There’s always this misconception that men have to be the ‘perfect guy’. If you’re a single dad, you can feel even more pressure to live up to the stereotype. Studies show that single parents are more susceptible to financial hardship and stress, meaning setbacks might adversely impact them. This guide will share advice and tips on returning from setbacks as a single dad.
Do The Things You Love
An important part of bouncing back is reconnecting to the things you love. Spend time doing fun activities with your kids or even a solo activity that reminds you of what you enjoy doing. Think about what you enjoyed doing as an adult before you had kids. Book a trip to the cinema if that’s what brought you joy, or go for a run. Reconnect with old friends and rediscover who you are and what you find fun. Often when we’re having a rough time, it feels like we have to work harder, earn more, and push through it. But making a bit of space for you is a great mood booster. Small steps to reconnect with yourself over time can help you get on the road to bouncing back.
Forgive Yourself For Mistakes
You are more than the sum of your mistakes. Constantly beating yourself up will bring you back to the past and hold you back from the future. If you’re recovering from addiction and are subject to regular testing, you might see the faint lines on a drug test and beat yourself up for your past habits. Even if something is not your fault (faint lines on a drug test are a negative indicator), you might go into a harmful self-talk spiral.
Negative self-talk serves no one and keeps you in the past. Learn to process your emotions and acknowledge how you are feeling. Speak your emotions about what you did out loud. Think about how you want to move forward. Do you need to apologize to others? Or do you simply need to show compassion for yourself?
Above all, remember to seek professional help if you need to. Talk to someone in person, online, or via a service like BetterHelp.
Take Care Of Yourself Physically
As well as taking care of your mental health, invest in your physical health too. Make sure you go for regular walks every day. Taking fifteen minutes of sunshine daily will help your body produce Vitamin D, boost your immune system and mood, and lower the risk of high blood pressure. Ensure you take care of your physical health as much as your mental health to get yourself back on track.
Small Steps Matter
If you’ve had a setback, take the time to process your emotions and look after yourself. If you’re strapped for time as a busy dad, even a few minutes each day can make a huge difference and help you get your life back on track. Balance your physical and mental health to ensure that you are prioritizing your wellbeing as much as you can.
