Sometimes as busy homeschooling moms, we just need to take a break and de-stress! We all have those times where we’re stressed out with the crazy, busy life we have.
Other times we’re not feeling too well, or are just exhausted. There are times when you have been on the go, and just need to stop and re-group before getting back to things. Sometimes it’s just nice to change things up, and take a break to relieve the stress.
I have learned over 31 years of homeschooling our 8 kids, that it’s OK to take a break now and then! Really, it is. Your kids won’t suffer permanent damage, and whatever needs to get done will still be there waiting when you come back to it.
Not only is it OK, but I think it’s also important! If you keep pushing yourself when you are in need of a break, you will lose your joy. You won’t enjoy your children, or your homeschooling. Everything will seem overwhelming, and you probably won’t be the loving mom you’d like to be. (Yes, I’m speaking from experience!)
Here are ten things you can do to relax, and de-stress:
1. Take a nap.
Sometimes that’s the most spiritual thing you can do!
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2. Have a tickle party.
Grab the closest kid, and start tickling till they can’t stop laughing, then start chasing the others down. The kids will squeal with delight, and giggle through the tickles. In turn, you won’t be able to keep from laughing. Laughter is a good medicine! I’m always amazed at how much better I feel after an episode of uncontrolled laughing.
3. Take a break and play a game or two with the kids.
This is one of those things I never WANT to do, but when I do I always enjoy it, and wonder why I didn’t do it sooner, or why I don’t do it more often. Of course, the kids love it when it’s not just their siblings playing games with them, but also Mom.
4. Put the school books aside, and read a good book out loud with the kids.
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Have a snack while you’re reading together, relax, and just enjoy it.
5. Listen to some good uplifting music.
6. Make some goodies and take your kids with you to deliver them to someone who needs encouragement.
Not only will you be a blessing to them, but you will feel encouraged as well. There’s something about doing things for others that just makes you feel good.
7. De-clutter.
Have everyone find 5 things they can get rid of. Then set a timer for 5 minutes and have everyone put things away that aren’t where they belong. When the house is looking a little bit cleaner and picked up, it makes you just feel better about everything.
8. Sing songs with the kids.
Singing lifts your spirit, which is probably why the Bible talks about singing hymns and spiritual songs. One of my favorite memories is singing choruses and Scripture songs with my kids.
9. Put a good dvd in for the kids to watch, and tackle one project that has been bugging you.
Again, just having things a little cleaner, or one project completed will make you feel like things aren’t quite as bad.
10. Put your feet up and read a book for 30 minutes.
Have the kids stay in their room for quiet time with books, or have everyone lounge in the living room reading books.
These may seem like little things, but they really will help you feel better on a difficult day, or when you need to just slow down, and take a break from the normal hustle and bustle of daily life.
I’d love to hear some ideas from you. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed and stressed, or just feel everyone needs a break?
