4 Tips to beat the overwhelm.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed or exhausted by homeschooling and think how much easier it would be to just send them to school? I promise, you are not alone! Whether you have ten kids or one, we all go through these times of thinking we just can’t keep going, or we are failing our kids, or the system must be able to do it better.

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!!

My daughter loves to encourage moms when she hears them say they don’t feel like a good mom by telling them, “if you’re worrying about being a good mom, you already are!” The same goes for homeschooling. If you are worrying about whether you’re doing right by your kids, whether it’s enough, whether they’ll succeed in life, whether they will actually even survive (if you haven’t experienced this thought yet – YAY!) … you’re doing a good job!!

But, these thoughts and feelings still exist right? It’s not enough for someone just to tell you you’re doing well. How in the world can you get through this season and still have the energy to follow through on what you set out to accomplish for the year and still do it again next year?

1. Pray.
I know…you probably have been. It probably seems like all you’ve been doing. But it’s truly the best thing you can do. Or maybe you’ve forgotten all about prayer because you feel so burdened by all that’s going on you couldn’t even muster up the words. That’s when I go to scripture and start praying scripture. When my thoughts are swirling out of control, praying scripture not only allows me to praise God for His awesomeness when I can’t necessarily feel it, but also helps me express how little I can do about my current circumstance. My favorite passages to pray are:

• Psalm 91
• Psalm 34
• Psalm 27
  So many of the Psalms make great prayers. Spend time reading and meditating on them and I know the Lord will give you peace and minister to your spirit.

2. Journal.
Journaling (even if you don’t like to write) is another one of those things I often forget about, but writing down all the thoughts and emotions swirling in my head often helps to just make it feel a little more organized. I typically combine journaling with prayer – writing as though I’m writing to Jesus rather than to myself. That also helps make my prayer feel a little more organized and I often hear the Lord reveal lies I’m holding on to as I write. Many times I’ll be telling Him how confused I am over something or whining that I don’t want to do something and I’ll hear Him ask, “do you trust me?” or say, “maybe my plan is better than your plan.” I highly recommend writing down your thoughts and allowing the Lord to reveal His goodness in it.

3. Get outside and move.
Maybe this seems silly to you, but it really is such a good nervous system regulator. Taking a walk, wrangle everyone and going for a stroll in the woods or park, or even just go outside where everyone can be exposed to the sunlight and fresh air. This can positively change the trajectory of the day so quickly. Tips to make this an even bigger success:

1. Move strenuously enough to sweat (walk, jog, play tag/soccer/basketball etc., lift weights, whatever you choose.)
2. Go outside in your bare feet and get them in the dirt. Ok, it doesn’t literally have to be dirt, but at least grass. Get your bare feet touching the EARTH without anything interfering.
3. Leave all your devices inside/in your car. Be present in the moment. If you’re alone, use this time to chat with God.
4. Try to get out in the sun, but go even if it’s cloudy! Skip sunglasses. If you’re eyes are really sensitive to the sun opt for a hat instead. Allowing your eyes to be exposed to the natural light helps your circadian rhythm, promotes proper production of hormones affected by light in the eyes including, but not limited to, helping with natural production of Vitamin D, protects your depth perception, and allows for proper peripheral vision. (You can read more about that in this article from American Optical.)

4. Plan a date with your spouse.
It may not be feasible to actually get a sitter and have an extravagant date. It never was for us. But, get creative. Part of your overwhelm may simply be coming from not having the time and opportunity to carry the load together or even just to share what’s going on. Different seasons of our lives have allowed (or not allowed is more like it) for very much communication at all. It took me many years to recognize that I needed to make time for John and I to reconnect. Almost always, even if the circumstances didn’t change immediately, the burden and weight I was carrying all alone lifted significantly. So, what creative ways can you have a date without sending the kids off to a sitter or paying for an expensive dinner? Here’s just one scenario that could work:

Have a movie night for your kids or put them to bed a little early. If you put them to bed, make sure to follow the normal routine you do every night starting from suppertime on. This will help them adjust to going to bed a little bit earlier. If you’re planning a movie night, start hyping that up around suppertime! Maybe make a fun supper or order pizza. Plan popcorn and showcase the movie so they can all get excited about it. Let the kids make a fort to hang out in while watching the movie and having their popcorn.

As soon as you feel they’re settled in, you and your spouse can decide if you’re going to snuggle on the couch and be present together or head to the kitchen or another room and chat. Don’t underestimate the value of cuddling on the couch prior to having a serious talk. A little physical touch can go a long way, especially when you’re feeling disconnected.

I hope and pray these tips help you and encourage you as we approach the end of the school year. God will often give us more than we think we can handle… but HE can handle it and is waiting for us to ask Him for help. Go to Him. Trust Him. He loves you so much and He has plans to prosper you and give you hope! He will never leave you or forget you!

May the Lord bless you and keep you!

Love,
Susan