We all know that being a homeschooling mom is no easy feat. It’s an incredible journey filled with joy, challenges, and endless responsibilities. I believe it is even more important for homeschool moms to take some time for themselves, since homeschooling is often a full time job – it overflows into every facet of life. Today, I want to talk about a self-care secret that has made a world of difference in my life as a homeschool mom: reading. Yes, you heard it right! If you follow me on Instagram, you always see me recommending books and audiobooks. I am an avid reader and many of my children have followed suit. While I do read for educational or development reasons, many of the books I read are just for personal enjoyment. Reading is my number one form of self care.
Let’s dive into the therapeutic power of reading and why it should be an essential part of every homeschool mom’s self-care routine.
Self Care Benefits of Reading as a Homeschool Mom:
- Reading Expands Your Mind and Imagination:
Picture this: You’re curled up on your favorite couch, a cup of coffee in hand, completely engrossed in a gripping story that takes you far away from the daily homeschooling routine. Sound heavenly? That’s the beauty of reading! It offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of our lives and immerse ourselves in the worlds created by authors. Trust me, taking some time each day to delve into a good book can do wonders for your mind and spirit. One of my favorite series lately is Chronicles of the Kings, by Lynn Austin – incredible Biblical fiction series, primarily about King Hezekiah. Biblical Fiction is my favorite genre, so I could recommend books on this all day long! Follow me on Instagram to see more books I have read.
- Reading Expands Knowledge and Perspectives:
Homeschool moms are typical lovers of learning. Well, reading is the perfect tool to expand our knowledge and explore new horizons. As homeschool moms, we’re always on the lookout for ways to enhance our children’s education. Reading allows us to dive into subjects beyond the curriculum, whether it’s non-fiction books on personal interests or works of fiction that introduce us to diverse characters and cultures. The more we know, the more we can enrich our homeschooling experience and bring fresh ideas to our homeschool.
- Reading Promotes Emotional and Mental Well-being:
For the most part, I am at peace when reading. If I am reading a book for pure knowledge, I will typically read that book during the morning or early afternoon, when my brain can absorb the information best. However, I always read fiction books later in the day or before bed, so my mind can unwind and relax. As silly as it may seem, I have learned so much about Biblical characters I may not have otherwise chosen to study from the fictional books I have read. This has prompted me to dig into my Bible more times than I can count.
It’s been proven that reading can reduce stress levels by providing a temporary break from our worries and helping us focus on the present moment. Connecting with the characters and stories on an emotional level enhances our empathy and emotional intelligence.
If you need more resources and help with mental well-being, you may appreciate:
Bible Verses For Anxiety + Bookmark
Happy Juice – my favorite Mental Health supplement
- Reading Nurtures Personal Growth:
We’re constantly encouraging our children to grow and learn, but what about us? Reading as a form of self-care allows us to nurture our own personal growth. Books serve as mirrors, reflecting our own experiences and validating or challenging our emotions. They also act as windows, showing us different perspectives and challenging our beliefs. Engaging with diverse literature can inspire resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. I will often listen to personal growth books on Audible, while I am cooking or cleaning, and sometimes in the car. You can get your first book free from Audible.
- Reading Inspires and Encourages Your Children:
As homeschool moms, we have the privilege of being our children’s educators and role models. When they see us immersed in a good book, we inspire them to develop a love for reading and learning too. Sharing stories together creates moments of connection, sparks conversations, and nurtures a love of literature in the whole family.
BOOK LISTS YOU MAY ENJOY:
Reading is a powerful tool that can transport us to new worlds, expand our knowledge, boost our emotional well-being, nurture personal growth, and create precious bonding moments with our children. So, let’s carve out some time in our busy schedules, grab a book, and embark on a self-care journey through the therapeutic power of reading. Your mind, spirit, and homeschooling journey will be all the better for it.
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