Tending to our physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health is essential to avoiding homeschool mom burnout. When we care for our own needs, we are better able to show up for our children in a healthy way and we experience more joy (and less overwhelm) in our homeschool days. But sometimes we’re so exhausted and stressed that we don’t know where to start!
You don’t have to completely overhaul your life. Think about just one thing you can add into your daily routine that will help you feel more grounded and calm. Try to pair this new habit with something you already do every day. For example, add in listening to the Bible on audio while you’re drinking your morning coffee, or try turning off your phone right after you brush your teeth at night so you won’t be tempted to scroll while you’re falling asleep. Stacking habits like this will make it easier to follow through.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Take 15 minutes to read your Bible and pray before you start your homeschool day
- Drink a glass of water
- Listen to uplifting worship music while you take a shower or get dressed for the day
- Eat some protein and vegetables with your lunch
- Take the vitamins and medications that your health care provider recommends
- Write in a journal before bed (even just writing 3 things you’re thankful for or 3 things you did well at that day can be a powerful form of self-care
- Take a walk outside
- Read a book before bed that is just for fun
You can use our free Homeschool Mom Self-Care Checklist to remind you how you plan to practice self-care each day. Fill in your own prompts on the blank grid, or use the checklist that’s already filled out for you. Remember you don’t have to it all. These are just ideas!
Would you like to dive deeper into the topic of self-care? Check out episode 25 of the Homeschool Compass Podcast or head here to read an excerpt of the book, Homeschool Mama Self-Care: Nurturing the Nurturer by Teresa Wiedrick.