All Moms coming out of hybrid remote learning models like–

I totally don’t think I can do THIS anymore…

THIS… referring to Moms having to be ALL THE THINGS. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  Not JUST being a Teacher– but also being the Main Chef.  The Head Taxi Driver.  And what seems like the only person who cares if the house is somewhat clean–therefore also being the Only Housecleaner.  Ha.  I’ve probably never had to multitask so much in my life.   Can anyone relate?

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that I would be doing a hybrid learning model with my three children.  My older children are in 9th and 7th grade.  They go to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Then are home with “yours truly” on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  My youngest is in 1st grade, and she goes to school from Monday through Thursday and then is home on Fridays (yes..that’s right…all three kids learning from home on this day – yay!).  To top it off, last week, our elementary school had several cases causing the school to close.  So it was entirely remote learning for my youngest- which also meant the week was a complete and utter blur for me. Ha!

And despite the insanity that 2020 has brought our way- I still can’t believe that I am somehow holding it together slightly better than what I ever thought I would when this whole thing went down.  (I’ve still had my share of breakdowns though…believe me!)

But I really started thinking– what have I done differently during this particular time of crisis- compared to times in my life previously that I barely made it through???  I can’t say I’m thriving, but I am surviving —  So– I wanted to offer a few tips that maybe you can benefit from to help you during these very difficult times!

 

FIVE TIPS FOR SURVIVING HYBRID REMOTE LEARNING                              (And avoid turning into a Zombie for real!)

1.  Go for a walk.

Outside if possible.   I can’t tell you how beneficial going for a daily walk in the fresh air can be.  I am very lucky that I live only ten minutes from my parents.  Every evening my mom and I try to cover 3 miles along a back road near her house.  Not only is taking a walk great for getting those extra steps in, but it’s nice to have someone to talk to as well.  An adult. A friend.  I can’t express how much this is helping me survive the current times.

 

 

2.  Order takeout.

Something I have struggled with since the beginning of this whole situation is fact that it feels like like I am cooking non-stop.  It seems like the kitchen is always open, and it’s also always a mess.  Someone is always hungry and when it’s not the kids, it’s me. Ha.  I have found that ordering takeout or making super easy meals has been a life saver during this time.  I’ve discovered Subway has better deals if you order online, and that the local Italian restaurant sells meatballs in sauce separately (then I just boil pasta and dinner is served!) Did I mention family size rotisserie chickens have become my newest best friend?  And, finally the greatest life hack since the year 2000 (drum roll please)….Ramen Noodles aren’t just for college students.

3.  Start a workout program.

So, in case you’re new here- I’d like to let you know that over three years ago I quit making excuses and committed to working out.  (This usually takes place at night between 9 and 11PM by the way!)   And since I’ve made that commitment my life has changed in the biggest ways.  You can read more about the start of my fitness journey in this post!   My 30 minute to one hour long sweat sessions have been my saving grace during this time.  I encourage you – that if you’re struggling – to try to do the same.  My workouts consist of riding my Peloton  (I write about my love affair with my Peloton in this post!) and doing a Beachbody workout (no, I’m not a coach, but I think the workout programs are great and actually work!). Monday I will be starting the Chisel program with Autumn Calabrese.  I’ve already done this program several times, and I’m looking forward to doing it again.

4. Find joy in the ordinary.

Look at things differently.  I know perspective is everything in life, and these challenging times have been no exception.  During the week, I have found great joy in attending my son’s Football games, and my daughters Volleyball games.  I have tried to look at the times where I might not have been fully present in the past (i.e. youth sports), and have tried to change that perspective to see joy in the daily.  I used to find immense happiness in concession stand dates- I wrote about that in this post, and I have to admit, I’m sad the concession stand is no longer open due to the virus!

 

5.  Simplify.

I think that if there is anything 2020 has taught us, is that it is okay to simplify.  Life sure has been so different without concerts, room parties, movies, and family/friend get- togethers, but I think we are also learning that it’s good  to slow down and enjoy the little things.  In the past I have often made elaborate costumes for my children for Halloween– but this year with the craziness I knew I wouldn’t have the time or energy.  It was a “no brainer” (no pun intended!) that I would be going to my favorite costume resource- Chasing Fireflies!  I am so excited that they sponsored this post, but they have truly been my go to costume shop for all the years when I didn’t have it in me pull together a homemade costume!

I hope these tips can help you survive the months ahead.  And remember, I’m with you.  I know you can do THIS.  We’re all in this together!

This post was sponsored by Chasing Fireflies but as always, all opinions are my own.