| Homeschooling can be a physically exhausting | | | | day of the week, and then take out your red pen |
| undertaking. Even for those who have been "in | | | | and cross some stuff out! Even if every activity |
| the trenches" for years and are firmly rooted in | | | | looks good, ask yourself what is/are the best. |
| their commitment, there are days or seasons | | | | Are your sleep needs being met? This seems like |
| when the homeschooling parent ~ and in most | | | | an obvious question, but in my experience, when |
| cases we're talking moms ~ tire easily or | | | | there's too much to do in a day, my bedtime is |
| frequently. | | | | the first thing I push back ~ bad idea! You know |
| Burn-out is usually characterized by, among other | | | | that saying "When mama's not happy, nobody is"? |
| things, low frustration tolerance, an inability to | | | | Well, when mama's tired, she's not happy! Take a |
| focus, loss of interest/joy in activities, and of | | | | few nights to experiment with how much sleep |
| course, low energy or enthusiasm. If you're finding | | | | you need. If you're sleep deprived already, it may |
| yourself suffering from some of these | | | | take more than "a few" nights! Most health |
| symptoms, here are some areas to examine and | | | | professionals agree an adult needs at least 7 |
| adjust so you can extinguish exhaustion and get | | | | hours to function well. |
| your energy back! | | | | Take a look at your diet; consider vitamins or |
| Are you getting adequate quiet time first thing in | | | | supplements Even with a good diet, the foods we |
| the day? I have to tell you right up front ~ I'm a | | | | eat today are full of hormones, fertilizers and |
| Christian. The first thing I do each day is spend a | | | | other chemicals. A good multi-vitamin is a must |
| few minutes in prayer and Bible reading. Some | | | | for busy moms; check with your health |
| days it's not much, but even so, I leave | | | | professional to see if other supplements may be |
| strengthened, grounded and ready to focus. No | | | | necessary for you. |
| matter what your spiritual orientation, however, | | | | Do you get outside and get some exercise ~ |
| quiet time of some sort is useful for getting your | | | | every day? I find that if I get a mid-afternoon |
| act together and getting ready for whatever's | | | | slump, my best defense is a walk around the |
| coming down the road that day! | | | | block with the kids, or raking leaves, or a jump on |
| What's your schedule look like? Are you planning | | | | the trampoline. Besides the boost in energy that |
| too much for yourself? For your family? One of | | | | comes from it, I'm making fun family memories. |
| the things that can be most exhausting is | | | | If none of these tips work for you, it may be |
| constantly trying to get the kids moving to the | | | | time to see your doctor. Chronic exhaustion may |
| "next thing". If there's too much on the calendar, | | | | indicate a more serious issue. And your good |
| everybody moves in slow motion eventually ~ | | | | health is critical to functioning at your personal |
| and having to keep pushing everybody can be | | | | best. Homeschooling makes demands on us even |
| lethal for mom's energy level. Some evening, | | | | in good health; don't you want to give your family |
| write down everything you have planned for each | | | | the best you can? |