Homeschool burnout is real….and it is not something I wish for anyone. This is something I talk about when people come to me with questions as to whether or not they are doing the right thing, etc in homeschooling. I often ask if they are feeling burnt out or close to it. Because chances are, they are.
A few weeks ago I brought out a video on early signs of struggling with homeschool burnout and what you can do. It is something that I all think we need to be aware of – in our lives and in the lives of friends and family. I cover this in one of my modules in my How to Homeschool course.
But I want to bring the 3 key things to do when you feel burnt out from homeschooling. This is when you are seriously doubting everything and wondering if you can continue. When we feel burnt out, too many things to think about can be overwhelming. So here are just 3 key things.
TAKE A BREAK TO AVOID HOMESCHOOL BURNOUT
Be it an hour, a day, or a week, this break is not going to derail your children’s education. Step away and breathe. Get a change of scenery. Get outside. Do something relaxing to avoid homeschool burnout. Those lessons will be waiting.
Can I be bold enough to say “Plan and take a vacation”. You have a year to complete your time requirement. You don’t need to keep your vacations or holidays the same as where you live. This can be energizing and refreshing.
Maybe that is too much for you – and that is ok, but TAKE A BREAK!
REEVALUATE AND ADJUST
To prevent homeschool burnout, it is important to remember why you are doing this. (Check out the video on whys). Focus on the reasons you started this in the first place.
But ask if your expectations are too high. Maybe you need to adjust them. So often burnout can happen because we are putting too much pressure on ourselves to do too much or be too much.
Focus on what is important education wise with subjects and skills.
Adjust what you are learning or how you are doing it. Experiment with a new way to teach or even a new curriculum to handle homeschool burnout.
SEEK SUPPORT
Support is so important to battle homeschool burnout. You really can’t do this as an island. At the very least you need to be part of an archipelago.
Connect with other homeschoolers. Hearing their “been there, done that” stories can be so helpful. Share your feelings and seek advice.
Perhaps you could consider talking to a counselor or therapist, especially if you are struggling with stress or anxiety. It’s always good to talk.
These are the 3 key things you can do when you are feeling in burnout. Homeschooling is rewarding, but it is demanding. I think we all experience homeschool burnout at some point in our journey, and that is ok. Being aware of what you can do is so helpful. Maybe you are not at burnout right now, but keep these 3 keys in the back of your mind so you know what to do if (or when) that time comes.
Check out these other posts that look at burn out in homeschool:
Struggling with homeschool?
Why are you homeschooling? You need to know why.
