How to Survive as a Single Mom

Strategies for Surviving Tough Economic Times

Single moms have the capacity to morph into some of the most resourceful people on the planet. They're capable not only of raising kids on their own, but thriving, even in a tough economy.

If you feel yourself getting down, remember this, too, shall pass. Where you are now is not where you'll be 10 years from now, much less tomorrow. Nonetheless, it helps to have some strategies for dealing with tough times.

Strategies for Surviving as a Single Mom

1. Get help. Social services are a first step, but there are other places to go to for help. Food banks that let you shop for free, for example, like Unity Shoppe, were started precisely for this reason. Doug Hagensen, founder of Backyard Harvest, says: "I was very aware of the growing numbers within our community having a difficult time making ends meet and being able to afford fresh, healthy produce." Somewhere in your community there's a Doug Hagensen. Find him.
2. Help others. Find other single moms in your neighborhood. Babysit each other's kids while the other grocery shops. Host a clothing swap to save on clothing bills. Everyone brings one bag of clothes, and voila! A new-to-you wardrobe.
3. Order a magazine. Everyone needs a distraction, and your favorite magazine can provide that. Go to the bookstore, choose a couple, tear out the subscription card and mail it in. When the bill comes, write "cancel" on the bill, send it back in the pre-paid envelope. For the cost a postage stamp you can have at least a couple of hours worth of escape.
4. Take a bath. Snazz it up by buying a couple of pretty candles for less than a dollar. Light them, pour shampoo or dish soap, and as the water runs, turn off the lights, step in. This should buy you at least 15 minutes of escape time, vital when you've got rugrats.
5. Write it down. Studies show that the act of writing down your hopes and dreams, in addition to being a calming agent, can actually help those penned plans come to fruition. Harriet Klauser says: "If you know what you want, you can have it." She should know, she's been giving workshops for the last 15 years on exactly how to make what you want happen by the very simple act of writing it down. She even wrote her book Write It Down, Make It Happen while sitting in Seattle coffehouses!
6. Breathe it out. Yoga is one of the safest, oldest stress relievers known to womankind. You don't have to become a yogi to reap its benefits, either. By taking 10 seconds to do some deep breathing you'll get immediate calming. You do remember doing this while giving birth? This is one secret every single mom should have in her arsenal. A great list of poses, and how to do them can be found at YogaJournal.com.

With a little bit of effort, you can gain maximum benefits, be your best as a single mom in today's economy... and thrive.