Summer Self-Care Tips for Single Moms

It’s hot like hell, your face and underwear are soaked in sweat and your toddler is screaming at you from the backseat of your secondhand car. As their screams get louder, you are itching to get out of the car and run as far away from them as possible. And strip off your sweat-drenched clothes and jump into the nearest pool.

I feel you Mama. I’ve been there. I mean, I didn’t actually run out of the car and strip naked but I definitely wanted to.

If you can relate, this is your sign to do some self-care. It’s summer time and the heat is on like Donkey Kong. I swear it felt like a blanket of hot air slapped me in the face when I stepped outside this morning. If you’re dealing with similar extreme weather conditions, you know what I mean. The humidity is an actual killer.

We need some summer self care.

As single moms, we barely have time to do anything for ourselves. But that has to change now. We have to see about our own physical and mental wellbeing, particularly during the heat of the summer.

It’s a scientific fact that extreme heat makes people feel irritable. Toddlers are already irritable without the heat. We are also irritated by the irritableness of our toddlers. We don’t need the heat to be an extra irritant. That’s way too much irritation hanging around. So let’s lessen it. We can do that with some much needed summer self-care. What do you say, Mama?

In this post, I will give you seven self-care tips to help you make it through this summer. Read to the end for a bonus Summer Self-Care Tips Checklist to help you actually achieve your summer self-care goals.

Let’s begin with the obvious. Skincare. We need to protect our bodies from the intensity of the sun. Too much sun exposure can be very damaging for skin. Just as we slather on sunscreen on our bodies at the beach, we need to do so on ordinary days as well. Especially, if you know you will be spending a significant amount of time outdoors.

Protect your arms and legs with a sunscreen with a high SPF. Use a good facial moisturizer (that also includes SPF) on your face and neck. And don’t forget the backs of your hands and your shoulders.

Some people prefer clothing over sunscreen. In this heat, I can’t cover my arms with cloth. But if you prefer to wear long sleeves instead of sunscreen, choose light colors to help keep you cool. Whatever your preference, protect your skin. Sunburn is very painful.

1. Skincare

Similar to skincare, we need to protect our hair from the sun’s intense rays. Wear a hat or cap when you go outside. Before you do, make sure to moisturize your hair. This can be as simple as spraying your hair with water. Repeat this step when you return home as well. Just as your skin needs moisture, so does your hair. Let it drink water, Mama.

Dry hair breaks easily. I bet you don’t want to have hair that’s dry and dusty. So in between washes, spray it with water or your moisturizer of choice.

2. Haircare

3. Drink Water

This is another obvious one but many of us neglect it. We are made of water. We need water to live. When we sweat (and pee) we lose much needed water. We have to fix the deficit. Drink more water, Mama. Drink. Drink. Drink!

4. Go Swimming

Now here’s an optional summer self-care tip. Go swimming. Summer time is the time for pools. Or beaches if you live close enough to one. Take a plunge into your water body of choice and cool yourself, Mama. You may have to take your little one with you but it will be worth it when you feel that lovely cool water caressing your skin.

For the ladies who don’t like to swim, replace this one with taking a cold shower. Or take a short dip in your toddler’s kiddie pool.

5. Make Healthy Smoothies

What’s better than a nice cold smoothie on a hot summer day? (Don’t say ice-cream — that’s coming up)

In this summer heat, drinking a delicious healthy smoothie is a good form of self-care. I love fruit smoothies mixed with yogurt and a few bits of veggies. My toddler loves it too. We drink one almost everyday. It’s even more important to eat and drink healthy foods now. During the hot summer months, we need extra energy for all the outdoor activities we’re compelled to take our kids to.

7. Solo Date

“Ice cream—ice cream and cake. Ice cream—ice cream and cake! Ice cream and cake, do the ice cream and cake!”

Oh my gosh that jingle took me back to my childhood. Ah, fun times!

But seriously, Mama. Yes, eating healthy is a good form of self care. But so is having a little treat every now and then. Treat yourself well, girl.

6. Treats!

And now to my last summer self care tip. Take yourself on a date, Mama. You’re healthy, beautiful and hardworking. And you’re a Mom With No Manuals who is doing a great job. Who deserves to spend time with you more than you do?

You’re a single woman. Get a babysitter and go have a day or night out. Date yourself this summer. You deserve it.

Summer Self-Care Checklist

Want a ready-to-use self-care plan made just for single moms like you? Grab my FREE Summer Self-Care Checklist here.

Would you like more peace and happiness this summer, Mama? Get “The Happiness Journal for Single Moms” — your guide to morning peace and personal growth.

“The Happiness Journal for Single Moms”

• Helps moms build mindful, intentional mornings with journal prompts

• Includes self-reflection, emotional regulation tools, and calming practices

Your toddler is not the only one who deserves your attention, Mama — you do too. Use these self-care tips this summer and feel more renewed and peaceful.

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Until next time, Mama…

“I’m a Mom With No Manuals and I’m doing a great job!”

P. S.

Comment below: What’s one self-care activity you’re looking forward to this summer?