🔥 Healing From Burnout: Signs You’re Doing Too Much & How to Simplify

Jul 16

Homeschooling can be beautiful and life-giving.
But let’s tell the truth… sometimes it can also be exhausting.

Between lesson planning, parenting, cooking, cleaning, co-ops, emotional labor, and simply trying to be present—you might find yourself running on empty. And that, my friend, is where burnout begins to brew.

If you’ve been feeling depleted, you’re not failing. You’re simply being called to slow down and simplify. Let’s talk about what burnout looks like, and how to start healing—with grace, not guilt.

💭 What Is Burnout, Really?

Burnout is more than just being tired. It’s a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or doing too much with too little rest, support, or boundaries.

Homeschool burnout often sneaks up on us because we’re doing meaningful work—but even meaningful work needs rest.

🚨 Signs You Might Be Burned Out

Here are common signs you may be doing too much:

You wake up already dreading the day
You feel irritable, anxious, or emotionally flat
You're snapping more at your kids or partner
You feel guilt no matter what you do (or don’t do)
You keep adding more, hoping to “catch up”
You’ve lost joy in things that used to energize you
You feel like you’re constantly behind
The thought of planning anything feels overwhelming
You secretly daydream about sending the kids to school—not because it’s wrong, but because you’re desperate for space

If this feels familiar, pause. Breathe. Let’s gently walk through how to begin healing.

🌿 Step 1: Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down

Burnout thrives in shame and silence. So let’s name it with love.

You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to take a break.
You are allowed to say “this is too much.”

Your worth is not tied to how productive your homeschool day looks.

🧹 Step 2: Simplify Your Homeschool

Burnout often means there’s too much going on—mentally, emotionally, physically.

Here are ways to lighten the load:

✂️ Cut the Extras

You don’t need to do every subject every day.
Try looping subjects, doing themed weeks, or pausing extra activities temporarily.

🧠 Focus on the Essentials

What are your top 2–3 priorities? Reading, math, and connection are often more than enough in hard seasons.

🛠 Use Open-and-Go Resources

If you’re burned out, now’s not the time for DIY everything. Choose simple, low-prep tools that do the heavy lifting for you.

🛋 Lean Into Gentle Days

Have a poetry tea time. Watch a documentary. Do nature study in the backyard.
It all counts.

🧘🏿‍♀️ Step 3: Nourish the Nurturer (That’s You)

You cannot pour from an empty cup—and you shouldn’t have to.

Ask yourself:

Have I eaten today?
Am I drinking enough water?
When was the last time I did something just for me?

Simple Self-Nourishment Ideas:

Step outside and breathe deeply for 3 minutes
Write down one thing you’re grateful for
Take a midday tea break while the kids play
Ask for help—even a little bit can make a difference
Take one thing off your plate without guilt

You matter, too.

💬 Step 4: Say It Out Loud

You don’t have to carry this alone.

Text a trusted friend and say, “Hey, I’m feeling burnt out. Can I vent?”

Or write it in a journal. Or pray. Or cry. Or rest.
Releasing the pressure starts with giving it voice.

🧩 Step 5: Rebuild Your Days With More Margin

Burnout is a signal to slow down—not to quit, but to rebuild with more space for breath, beauty, and being.

Ask:

What can I let go of—just for now?
What brings joy and ease into our days?
Where can we simplify?

Build a rhythm that leaves room for rest, laughter, spontaneity, and presence.

You're Still a GREAT Homeschool Mom

Even when you're burned out.
Even when you cancel lessons.
Even when you're hiding in the bathroom for five quiet minutes.

You are still enough.
Your love, your presence, and your willingness to keep going—that’s what your kids will remember.

So rest when you need to.
Simplify without shame.
And know that healing is not only possible—it’s your birthright.

Terea Ford