Over the last couple of weeks, online websites have overflowed with tips regarding how to keep children and teens healthy and happy while they remain at home for an extended period of time. But in one online group I frequent, a mom joked, “The kids are fine, but me? Not so much. Is anybody checking on moms?”

I’m checking on you! Here are a few tips to help you maintain social, physical, and mental health as you endure social distancing measures and in some cases, stay at home orders. 

Tap into your support system. Travel restrictions and social distancing don’t have to prevent you from connecting with your usual homeschool tribe. Use social media to connect with fellow homeschool moms who are also making adjustments and will understand your struggles. Step into tech and chat with friends using FaceTime or a Google Hangout.

Learn something new. Check out Udemy, one of my favorite educational sites. It features a variety of self-paced online courses for people of all ages. Brush up on your culinary knife skills, learn to use oil pastels, or discover how to use a new piece of software. Many courses are reasonably priced at around $19.99. Some courses are priced as low as $11.99.

Pamper yourself. You may not be able to get to your nail tech or take advantage of your longstanding appointment at the hair salon. However, you can still pamper yourself at home. Here are a couple of my favorite at DIY treatments: 

• Brown Sugar Body Scrub: Mix up  ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup olive oil, and ¼ cup honey. Stir to combine. Once in the shower, apply the mixture to your skin and massage in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water and be sure to thoroughly rinse the shower when done. Oil can make the surface very slippery. 
• Oatmeal Facial Scrub: Combine ¼  cup ground oatmeal, 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons  plain yogurt. Mix thoroughly until a smooth paste forms. Smooth the mixture over your face, leave on for ten minutes, and wipe off with warm water and a soft washcloth.
• Simple Foot Soak: In a large basin or foot spa, add enough warm water to come up to your ankles. Add ½ cup of Epsom salt and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. 
• Soothing Lip Scrub: Combine ¼ teaspoon brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon olive, and ¼ teaspoon honey. Use your finger to gently spread the mixture over your lips a few times. Remove the scrub with a warm damp washcloth and then apply your favorite lip balm. 

Get outside…alone. You’re already making sure the kids get the fresh air and exercise they need, but don’t neglect yourself in this area. Take some time to enjoy the outdoors alone. Go out to the yard and do some stretches. Have a seat on the porch and read a book. Talk a walk. Outdoor time alone will provide the quiet time you need to refresh and reboot.

Start journaling. You likely have plenty of thoughts swirling around in your head right now. Clear the clutter from your mind by writing it all down. In addition, document any interesting details from the day and take to jot down the things you’re thankful for. Rereading your entries in the years to come will be an interesting experience. 

Create a photo journal. Each day, snap a pic of something fun or interesting your family is doing. Create a special photo album just for these pics. Once things settle down and regular life activities resume, consider creating a photo book using a company such as Shutterfly. This will make an awesome memory!

Keep pressing forward as you cultivate learners from the comfort of home!