How do you work and homeschool without burning out?
How do you work and homeschool without going crazy?
How do you work and homeschool and feel like you haven’t lost yourself?
Minimalism is all about having exactly what you need and love… in a space, in a day, in a homeschool… so it’s important to talk not only about how to work and homeschool logistically, but also to talk about how to stay sane while doing this.
In a previous post on how to work and homeschool, I laid out 5 really important logistical considerations for anyone learning how to work and homeschool. Here, I’d like to give you 5 more tips on how to work and homeschool, but let’s think a little more about how we can do those two things without overwhelm and insanity, shall we?
Everybody wants you to be awesome, not crazy.
Let’s go!
1. Sleep
Honest truth: I do not wake up at some God-awful hour before my children stir.
Why? Well, my children wake up terribly early! And, I am reluctant to go to bed immediately after my children at night because I need some time (ok, quite a bit of time) to unwind and get myself ready to actually sleep. I am wound pretty tight by the end of the day. I mean, hello? working, homeschooling, parenting, writing, wife-ing (what is the verb for that?)… Of course my brain is on overdrive by the end of the day.
I know, I know, everybody tells you to wake up early in order to have a productive day, so I’m going completely rogue here. But, here’s why: I see way too many women “hustling” with their jobs and children, and completely burning-out. Like, serious health issues burning-out. I simply cannot support that. I will not glorify burning the candle at both ends.
If you think you may possibly be dealing with any version of adrenal fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, or even pre-adrenal fatigue, then the morning hours are the best time for you to sleep. Some of your best rest may come between 6am-10am. Just sayin’. I know we can’t all sleep in until 10, but even sleeping until 8am (instead of setting a 5am alarm) could determine whether or not you seriously crash in a year or two (or three).
> Read about Adrenal Fatigue Basics
I’m not just about getting things done. I’m about being happy and healthy, too. I happen to think that the happy, healthy part contributes to my productivity, my attitude, and the sustainability of homeschool and work.
The bottom line: get your sleep. Don’t prioritize hustle or homeschooling over health.
2. Self-Care is Actually Self-Preparation
I don’t wake up really early, but my children do know that I will not respond to anything less than an emergency before I have eaten and gotten myself ready for the day. I mean, I hug them, and I am pleasant as I go about my morning, but I am focused on myself. They are cool with that. Yes, I have to remind them – they are ages 4-12. I’ll be honest, the youngest still ends up peeking into my shower 50% of the time. I try. The rule eventually sticks as they get older.
What I make sure to do in the mornings has changed as life demands. Some things have been walking, prayer/Bible reading time, writing, customer service tasks, working out… and always eating, and getting ready. What do you need to do to be at your best for your jobs today?
Read Why I Don’t Think About Self-Care & I Still Thrive
3. Mandate Free Time
I schedule quiet time most afternoons with all of my kids. I aim for 2 hours, ideally. Sometimes it’s less. I may work, or I may rest. My children may finish up independent schoolwork, play, or I’ll read to them.
Oh yeah, that whole “work while the baby naps,” or “homeschool while the baby naps” hasn’t ever really appealed to me. Again, I do better when I use that time to refresh myself and do something that is most valuable to me at that moment. Sure, I might want to work or homeschool during that time, but I might not.
Again, be intentional with this time. What is the best way that you can spend this time? What will bring you the most peace?
I recommend that you spend some serious time thinking about what would help you the most, and use those quiet afternoon minutes for that. Notice that I said “what would help you the most,” and not “what you feel most obligated to do.” They may be the same. They may not.
Think about how margin can look on a weekly and annual basis, too. I also take specific months of the year with no activities. I try to choose one day a week (at least) where we don’t have to be any.where.
4. Minimalist Homeschool
I am really intentional about what we do in our homeschool and how we do it, and I could not work and homeschool, and write, and…. if I didn’t use the Minimalist Homeschooling mindset.
I am determined to fill an education with exactly what is needed and what is loved – without the clutter. This frees up my time and allows me to choose resources that suit our family dynamics.
For example, I am a big fan of teaching children to work independently starting before they can even read. And there’s more, but I’m not going to reinvent that wheel here (You can get the whole process in my book called “Minimalist Homeschooling”).
Our homeschool is super-efficient, and you can read the book, or join our membership to learn how to do it yourself!
> Take the Free personal Minimalist Homeschooling Audit.
5. Create a Dream Team
Great athletes have a dream team of coaches, mentors, trainers, doctors, nutritionists… In short, the people who want to be at the top of their game invest in the people who will help them be at their best. If you’re feeling like you’re not performing at your best while you work and homeschool, find your dream team.
Start with your weaknesses. If homeschooling is the source of crazy in your life, find a mentor to help with that (Hi! have we met? That’s exactly what I do!). If you’re feeling like you’re failing at housework or meals, then get a professional to help you. If you have tasks in your business that are falling through the cracks, invest in a dream employee.
Basically, if you feel like something is failing, boost up your support group so you can be at your best. Being at your best does NOT mean that you got there solo.
There you have it, 5 more tips on how to work and homeschool (without losing your sanity)! What are your best tips about working while homeschooling?
What questions do you have? Maybe I’ll write a blog post next to answer your questions!
Wishing you all the simple things,
Zara
If you’re looking to trade doubt and overwhelm, for confidence and clarity in your homeschool, and life, here are 3 ways I can help. I’m here when you need me!
- Join us in the Simple is the New Smart Membership. This is the most economical way to learn Minimalist Homeschooling through the audiobook and countless tutorials, get support, and have access to useful printables. It’s like having a homeschool coach – without the price tag. I’ll see you there!
- Come join our Facebook Community. You’ll find like-minded homeschoolers who want to keep things simple, focused, and valuable!
- Look for the book Minimalist Homeschooling on Amazon. This is the book that started it all. You’ll get a no-nonsense step-by-step guide to design a homeschool, and change your mindset.
