“You should take a break.” 

“Hope you can get some rest.”  

Those are common things I hear from others. I must have exhaustion written all over me! Depending on what season of life you are in, maybe you are feeling the exhaustion, too. As a working, homeschooling mom, the pace of my life doesn’t make sense.  

There are literally days I do not stop until my head hits the pillow. I know I need rest. I recognize how healthy it is for me to rest once I actually get an abundant supply. 

We went to the beach for a few nights over the summer. I detached from social media, work, school, life! I journaled and took walks on the beach alone. We played board games as a family and giggled together. I wasn’t ruled by my agenda and to do list. I rested. It felt good to not have a tension headache. My family got the best version of me. I crave going back. 

So, what now?

In the midst of helping the kids with homework and working 6 days this week, how do you find rest? I wish I could sneak off to the beach tomorrow but it’s just not reality.  But, here are six practical ideas that may help. Please feel free to share others that work for you!

• Turn off the technology! I realized I was wasting valuable time of rest by watching TV or playing on social media. Turn off the screens and use that time to do something that will quiet your mind. You may find you have more time than you thought! You may even fall asleep earlier! 
• Learn to say no! I took a look at my responsibilities for an entire week. There were things I said yes to that I probably shouldn’t have. They were all great things, but not the best for someone trying to make rest a priority! 
• Learn to say yes! We were not made to go non-stop. We need rest. No one will fight for that for you. If you have to, schedule in time for activities that help you. Walks, getting your nails done, grabbing a coffee alone. My bubble baths are my time (and my kids know it). It may mean asking for help! 
• Enjoy the moment.  Sometimes the chaos in front of us is the rest we need. In the middle of the busy, God has giggles and encouragement for us with the people around us…songs to sing with and children to cheer for.  Many times we are stuck in our busy to see the moments we are to deeply cherish.
• Plan for a true break. There are times when restful moments are few and far between.  There isn’t a break in the near future! That’s when you look at the calendar and figure out when the break is. We will plan for a one-night beach trip or a day at Disney weeks in advance. It gives us time to save up for it and it gives my weary soul something fun to countdown to. 
• Most importantly, find time for God.  The thought of starting a devotion or waking up earlier to pray or read the Bible can sound like more work. The truth is, it’s where we will find the most rest. He is our refuge and our strength. When we go to Him in our exhaustion, He will make a way. 

These are all things I try, and sometimes fail at, each week. My heart desires the beach, but in the mean time, God has rest for us. Let’s make it a priority to find that space.