The Self-Care Tasks Homeschool Moms Put Off—and How to Catch Up Without Overwhelm
Here at The Lively Bean, we talk a lot about lesson plans, organization, routines, and managing the mental load of homeschooling—but we also know something just as important often gets overlooked.
You.
That’s why we’ve named January “Self-Care Month” at The Lively Bean. Not because we think homeschool moms need one more thing to do—but because we believe you deserve support, care, and permission to tend to yourself in gentle, realistic ways.
And today, we want to start with something incredibly simple, incredibly relatable, and often quietly ignored:
Catching up on the body care we’ve been putting off.
If you’ve been homeschooling for any length of time, chances are your days are full before they even begin. There are lessons to prepare, meals to make, schedules to juggle, emotions to manage, and people who need you—constantly.
So it makes sense that somewhere along the way, the small personal care tasks slid to the bottom of the list.
Not because they don’t matter.
Not because you don’t care.
But because everything else felt more urgent.
This post isn’t here to add guilt or pressure.
It’s here to offer gentle permission—to notice, to catch up, and to care for yourself without overwhelm.
Why Body Care Is Often the First Thing Homeschool Moms Drop
At The Lively Bean, we hear this again and again from homeschool moms:
“I just don’t have time.”
“I’ll get to it later.”
“It doesn’t feel important compared to everything else.”
And honestly? That makes complete sense.
Homeschooling doesn’t come with neat boundaries. There’s rarely a clear start or end to the day. The needs are ongoing. The work is meaningful—but it’s also constant.
When you’re in that rhythm:
- Your needs don’t feel urgent
- There’s always something more important to do
- Personal care feels optional rather than necessary
- Spending time or money on yourself can bring guilt
So the “small stuff” gets postponed.
A haircut can wait.
Lotion can wait.
New skincare can wait.
Trimming your nails can wait.
Until one day, you realize you feel uncomfortable in your own body—and you’re not quite sure when that happened.
This isn’t about vanity or appearances.
It’s about comfort, dignity, and feeling like yourself again.
The Body Care Tasks Many Homeschool Moms Quietly Avoid
If you’re reading this and nodding along, you’re not alone. Here are some of the things that homeschool moms commonly put off:
- Dry, cracked hands from constant washing
- Feet, elbows, and knees that haven’t seen lotion in ages
- Nails that keep snagging because trimming never makes the list
- Haircuts pushed off again and again
- Skincare products running low—or long expired
- Toothbrushes, razors, or basics overdue for replacement
- Appointments postponed because scheduling felt like too much
Individually, these things feel small.
Together, they create a quiet sense of neglect that can wear you down emotionally.
During Self-Care Month at The Lively Bean, we want to gently remind you:
These things matter because you matter.
This Is Not a Total Reset (And That’s the Point)
Before we go any further, let’s be very clear:
This is not a call for a complete self-care overhaul.
It’s not a new routine you have to maintain perfectly.
And it’s definitely not a list of things you “should” already be doing.
Instead, this is about catching up—slowly, kindly, and realistically.
Think of it as a quiet reset.
A chance to care for the parts of yourself that have been waiting patiently.
Step One: Get the Mental Load Out of Your Head
One of the biggest reasons body care feels overwhelming is because it lives entirely in your head.
“I need to trim my nails.”
“I should buy new lotion.”
“I really need to schedule that appointment.”
Those thoughts bounce around, taking up mental space—even when you’re not actively doing anything about them.
So the first step is simple:
Write it down.
Grab a piece of paper (or open a notes app) and list the body-care tasks you’ve been avoiding. Not to shame yourself—just to release them from your brain.
Your list might look like:
- Trim nails
- Moisturize hands and feet
- Replace shampoo or skincare
- Throw out expired products
- Schedule one appointment
That’s it. No organizing. No prioritizing. Just getting it out.
Many homeschool moms are surprised by how much lighter they feel after this step alone.
Step Two: Choose One Small Focus Area
Once you’ve written your list, resist the urge to do everything at once.
Instead, choose one small area to focus on.
For example:
- Hands and feet
- Hair and skin
- Oral care
- Basic hygiene resets
Choosing one category keeps this from becoming overwhelming. You’re not behind—you’re just starting where you are.
Step Three: Create a Gentle Reset Window
Rather than trying to fit body care into every day, give yourself one realistic pocket of time.
This might be:
- 30 minutes one evening
- An hour on a quieter afternoon
- Time while watching a show
Use that window to:
- Clip nails
- Apply lotion
- Replace old products
- Toss what you no longer use
That’s enough.
You don’t need to do more than that to make a real difference.
Why Body Care Is More Than “Just the Basics”
When your body feels uncomfortable, neglected, or ignored, it affects more than you realize.
Homeschool moms often tell us that when they finally catch up on basic care, they feel:
- More patient
- More present
- Less irritable
- More like themselves
This kind of self-care supports your energy, confidence, and emotional well-being. It’s not extra—it’s foundational.
And no, you don’t need to earn it.
A Gentle Reminder from The Lively Bean
Catching up on body care isn’t about changing who you are.
It’s about caring for the mom who is already doing so much.
Even the smallest acts of care count, and here at The Lively Bean, we’re cheering you on every step of the way. 💜
This post is part of Self-Care Month at The Lively Bean, a series created to support homeschool moms through realistic, sustainable self-care. You may also find these helpful:
