Practical Ways to Self-Care
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By
Ximena Avalos
- Sep 19, 2024
Homeschooling is a beautiful journey, full of rewarding moments and challenges. As homeschool parents, you are not only managing your children's education but also juggling household responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and often, work. With so much on your plate, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. However, self-care is not a luxury; it's a responsibility. It’s about being a good steward of the one gift you have—the gift of yourself.
Self-care is essential for maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to care for your family and create a positive learning environment at home. With a flexible curriculum like BookShark, you can simplify your homeschooling routine, allowing more time for the self-care you deserve.
1. Self-Care Through Habits
Habits are the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle. According to Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, a habit starts as a choice and eventually becomes an almost unconscious pattern. A study from Duke University found that over 40% of our actions are driven by habit rather than deliberate decisions. By establishing routines that lead to good habits, you can make self-care a natural part of your day. Here are three simple but important habits that can greatly empower you and change your homeschool experience for the better.
Morning/Evening Routines
Incorporate self-care into your morning routine with a "get to" rather than "have to" approach, where you start each day with activities that nourish your mind and body. Incorporating time outside or in nature, as well as moving your body, is essential. A quick walk around the block or doing some jumping jacks in your backyard can make a big difference. Do what is enjoyable for you. Time in nature is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
At the end of the day, all you want is to be done and just get into bed. But don’t underestimate the benefits of creating a relaxing bedtime routine, like slipping into a cozy robe, applying a refreshing face mask, or reading a good book. Doing this can help you wind down after a busy day and greatly improve your sleep quality.
Limiting Phone Use and Social Media
In our digital age, it's easy to fall into the trap of scrolling through social media late at night. However, setting boundaries with your phone can significantly improve your well-being. Consider turning off your phone by 8 pm to enhance your sleep, deepen connections with loved ones, and increase productivity. Limiting screen time allows you to be present and enjoy the moment, free from the distractions of constant notifications. We’ve all read how detrimental social media can be for our mental well-being, so let’s be kind to ourselves.
Rest Days
As a homeschool parent, it's easy to feel like you need to be constantly productive. But rest is not just important; it’s essential. Being in the habit of taking a rest day at least once a week can recharge your batteries and make you more effective in all your roles. Involve your family by creating a rest day ritual—whether it’s lighting a candle, making pancakes, watching a family movie, or simply enjoying a day off together. Make sure to hold each other accountable and resist the urge to work during this time.
2. Self-Care Through Brain Science
Negative thoughts can create a loop in our brains, leading to anxiety and stress. Psychiatrists call these Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs), and they can quickly take over if we’re not careful. It’s hard to enjoy homeschooling if we are overtaken by these thoughts. Sometimes these thoughts can lead to fear, and fear can greatly impact our decisions. Reframing helps you remove limiting beliefs, reduce stress, and ultimately feel happier. Journaling can be a good, practical way to start. Here are some other small ways to implement that yield large results, according to brain science:
Cultivating Gratitude
According to brain science, gratitude can have many benefits on the brain. It has the power to transform your perspective. Focusing on the good improves your health, sleep, and self-esteem. Start your day by recognizing what you’re grateful for! Do this anytime you feel your mood shift for the worse. It’s powerful!
Setting the Atmosphere
One of the quickest ways to improve your mood is through your senses. You have the power to “set the mood” in your home in a very practical way! Music is one of the most highly researched topics in medicine. Music primes our brains for the things we are going to do. So choose some fun music to turn a sour homeschool day around, or put on calm music while you drink some tea if you need to relax. Don’t forget about lighting and scents—they can further elevate your mood and contribute to a sense of well-being. These changes can also improve your student’s mood!
3. Self-Care Through Community
Community is vital for homeschool parents. The journey of homeschooling can sometimes feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether it’s a supportive family, friends, or a homeschool co-op, surrounding yourself with a strong community can provide comfort and encouragement. Here’s how you can leverage your community to enhance your self-care:
Connecting with Other Homeschool Parents
Joining a homeschool co-op or attending local homeschooling events can introduce you to other parents who share your experiences. These connections can be a lifeline, offering both practical advice and emotional support. Sharing the challenges and triumphs of homeschooling with someone who understands can alleviate stress and provide a fresh perspective.
Utilizing Online Communities
If in-person meetups aren’t possible for you. Don’t underestimate your online friends! Whether through social media groups, forums, or platforms like BookShark's private Facebook Group, you can connect with homeschool parents across the globe. These online communities are valuable for exchanging resources, asking questions, and simply venting when needed. You are not alone!
Family Support
Family can be a great source of support. Whether it’s a spouse, grandparents, or close relatives, involving them in your homeschooling journey can enrich the learning experience. Take a break and let someone else teach a subject they love! It’s comforting to know that they have your back.
4. Self-Care Through Fun
Laughing and having fun aren’t the first things that come to mind when we think of self-care, but they are of utmost importance! You’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine, and this is actually backed by science. Laughter will not only improve your mood but also reduce stress, boost your immune system, and relieve pain! Here are some ways that you can easily infuse more fun into your homeschool life:
Gameschooling
Children learn through play. This is actually true for adults as well! Why not bring out those games you have stashed away, and take some time to play them. Taking a break from your regular routine will produce more learning in fun new ways.
Spontaneous Dance Parties
Nothing lifts the spirit more than a fun, silly dance! These can actually be called “Brain Breaks”. Plus, it’s a good way to break up lessons and get some movement in your day. Laugh with your kids, it will rejuvenate your energy!
Celebrate Small Wins
We tend to focus on what we’re not doing “right”. Instead, celebrate the small victories. Focus on the growth your child shows while tackling a difficult concept. Take note when you made it through the day even though it was hard! Celebrate these moments with a special treat, a movie night, or simply acknowledging the achievement. These wins keep the mood positive and remind everyone of the true purpose of learning.
Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
—Katie Reed
Taking care of yourself is not just about being indulgent; it’s about ensuring you are at your best for your family. By creating life-giving habits, working with your brain instead of against it, utilizing your community, and having fun, you can thrive as a homeschool parent. Remember, when you thrive, your children thrive too. So take that time for self-care—you deserve it.
