Hey, They Call Me Connie…

Solo parenting is a delicate dance between chaos and caffeine, with the occasional existential crisis thrown in for flavor. Somewhere between the early morning wake-ups, endless snack requests, and the Mount Everest of laundry, there’s you—clinging to sanity by a thread. Let me offer you this lifeline: mini maintenance. No, not the “bubble baths and candles” version of self-care (though who wouldn’t love uninterrupted bathroom time?), but practical, sneak-it-in wellness habits that keep you from completely unraveling.

1. Oatmeal: The Beauty Guru’s Breakfast

Mornings are war zones, but I refuse to surrender entirely. Enter oatmeal: the humble, unassuming canvas for sneaky wellness upgrades. I’ve been adding Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen to mine, which I like to think of as edible Botox without the price tag.

Why bother? Because collagen doesn’t just keep your skin glowing and your nails less likely to snap mid-laundry-fold—it’s also great for joint health, which is crucial when your cardio consists of chasing a kid who thinks running into traffic is a fun game. 4 scoop blends right in, adding 18 grams of protein and just enough self-righteousness to make me feel like I’ve got my life together.

2. Creatine: Not Just for Gym Bros

When most people hear “creatine,” they picture bodybuilders grunting over barbells. But let me tell you, creatine is the unsung hero of mental and physical stamina—and let’s face it, solo parents need both.

Studies show that creatine boosts brain function, improves short-term memory by up to 20%, and even combats fatigue. (Read: It might help you remember where you put the car keys.) I toss unflavored creatine into my morning caffeine because I’m fancy like that—and also because it helps me hold onto muscle while my workout routine consists of lifting grocery bags and tantrum-throwing toddlers. Who knew caffeine and creatine could make such a dynamic duo?

3. Functional Fitness: The Lazy Parent’s Guide to Working Out

Gym memberships? Who has the time—or the budget? The secret is turning your daily chores into calorie-burning opportunities. It’s not glamorous, but neither is parenthood, so here we are.

• Stairs: Why walk up once when you can do a few extra laps? Think of it as a stair-climbing relay—minus the cheering crowd.

• Laundry: Every basket is basically a dumbbell. Squat, lift, repeat. Bonus points if you don’t scream into the clothes.

• Dishes: Turn the mundane into a full-body workout. Overhead arm claps while waiting for the sink to fill? A little ridiculous, but highly effective (and mildly entertaining for anyone watching).

Suddenly, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving. Or at least breaking a sweat in between wiping peanut butter off the walls.

4. The Big Picture: Self-Care, but Make It Sneaky

Here’s the deal: no one’s expecting us to train for a marathon or whip up three organic, high-protein meals a day. (Unless, of course, you enjoy the taste of burnout.) Mini maintenance is about making the most of the chaos—adding a little collagen to your oatmeal, stirring creatine into your caffeine fix, and turning housework into accidental cardio.

Because, as much as we’d love to clock out for a spa day, life doesn’t pause. And that’s okay. We can still show up for ourselves, even if it’s one sneaky wellness hack at a time.

So here’s to glowing skin, stronger muscles, and the occasional squat while folding socks. Let’s keep redefining self-care in a way that actually works—for us and our beautifully messy lives.

What’s your secret to staying sane? Share your hacks in the comments—I could use the inspiration (and maybe a little validation).

Cheers to the chaos,

Connie