Moving to a rural area in 2024 brought a lot of change into my life — some expected, some surprising, and many that have supported my emotional wellness in ways I didn’t realise I needed. Being a single mum comes with its own mental load, and single mum mental health isn’t something talked about enough. But settling into a quieter, more spacious environment has helped me slow down, reconnect with myself, and enjoy the everyday moments with my 3-year-old daughter.
In this post, I want to share a few simple ways rural living has shaped my emotional wellbeing, along with practical tips for coping as a single parent in a rural setting.
The Calmer Pace of Rural Life
One of the biggest changes I noticed after moving was the shift in pace. Life feels calmer here — clearer air, quieter surroundings, and a sense of community you don’t always get in a busier city.
These things alone can make a big difference:
- More time outdoors
- Kinder, slower mornings
- Less pressure to rush from one place to another
Even simple things like hearing birds in the morning, watching my daughter play outside, or enjoying the quiet after dinner help keep my mind clearer and more focused.
A simple example:
Instead of rushing out the door like we used to, our mornings now sometimes include slow cuddles in bed or letting my daughter ease into the day with play. That small shift has made our days feel more grounded from the start.
Finding Balance in Motherhood
As a single mum, some days are loud and overwhelming, and others are calm and connected. Both are part of motherhood. What’s changed for us since moving is having the space to move through those moments more gently.
Some of my favourite parts of the day include:
- My daughter waking up and climbing into my bed
- Eating meals together
- Our bedtime routine — bath, books, and quiet time
We’ve also created routines that support both of us emotionally. For example, visiting the library on Saturdays has become something we both look forward to. It gives her space to explore and gives me a sense of structure and connection.
Even the longer drives that come with rural living have become moments to slow down — listening to music, chatting, or simply enjoying a quieter pace of life.
Taking Time for Yourself
When it comes to single mum mental health, it’s often the small, consistent moments that make the biggest difference.
For me, that includes:
- Staying connected with friends and family
- Talking things through in counselling once a month
- Making time for quiet, creative outlets
Blogging has become one of my favourite ways of coping as a single parent. It gives me space to reflect, process emotions, and reconnect with myself outside of motherhood.
My 10-Minute Reset (Real Life Version)
On overwhelming days, I’ve learned I don’t always need hours to myself — sometimes I just need a small pocket of time to reset.
In real life, my “10-minute reset” often looks like this:
- Sitting down in the evening once my daughter is settled
- Opening my laptop and writing a blog
- Or unwinding with a comfort show — right now I’m watching Paradise on Disney+
- Letting my mind slow down without pressure to be productive
It’s simple, but it gives me something that’s just for me — a moment to breathe, reset, and feel like myself again.
What I Do on Overwhelming Days
Overwhelming days are a normal part of coping as a single parent, especially when you’re carrying everything on your own.
Instead of trying to do it all, I’ve learned to gently scale things back.
On those days, I:
- Simplify meals (quick, easy, no pressure)
- Let routines be flexible
- Focus on just getting through the day rather than doing everything
- Allow extra quiet time or screen time without guilt
- Remind myself that tomorrow is a fresh start
Some days aren’t about productivity — they’re about emotional survival. And that’s okay.
The Positives (and a Few Challenges) of Rural Living
Positives:
- Fresh air
- Stronger sense of community
- Peaceful environment
- More space indoors and outdoors
- Slower living that supports better mental clarity
Challenges:
- Access to some services requires planning
- Longer drives for groceries or appointments
- Fewer entertainment options
Even with the challenges, rural living has created a lifestyle that better supports both my emotional wellbeing and my daughter’s.
Tips for Other Rural Single Mums
If you’re navigating rural life and focusing on coping as a single parent, here are a few gentle reminders:
- Stay connected
Even a quick message can help you feel less alone - Create simple routines
Small, predictable moments bring stability - Take short breaks when you can
Even 10 minutes matters - Lean into rural living
Nature can be incredibly grounding for single mum mental health - Find something that’s yours
A creative outlet or quiet routine can make a big difference
A Gentle Reminder
Emotional wellness isn’t about having everything perfectly together — especially when it comes to single mum mental health. It’s about finding small moments that make the hard days softer and the good days more meaningful.
Moving to a rural area has shown me how much peace can come from slowing down, creating our own routines, and embracing the quiet.
Every single mum’s journey is different, but if you’re coping as a single parent, know this:
You’re doing enough.
You’re allowed to rest.
And you deserve moments that feel like your own.
One day at a time, one small moment at a time — that’s where emotional wellness begins.
If you like this post as much as I liked writing it, you may like to read one of these posts:
Mental Health Tips for Single Mums: Finding Joy in Every Day
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