The homeschooling mom often neglects herself. She is busy trying to maintain a balance of a clean happy home and well educated children. It can be quite a challenge for her to find the time to sit quietly and read a book or get her hair done in the midst of grading a spelling test, folding laundry, making dinner, and setting up a science lab. She seems to run on a force of unending energy until she finally burns out and falls flat on her face. When she finally regains awareness she realizes her nails are broken, her hair is overgrown, and she hasn’t taken a shower since Tuesday. This is a mom that needs some “me time” quick!
I fell into the trap of avoiding my needs. My children’s needs came first so often that they were almost infused with my own. I didn’t need new pencils, tennis shoes, or a math book but yet those items were at the top of my wish list. I spent my time feeding a baby, playing Candyland with one child, moving the dog out of the way while carrying laundry baskets in one hand and preparing dinner in the other, all while teaching Physics, and grading a spelling test. By the end of the day I was too tired to think much less do anything that for myself. Finally my energy ran out and I couldn’t move one more step. Worse yet, I was beginning to lose interest everything and what was once a joy was becoming a burden. I was simply burned out. Feelings of burn out can cause you to resent your situation, think the grass is always greener on the other side, and cause you to become irritable and short tempered. Take my advice and heed my warning: DO NOT NEGLECT YOURSELF!
So your next question will no doubt be concerned with finding the time for “me time.” Here are ways to find hidden time throughout your day:
Everyday have a one hour quiet reading time. If you have young children have them take a nap or “quiet time”. If that is too difficult allow them to lie down on a mat or couch and watch a DVD for an hour. Use this hour to read, take a bath, take a nap, call a friend, have coffee, whatever makes you happy or relax.
Get up at least one hour earlier than your children. I recommend two hours but one will suffice. Use this time to order your day so your day doesn’t run you. Also use this time to have a cup of coffee or tea while doing devotions or reading or just having breakfast. Use this time to start your day off right by getting organized, throwing in a load of laundry, taking the time to eat, time to order your steps, and make breakfast for the kids.
Plan a strict bedtime for your children that is at least 30 minutes before your bedtime. Use this time to relax or get a jump on the next day.
Simple solutions like those will change your attitude and keep your fresh. I find one to two hours throughout my day to devote to my own interests, to read, relax or use as I please. If you worked outside our home you would get an hour break, right? You work long hard hours and need to take care of yourself. It is in the best interest of you and your family.
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