It will happen. Sooner or later you’re going to ask about how to be happy in your homeschooling.
You’re going to feel the homeschool burnout.
Some days you may even think, “I hate homeschooling!”
(It’s OK. For real. You’re going to have bad days or seasons . . . even in homeschooling. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.)
Look . . .
. . . I’ve been talking to some people.
Namely?
Other moms.
And, I have not talked to one mom (NOT ONE) who has felt like she’s rocking the balanced life.
Not. One.
Here’s the deal . . .
We’re tired.
We’re overwhelmed.
We’re haggard.
And, I’m vowing to get to the bottom of it.
But . . .
Homeschooling is hard.
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There are so many homeschooling challenges that we fight EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Add to that the “momming” part and, (for some of us) working while homeschooling, and well, we’re pretty much zombies who have lost our “how to be happy in homeschooling” mojo.
(Seriously, ForgetAboutIt if you work another job in addition to your mom job AND your homeschooling job. I don’t even know how you’re making it through this post right now!)
Anyway . . .
Each time I have this “how to be happy in homeschooling” discussion with another mom I follow-up with:
“Why are all of us tired moms who are overwhelmed? What’s the secret on how to be happy and get more balance in our lives while homeschooling?”
And, that’s when I hear ::crickets::
I mean, if we knew how to be happy, relax more, and decrease our homeschooling stress, we’d do it.
RIGHT?
(I know I would!)
In the months that I’ve been exploring this topic, not one of the moms was able to pinpoint one answer for their homeschool chaos (let alone a solution).
It always just seems like so much chaos:
- We’re juggling too much.
- Our busy homeschool schedule is out of control.
- We’re not getting enough sleep
because we’re spending late nights researching homeschool curriculum. - Our houses are a mess, but we don’t have time to keep them clean and organized.
- We want to eat healthy, but the last thing we have the energy to do is to make a homemade meal after a long, busy homeschool day.
- We’re single parents homeschooling.
- We have to work and homeschool.
(Or, you can insert one, or 12, of your own reasons here.)
It all seems like the perfect swirling storm of many things that leave stressed-out moms who are feeling the homeschool burnout.
Since I vow to not go through another entire year feeling like this, I’ve been researching clutter, chaos, and calming solutions to get to some answers on how to be happy while homeschooling and calm the chaos when life is busy.
I thought I’d share what I’ve learned just in case any of these can help you balance homeschooling and home (and work), get back on the right track, spend less time feeling overwhelmed. . .
. . . you know, help you with that homeschool burnout!
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6 Systems on How to Be Happy, How to Manage Homeschool Stress, and How to Live a Less Chaotic Life
Have you ever noticed how some other countries or cultures just seem to get it when it comes to living and loving life, how to be happy, and creating an almost stress-free existence?
(If you’ve ever tried to shop in a boutique in Italy after lunch when everything closes down for riposo (rest time), you understand.
Or Spain. Siesta.
Or many other countries.
Some other countries have mastered something that us in the US haven’t yet—rest, relaxation, and shutting off work to spend time with friends and family.
So, let’s take a look at those systems on how to be happy and then translate them over into our busy homeschool schedule.
These are ways of thinking from other countries/cultures or “systems” that may help you transition from your chaotic, overwhelmed state to a better way of being.
(Dare we say, more balance between home and homeschooling? GASP.)
If you’re overwhelmed or feeling homeschool burnout or depression, try incorporating one of these before making any major decisions.
How to Be Happy System #1: Hygge
Hygge (pronounced hue-gah , but you’ll also see hoo-gah depending on which website you’re reading or what you’re watching) is a Danish word that basically boils down to living in the moment.
(There is no English equivalent of the word, so it’s hard to explain.)
According to HyggeHouse.com, hygge is:
“A Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special…Hygge literally only requires a conscious appreciation, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present. That’s why so many people distill ‘hygge’ down to being a ‘feeling’ – because if you don’t feel hygge, you probably aren’t using the word right.”
Wow.
Be present and enjoy it.
That sounds awesome, right?
(Especially in a world of always being connected and go! go! go!)
READ THIS NEXT FOR MORE HELP:
STARTING TO HATE HOMESCHOOLING? | WHAT TO DO WITH HOMESCHOOL BURNOUT
Finding Hygge Documentary [VIDEO]
I recently got to preview Finding Hygge, an awesome documentary about Hygge.
(The creators are from my area.)
If you get a chance to see it, DO IT!
It was enlightening and interesting to see everyone’s different definition of Hygge and how it happens with their friends and family.
How to Hygge
Hygge is one of the hardest concepts to explain.
Apparently, you can’t really do hygge, you just be hygge.
It’s a feeling.
(It all sounds very 60s flower child, I know, but stay with it.)
It’s as simple as enjoying moments over cherishing possessions — unplugging and celebrating experiences and cherishing relationships.
It also means enjoying the little things in life.
(If you want that piece of chocolate cake, don’t deprive yourself! Have it and enjoy it! You’re welcome!)
Learn how to hygge your homeschool with these books:
How to Be Happy System #2. Lagom
Lagom (lah-gohm) is a Swedish word that means “just the right amount,” or not too little and not too much.
Lagom doesn’t believe in living life to extremes (like working too much or not enough).
Instead, Lagom wants you to live your life in the middle.
It’s about creating balance.
(Huh. There’s that word again.)
Experts say that lagom is the reason that Sweden consistently ranks high on both productivity and how to be happy.
How to Lagom
Here are some ways to add Lagom to your homeschooling:
- Do more with less
- Take frequent breaks
- Create manageable To-Do lists and stop overbooking!
- Reprioritize what matters most (while letting go of the rest)
WE TALK A LOT ABOUT HOW TO ACHIEVE THESE BULLET POINTS IN OUR FREE SMART GOALS WORKBOOK. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD IT HERE!
Learn how to lagom your homeschooling with these books:
How to Be Happy System #3. Ikigai
Quick, answer this question:
What’s the reason that you get up in the morning?
Ikigai (ee-kee-gah-ee) is “a Japanese concept that means ‘a reason for being.’”
It’s about living life to its fullest while also realizing what you’re supposed to be doing.
And, since feeling uneasy with yourself and your “purpose” can be unsettling, practicing Ikigai can help sort out some of that chaos in your life.
It is the perfect Venn diagram for finding yourself and purpose in life.
How to Ikigai
According to WeForum.org, you can start the Ikigai process with four questions:
What do you love?
What are you good at?
What does the world need from you?
What can you get paid for?
Learn how to Ikigai your homeschooling with these books:
How to Be Happy System #4. Lykke
Lykke (luu-kah) is the Danish word for “happiness” or “good fortune.”
It is like hygge, but this movement is a journey toward how to be happy according to several areas in life.
How to Lykke
Lykke focuses on creating happiness in six major life categories:
- Togetherness
- Money
- Health
- Freedom
- Trust
- Kindness
Learn how to lykke your homeschooling with this book:
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How to Be Happy System #5. About Gökotta
Gökotta (zyohh-koh-tah) is a Swedish concept that means “listen to the morning birdsong.”
Although there is no English word equivalent, it basically boils down to getting up early just to go out and listen to the birds sing.
Gökotta stems from the mentality that spending time in nature boosts mental and physical wellbeing.
Just by simply appreciating the little things, it can crack the how to be happy code, making you more peaceful and more energetic.
How to Gökotta
Build nature time into your day and the family’s homeschooling day.
Get out just to be out!
Learn how to Gökotta your homeschooling with these books:
How to Be Happy System #6. Fika
Fika (fee-ka) is a Swedish (see a theme here?) word that means a coffee break.
However, it’s not just a coffee break.
Instead, it’s about slowing down and enjoying the good things in life–where you stop and savor the moment.
From Fika: The Art of The Swedish Coffee Break
:
“Functioning as both a verb and a noun, the concept of fika is simple. It is the moment that you take a break, often with a cup of coffee, but alternatively with tea, and find a baked good to pair with it. You can do it alone, you can do it with friends. You can do it at home, in a park or at work. But the essential thing is that you do it, that you make time to take a break: that’s what fika is all about.”
How to Fika
TheKitchn.com states, “As long as you are brewing a good cup of coffee (or tea as the case may be), eating something good with it, and taking some time to take a break and enjoy the moment, you’re having a fika.”
Build fika into your homeschooling day by unplugging, gathering around, enjoying a cup of coffee or tea (or hot cocoa . . . or whatever your thing is) and just enjoy being together.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be at home!
You can fika at a park or cafe, too!
Learn how to fika your homeschooling with these books:
Have you tried any of the systems mentioned here?
Do any of them seem like something you’re interested in adding to your homeschooling in your how to be happy and chaos calming quest?
Let’s talk in the comments!
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