Yes, you read that right! Take some time for you, as homeschooling can drain you faster than a cold glass of lemonade on a sultry summer evening. Finding something that will recharge you may seem like another thing to put on your “To Do” list, but if you need a reason, count it as a Teacher Professional Day or a homeschool requirement. 🙂 Now that I have you thinking about it, what are some ideas? I have some here and they cost practically nothing, and I think that is always a good thing, don’t you?

• Take a  bubble bath.  Nothing beats a long day of activity like a warm bubble bath! No kids allowed in, this is time for you.
• Read a good book.  goodreads has books that have been recommended by others and I have found it to be helpful when looking for a certain genre.
• Go for a walk or a bike ride. Having some alone time and getting exercise is a great combination to renew your mind and body.
• Call a friend. Yes, actually have a conversation with a friend instead of a quick text will help after a difficult week.
• Have a date night with your hubby. You don’t have to go anywhere since that requires preparation and oftentimes cash. Dale and I had what we called “couch time” where we would set aside time once a week or every other week in the evening to talk.
• Work on a project or a hobby. If you can find something that doesn’t take too long it is so rewarding to accomplish something. This can be painting your nails, making a card, working on a crossword puzzle, or going out in your garden.
• Break out the chocolate! Yes, I know you have a stash somewhere. Reward yourself with one or two pieces of antioxidant yumminess. After my mom passed away and my dad had to clean out the house to sell it, he said he found several  of my mom’s chocolate stashes. I remember that from time to time when I am putting a candy bar in a “secret place”.  It isn’t so much to hide from anyone else, but from me so I don’t eat it all at once!
• Watch a favorite movie. I don’t know how many times I have watched Price and Prejudice starring Kiera Knightly, but I love everything about that movie.
• Sit and do nothing. I threw that out there because I think we take so little time to just be still and quiet our minds. Keep a piece of paper and a pencil next to your chair. If you start to think of something you need to do, write it down, but don’t get up. Eventually, all of the things you thought you had to do will stop clamoring for your attention since you have written them down. If that is just too quiet, have some music playing quietly while you are resting. Pray and give all of the things that are wearing you down or are making you tired to Him. This works wonders for me and I don’t do it nearly as much as I should.

So… take time for yourself. You will have more energy and a better perspective about things when you do it. Have a great week!

~Lisa