Diffusing Stress
I don’t think I need to say that homeschooling is a BIG job. We all know that. And it doesn’t take long after beginning homeschooling for the first time, for you to realize that. Not only can it be physically demanding, but emotionally as well. BUT, most of us also know that all this comes with awesome and simply amazing blessings. I’m sure all of us have various reasons for choosing to homeschool, some the same, some unique, however, we’re all in this together.
That’s why I would love to share some of the things that have helped me on a daily basis to learn how to deal with and diffuse stress. I believe we have all experienced stress with homeschooling, right?! If you’re like me, it’s on a daily basis. And how I’ve learned to handle the onset of it, has made the difference between joy versus no joy in my homeschool.
1. DAILY RENEWAL
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 41:2
When we are seeking contentment in our lives – seeking to be changed into women who glorify God – we turn to the Word of God to find the way. – Luci Swindoll
The first and most important thing we need to remember is to “renew” our minds through God’s Word daily. Since I have begun the daily repetitive study of God’s Word, there’s simply no comparison to the days I’m not. There have been a few days I’ve rushed into “life” forgetting to stop and take that all important time, and within a few hours I can see a difference in how I’m handling things. BUT, please do not make the same mistake I made in the beginning in thinking you are failing because you don’t get Bible study in every single day. I have an “all or none” type of personality, which can be a real blessing, but I had to learn to keep reality and MERCY in focus in this “season” of my life.
2. JUST BREATHE
I also know that no matter how much we renew our minds, it’s not going to stop the homeschooling life from challenging us! But, it will certainly help me stay focused on the “higher” goal. So, in that moment when you feel your heart racing…you know when your 1 1/2 year old, while you’re distracted teaching your 8 year old, decides to paint the town red on your brand new painted walls…the first matter of importance to me is to “just breathe.” I know you’re thinking, “I do that all the time Melissa!” What I mean is don’t just breathe, breathe deeply. I’ve learned to stop in my tracks and breathe deeply in through my nose for a couple seconds, and out through my mouth for about 4 seconds. I do this a few times until I feel the stress begin to diffuse. Trust me, it really works!!! And then I tell myself “It’s ok, this too shall pass.” Once I do this, I’m always able to deal more calmly and appropriately with what’s going on.
3. TALK THE TRUTH TALK
When it just seems you are being battered left and right, and you begin to slowly feel the downward progression of your strength and mood, try some positive Truth talk. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be verbal, it can be inward talk, but if you choose to be verbal you’ll get some strange and entertaining looks from your kids! This positive talk for me is reminding myself of the Truths that God has shown in my life. When I’m feeling down I seem to start forgeting these Truths and need reminding. I listed some of them in Part 4 of my “Listening to the Voice of Truth” blogs. Even if it feels “fake”, speak the Truth to yourself. The world has taught us to “listen to our feelings”, that’ll tell you what to do… I beg to differ! Unfortunately satan can use those feelings to lie to us, he used my feelings to chain and bound me. It’s imperative we mediate upon God’s Truth and hold everything up to it!
4. REMEMBER GOD’S GRACE AND MERCY
“Begin again.” This has been a very important phrase for me. Precious homeschool mothers, remember God’s grace and mercy is sufficient for us every day! In the past when I would “mess up”, I’d spiral out of control with negative talk to myself, and quickly end up in the gutter. Now I fully accept that I’m not perfect, and I begin again, keeping my eyes on the goal.
These are some of the most important things that have helped me through stressful and anxiety-filled days. I hope that they may be of help to you. God’s blessings to you and your homeschool.
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