Being a single mother is not an easy task. I know. I was a single mom of two boys less than six months ago, so I can say with some authority that being a single mom is a beast. It can drive you crazy if you let it. The madness is not just that you have to raise children alone and be a mother and father. The madness gets worse when you add a full time job, not enough money, social pressure, not to mention being blamed for all the ills of society. How does a single mom stay stylish under pressure? How does she avoid wielding a knife at the next person who tells her “it’s not that bad”? What prevents him from, at the very least, pulling her by her hair and, at the most, from avoiding killing himself, her children, or just her spirit? The following five Sanity Savers offer some solutions that help me get through some really tough times. They may be a temporary fix, just for the time being, but at some point that’s all an emaciated single mom needs.

1. Music lifts the soul.

Listen to uplifting music that inspires, energizes and praises God. When I’m in a particularly deep depression, I put on an upbeat gospel or jazz CD and dance like no one is watching (no one is). After a few moments of that, I feel 80% better. I feel more energetic and positive and the problems seem small.

2. Keep a journal to get rid of cobwebs.

Writing down my thoughts and prayers clears my mind and connects me to God (or whoever you believe in). He pulls me closer to him. I feel a deeper connection with him because I am sharing all my thoughts and feelings with him. I find that the best time to write is in the early hours of the morning. My thoughts are fresh and I can concentrate better. I put pen to paper and simply write what comes to mind or follow a specific order of thanksgiving, confession and repentance, intercession for others, and petition. Any way I choose is fine as long as I communicate with God.

3. Meditate

Calm my mind. I do it in complete silence or with soft music in the background. Meditating puts me in his sphere. I think of her kindness and mercy towards me and her love for me.

4. Talk.

Talking to others or to God through prayer is another way to keep your sanity. Talking to someone brings out all the repressed things and clears the mind and body. Discussion of problems and concerns can be done over the phone or in person while driving, standing at the kitchen sink doing dishes, or while cooking or cleaning. Talking to God can happen at any time; particularly for me doing it in the shower seems to be the best time.

5. Reading.

Reading from the Bible or Book of Affirmations. Some of my favorite passages are in the Psalms and in the New Testament. The words are my words, especially in the Psalms. I have hope when I read the scripture. When I’m going through a particularly difficult time and I can’t bring myself to read whole passages of scripture, I just read one verse and meditate on it. It gives me what I need in that moment and keeps me connected to God. An affirmation book helps me maintain a positive outlook on life when my outlook is negative. The power of positive thinking is priceless.

Hopefully you’re a much healthier single mom now. The tips outlined above are not difficult to practice. It takes a few minutes to put on a CD or jot down a few thoughts in a journal to decompress. Meditating for 15 to 30 minutes or just taking a five minute breath is simple. Calling a friend or whispering a prayer does wonders for her stress level, and finally reading a scripture verse or affirmation can soothe her sinking spirit. Take the time to follow these tips. It could mean the difference between a padded room or a comfortable chair. You owe it to yourself and your children.