“There is only one difference between the madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane.
I know I am mad.” – Salvador Dali

We may all define “sanity” a bit differently, but we can probably agree on the fact that homeschooling can sometimes pull at the last thread of each of ours. Here are a few simple things I cling to in order to bring a little balance to my days.

#1 QUIET TIME

“Quiet time” is a sacred time of separation in our house and something we all, frankly, look forward to. The parameters are simple. You must stay in your room, and you must be QUIET. Sometimes, if we’ve had a tough morning, at least part of this time is used to catch up on school work that my kids can easily accomplish on their own. But, usually, it’s a time for self-directed play. Legos, reading, drawing, Minecraft – it’s all good, as long as it’s QUIET.

“Quiet time” is my time to prepare for the afternoon, catch up on household chores, or relax with a Diet Coke and something I enjoy, just because. Which brings me to my next point…

#2 IDENTIFY SOMETHING (OR A FEW THINGS) THAT TRULY BRING YOU JOY — AND KEEP DOING THEM

Especially if you’re transitioning from public school to homeschool, you may be surprised to experience the immensity of the shake-up that homeschooling will create in your daily routine. As you embrace the shake-up, it’s important to identify something, or a few things, that you do – just for you – and continue to make time for them. For me, it’s running and crochet. The two activities feed completely different areas of my soul, but when I go too long without them, I can just feel the joy draining from me, and consequently, our homeschool joy quotient also goes down.

What is it for you? Exercise? Reading for pleasure? Catching an episode of your favorite show on Netflix? Gardening? It doesn’t really matter what you do, as long as it’s FOR you.

#3 AN EASY GO-TO MAKEUP ROUTINE

Hear me out before you dismiss this point as frivolous or silly. First, if you have never been a make-up wearer, then this point probably isn’t for you. But, if you have ever, even in a previous life, enjoyed a good shadow or gloss, then read on. When I first started homeschooling, I subscribed to the, “Who cares? Nobody sees me anyway,” mentality. But, the truth is, I feel better about myself when I put a little effort into myself, and sometimes, friends, it’s the little things. Admittedly, I don’t have time for a full-on makeup routine and I’m usually found pulling my hair back into a messy bun. But, I have found a few go-to makeup products that help me to feel put-together and ready to face the day in five minutes or less. For me, it’s:

• a powder-based foundation that goes on quickly (HUGE fan of Clinique’s Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer)
• a little blush for my pale, sun-starved cheeks
• chocolate eye liner.

Maybe for you it’s your favorite gloss and mascara, or the perfect bronzer. Whatever it might be that makes you feel a little pretty, go for it! It’s not true that “nobody sees you anyway.” You see you. Your husband sees you. And if a little makeup can boost your confidence, then it’s totally worth it.