I recently learned a lesson about the importance of rest. I’m pregnant while homeschooling – and boy does that require energy! During those first few months of sickness and exhaustion I was lucky if I made it to 2pm without falling asleep standing up. Okay, yes I’m exaggerating, but you probably know how I felt.
I couldn’t make it through the day without a nap. And at first I felt guilty about it. I tortured myself with all the things I should have been doing or could have done had I not slept. I chided myself about the quick meals I threw together at the last moment and about how the laundry pile was larger than usual.
But then, after much thought and encouragement from my husband, I realized the importance of rest.
Don’t Feel Guilty, It’s Good For Your Health
You need rest – even when you’re not pregnant. It’s natural and very important for your health. Not getting enough rest is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes and more. Not least of which is a classic case of the Grumpy Mommy. When well rested, I felt better and in turn I was more patient with my kids. A rested mom means a much happier household.
You’re Setting a Good Example
In a culture where we are often running from one activity to another, taking medicine to push through a cold or staying up late in an attempt to “do it all”, it’s good for our children to see us taking care of ourselves. I had to ask myself - would I want a daughter to push herself to the edge, or care for her body? It’s an easy choice when you think of what you would want a loved one to do.
It’s Not Just About Sleep – It’s About Evaluation
Last week, while doing an Apologia Bible Study with my kids, we read about creation. This section addressed how God rested on the seventh day, and gave a very enlightening point of view I had never considered. This is what was said:
On day seven God rested. This does not mean that God was tired or that He needed a day off. When the Bible says God rested, it means that He had completed His work. In doing so, He set an example for us to follow.
That was so eye opening to me! Resting doesn’t always have to be about a need. It can simply be a time to evaluate or admire. If we do not rest in our days or our homeschool years it can be all to difficult to see the big picture. Sometimes we just need to pause – rest – to see just how much we have accomplished, and that it is good.
Homeschool mom, do you need to step away from your harried schedule and mid year frenzy of trying to get it all done? Take some time to rest! Give yourself and your children some time to admire your accomplishments.
Cheryl blogs at Somewhat Crunchy and is the founder of The 2:1 Conference.
So true! I have been burning the candle at both ends lately. I could feel myself running out of steam, but didn’t do anything about it. Today, I am paying for it. The kids had the sniffles this weekend, but my run down body couldn’t fight it, so here I am, no voice, no energy, cold and achy. However, my daughter thought today was great. She did some school work alone and then sat by me and worked on crafts. We got to talk and nap. She just told me how she liked our break from running here and there. Guess I’ll have to do it more often – without the sick part!
Such an important topic! If we won’t rest for our own good, we *need* to rest to care for our family and set a sound example, like you mentioned!
We also read that last week in Apologia Who Is God? about rest, too. And I was thinking the same thing. That God designed the Sabbath to remind us that resting is good…not a bad thing as society wants us Moms to think! I am learning to rest more even though I home school an 8 year old and a 15 year old. We were up very early this morning…so it may be a nap day!! =)
Sorry for the link error! =\
Rest is something that I’m trying to learn, too. Resting is actually productive.
Thank you for your post. I am in my first trimester with my third child and I am learning the importance of rest all over again. I just started preschool with my three year old this year and also have a little one that turns 1 on March 14th and I have had to make myself remember to take a break during nap times or else I think I would as you say fall asleep standing up. Also the morning sickness is not as bad if I have plenty of rest. Have a blessed day.