A few weeks before summer break always feels the most chaotic.
From baseball practices and games, orchestra, tutoring, and all the many events towards the end of the school year. I can barely keep up to make sure our house gets ready and out the door on time.
I’m sure many families experience the same feeling around this time of the year. It seems like after spring break to when summer break starts, our calendar is filled to capacity. With all the extras added to our already busy schedule, I felt on the verge of burnout a few times. I know my children have expressed feeling the same a few times as they countdown the days until summer break. It was all becoming mentally draining, honestly.
Another load of clothes to wash. Grocery shopping, MAP test prep. Award ceremonies and the list goes on. To everyone, I look like the “Supermom.” I do not feel super internally, and I actually do a good job at hiding it. This year I decided to change things up a bit and started to prioritize my mental health. I’ve also been making it clear to my children the importance of it and being able to advocate for themselves.
That has started to really help and shape our household for the better. A few other things that have worked is:
- At least 30 minutes of relaxation. Really doing something for myself or the quick “cat nap” has been extremely beneficial and makes me feel a little refreshed when my anxiety is getting the best of me.
- Communicating my boundaries and my limits. I am learning to love “no” and, at times, even a hard “no.”
- Having space and time with my husband and kids without an agenda. We’re always on the go, so being able to lounge around the house, movie or game nights, etc.
- Planning ahead for upcoming events and needs from my children.
- Not letting the laundry baskets pile up. A little a day goes a long way!
As we reach for the summer days, I hope a few of my tips help you like they have been helping me. The countdown is on.
