Trying to find pockets of calm throughout the day. I’m appreciating the sunshine on our balcony more and more.
Much like the rest of NSW, my family and I are currently in lockdown. While this means we’re staying safe by staying home, it also means that there’s a bit of a juggling act in place right now in our household. Everyday is different. There are some days where I feel I’m nailing it on the homeschooling/work front and the fact we’re living life largely within the confines of our home but there are the other days where it’s the total opposite. My inbox is overflowing, the washing is piled up and I feel like I’m failing year one!
What I’ve tried to make peace with is the fact that the days will be like this, that there are going to be ups and downs and some days are going to be better than others. I try to find moments of calm throughout the day where I can, but I also know that I work better and am less stressed when there are certain systems in place to help me do what I need to do. So, here are some of the things that are helping me right now. I wanted to share in case they might help you too. I know we’re all doing the best we can and I’m thinking of everyone right now who is also facing the same very hectic juggling act.
Plan meals
Considering we’re spending a helluva lot of time at home that also goes hand in hand with a lot of meals that need to get made and onto the table. One thing that is making it a little less daunting is having a weekly meal planner. I map out what we’re eating throughout the week and I’ll order and have delivered most of the groceries needed ahead of time. Not having to do the mad scramble for meals (especially at dinner time) has been really helpful.
Morning meal prep
As most people with kids will attest the nighttime routine is a bit insane in terms of trying to get everyone fed, bathed, in their pyjamas and ready for bed. The worst thing is having hangry children on top of that! What I’ve been trying to do is do my meal prep in the morning so it means dinner is easily cooked or simply reheated in the evening and it makes the nights a little easier (and more peaceful).
Daily exercise
This is a non-negotiable for me. I need to do some kind of exercise to maintain my sanity and set me up for the day ahead. After breakfast, Luke will take over looking after the kids before he starts working and I’ll either go for a run or do some other form of exercise. It’s great for clearing the mind and also energising me for the juggle to come!
Try not to sweat the small stuff
Home schooling is not easy, and I take my hat off to teachers everywhere for what they do. Sophia is currently in year one so I’ve been doing my best to guide her through it as best as I can (as I said though, there are days where I feel like I’m failing year one!). I’ve been trying not to sweat the small stuff when it comes to school. We always concentrate on Maths and English but other times PE might be replaced with a scoot around our local oval or an art lesson might be replaced with some chalk drawing. I think Sophia is doing fine under these less than ideal circumstances as far as schooling goes so I think our system seems to be working for us. Everyone has their own approach but this is what’s working for our family.