Burnout is a perfect time for some self-care. The best plan forward is one that takes time to look back and learn.
I plan a personal self-care retreat.
The New Year signals the start for new resolutions, goals, schedules, or rhythms. This also happens in mid-spring as we look ahead toward summer, vacations, camps, and time with extended family. Another fresh start in our society is August with “Back-To-School” in the fall.
These times are commonly preceded by burnout, which makes it a perfect time for some self-care
What is a personal self-care retreat?
This is time you intentionally plan and schedule for yourself. It is Your Day Off! Whether you homeschool or not, we all know that parenthood is a 24-7 job.
This is not vacation (there is a lot of adult-ing on vacation – amiright?). This is intentional time for you to reset and refuel so that you can return to your home and your family refreshed and inspired. The best news? This can also be practiced under any budget!
A day away is a critical component to self-care. It’s also a time to conduct a 360-degree review of yourself, your family and homeschool. Include your children’s and spouse’s highs, lows, and interests from your last learning season as well as any declarations and interests for the upcoming one.
when do i plan my personal retreats?
I’ve grown these retreat days to 3 times a year. Around the New Year, again in April/May and a day in late summer. I’ve found these are the seasonal times where our family naturally shifts gears. Do what works for you.
what does this look like in practice?
For my DIY self-care retreat, I take a day and leave the house. 😊 That way my sweet family doesn’t inadvertently entice me back into mommying.
You cannot do this in your own home.
Take a journal, computer, and a book or two (you may use all of them or not).
Drive downtown or to a nearby town and walk among the shops, take a long break in a cute coffee shop or pretty hotel lobby. You may want to wander in a park if it’s nice and have lunch at a nice restaurant. Poke around a new library or bookstore. Listen to a podcast or audio book. These should be things that feed and rejuvenate you, think about what energizes and inspires you.
In these spaces, I’m often flushed with creative ideas or inspiration which I may jot down. Use this time to assess where you are, where you are going and reflect on what has gone well and hasn’t. Where are the patterns to note? Where can you create an environment within yourself and in your home to grow personally and relationally?
It’s not all work though, be sure to shop a bit, or wander, have a bite to eat or talk on the phone with a friend. A personal retreat is day of refreshment and rest where you refuel, dream, and reignite passion for the season ahead. It’s time to get your thoughts in gear about how to drop what isn’t working or rethink its approach.
who watches my kids?
I’ve used different resources over the years: my spouse, family, a babysitter. Another idea is to coordinate a personal retreat swap date with a friend to watch the kids – and then return the favor!
here are a few planning tips as you plan for your retreat.
- What are your personal goals for this time?
- What do you need to reach these goals?
- Where can this best happen that won’t clutter your mind with distractions, demands?
- Add more time than you think.
- Figure out logistics and cover for your responsibilities.
- Do you need child-care or are the kids able to be self-sufficient with some prep?
- Meals – make ahead, is another family member able to cover, take-out, frozen dinner?
- Have a conversation with your family and make sure everyone is on the same page. This is good modeling for everyone on how to ask for what you need and have it respected.
- Mark the date(s) and take the time!
- Follow this day with a pre-scheduled time set aside with your partner (or friend, if single) to share and receive feedback.
A Note About transitions.
Transitioning back to rhythm successfully is to take it slow and steady. Change happens slowly, just as nature slowly awakens from winter with crocuses before daffodils, followed by tulips and then azaleas. We also need to transition back into rhythm with small shifts over time.
A full day on the first day back may work in the short-term, but you’ll hit a friction point that first week as excitement wanes and groans increase.
Instead, set everyone up for success and pick up your rhythms slowly. Start with the quick wins first.
Be ready to re-approach former boiling points with a new lens and add them back last.
I hope you find this inspiring and helpful. Reach out if you have any particular questions.
Is self-care something you practice? I’d love to hear your take on it and what it gives to you and your family!
