It is tough for single moms to stay healthy when it comes to stress. The word “relax” was removed from our vocabulary the second we found ourselves having to raise a child AND keep food on the table – all on our own.

Whether we’re panicking over paying the bills on time or freaking out because we have to leave work early to pick up our sick child from daycare AGAIN… it just doesn’t seem we can escape it.

Well, you may think you’re managing – but you body’s reaction to the stress might tell a different story.

Single Moms to Stay Healthy: Stressing Yourself Sick

I know the daily grind of single motherhood and all the stress that comes along with it has become second nature to you by now. But if you’re not dealing with it properly could wind you up with major health problems.

Some studies show that more than half of all illnesses are stress-related.

Your body reacts to stress by pounding your heart harder, tensing up your muscles, speeding up your breathing – and putting all five senses on high alert. This is all great stuff if you’re facing a truly dangerous situation – but your body is not designed to keep it up.

Some of the major medical issues associated with stress include:

• High blood pressure
• Back pain
• Weight gain/loss
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Anxiety/restlessness/insomnia
• Gastrointestinal problems (such as IBS)
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Alcohol and/or substance abuse
• Sexual dysfunction

Let’s Face it, you Can’t Afford to get Sick.

Even if you’re getting group coverage for an affordable HMO plan through work, co-pays and prescription costs add up! Not to mention all the TIME you’re spending at doctors appointments, taking lab tests, etc. instead of being at work making money.

You’re already constantly in and out of doctor’s offices for you child, just imagine if you add the cost of YOUR health care expenses and additional loss of work hours to that picture. It’s not pretty.

You don’t want to learn the hard way. Figuring out how to manage stress now will be a lot more convenient and a lot less costly than doing so as a result of being faced with a big illness or surgery.

If you keep it up long enough, you could end up with stress-related psychological problems like depression or anxiety disorder… now you’re looking at weekly co-pays for therapy sessions – plus the added time out of your already jammed-packed day!

Stress can also lead to weight gain, and if you are obese, you may be required to pay more for a health insurance policy or be rejected for coverage outright.

You’re already stressed enough, the last thing you need is getting denied health insurance coverage for a pre-existing condition because you allowed stress to make you sick.

How to Deal

Since stress is definitely a factor in the life of a single mom – removing it is not really an option. So instead, take a look at these ten suggestions on coping with all the anxiety – courtesy of the folks at The American Psychological Association.

1. Countdown to relaxation

When you feel the stress coming on, counting to 10 (or 20 if you’re really freaking out)makes you stop and take your mind off what is stressing you.

It can also double up as a fun counting exercise with your little one!

2. Lamaze isn’t just for labor

As single moms we’re making it on a whim and a prayer most days… keep it up. Meditation, prayer, or simple deep breathing is a great way to manage your stress.

3. Release it

When you’re stressed out, you wind up with all this energy that has nowhere to go. Use it! Any type of exercise will help you work the anxiety through. Whether you take a quick walk or just get up and move – even a little stretching with help you release all that toxic stress.

4. Play Your Music

It’s hard to relax and drown out the stress-inducing voices in your head when you’re listening to the Wiggles. Instead, pop in YOUR favorite CD. Let yourself get lost in the sounds, maybe even sing out loud.

5. Care About Your Diet as Much as You Care About Theirs

You are so good about making sure your little one is getting all the good stuff to eat – but are you neglecting your diet?

If you’re pigging out after a bad day to deal – not good. It can lead to weight gain and other health complications. Don’t skip meals either – running around on an empty stomach can be just as bad for your health.

Keeping a well-balanced diet is key to maintaining your mental balance when stress begins to creep in.

6. Be Strict About Sleep

I know sleepless nights were routine when you first had the baby and in the months to follow – but if its turned into a long term habit, you need to nip it in the bud. All single moms are going to have occasional sleepless nights when the kid can’t sleep, but if they’re sleeping – make sure you are too. Don’t let worrying keep you up at night. Loosing sleep over a problem won’t make it go away – it’ll only add to the stress it is causing you to begin with. So put it to bed, and get some rest yourself.

7. Let Calgon Take You Away

Stress is no match to a hot shower or bath. If you find yourself laying there STILL worrying and stressing – combine some of the earlier techniques with this one. For example, pop in some music and practice deep breathing. You’ll be chillin’ in no time.

8. Get a Good Rub

Believe it or not, you store up that stress in your muscles. Releasing it with a good rub will really help. Getting a quick massage in the upper back, neck and shoulders will get you relaxed in no time.

9. Talk it Out

If something is bothering you, don’t just walk around with the heavy burden. Share your concerns with friends or family – just talking about it can help.

10. It Could Always be Worse

Thinking positive may seem impossible at times – but it’s critical to keeping your stress level down. If there’s nothing you can do about the situation, worrying about it will not help.

So keep focused on the things you can do something about and stop stressing about things you can’t control.

Never Stress Over Insurance

If getting health insurance coverage is what’s got you all worked up – help is here for single moms to stay healthy!

We’ve got tons of great insurance advice to help you pick the right plan, then head over to a trusted, unbiased online insurance quote site and let them do the shopping for you.

Got to insurancerates.com then sit back, relax, and watch companies compete for your business. It’s as stress-free as it gets – and it’ll save you money too!