delegating tasks to friends and family members when I can, and I’ve also started saying no to things that aren’t a priority for me. This has helped me feel less overwhelmed and more in control of my life. When co-parenting, I am learning to set boundaries in terms of whats acceptable behavior so that I can maintain my peace and reduce stress.

Staying Connected with Friends and Family

Being a single twin mom can be isolating, but it’s important to stay connected with friends and family members for my mental health. I’ve made it a priority to schedule regular phone calls or video chats with friends and family members, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I’ve also started joining online groups for single moms, which has been a great way to connect with other moms who are going through similar experiences.

Making Time for Self-Care

Finally, I’ve realized that making time for self-care is crucial for my health and well-being as a single twin mom. Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, reading a book, or watching a movie, I try to carve out time for myself each week to do something I enjoy. This helps me recharge and feel more energized for the challenges of motherhood.

Related: 100 Self-Care Ideas For Every Aspect Of Your Life

Final Thoughts

As a single twin mom, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance the needs of my children with my own needs for self-care and personal health. However, I have learned that taking care of myself is not only crucial for my own well-being but also for that of my children. By implementing the strategies outlined in this post, I have been able to improve my physical and mental health, increase my energy and focus, and ultimately feel more fulfilled and empowered as a mom.

Remember, it’s never too late to start prioritizing your own health and well-being, regardless of how busy or demanding your schedule may be. Small, intentional changes can have a big impact over time, and you deserve to feel your best as you navigate the challenges of single motherhood. So, take some time to focus on yourself, reach out for support when you need it, and know that you are capable of thriving as both a mom and an individual.

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