There’s nothing better than reading a fantastic book to transport me to another world at the end of a long homeschool day. As a matter of fact, I typically have a stack of 10-12 books beside my bed at any given time!

While I enjoy reading for entertainment, I also like reading about health, personal growth, homeschooling, faith, and more. Over the years, reading has been an essential part of my growth as an individual, and I consider it a crucial component of a healthy self-care routine.

I decided to list some of my favorite self-care books for homeschool moms because these particular titles were super impactful. You know the kind of books you read and think about often?

These are the books I’ve told people about, have given as gifts, or purchased for myself. There are a lot of books that cross my path, so I guess these are pretty privileged titles!

Reading is Great for Self-Care 

If you’re not a fan of reading, then I understand this activity might not rank high on your self-care for mom list. However, for those who do enjoy reading, it is an excellent opportunity to get some much-needed self-care.

Personally, I generally find reading to be relaxing (unless I’ve chosen a can’t put down type of book, in which case I’ll stay up way too late reading and wake up tired the next day). Besides entertainment purposes, reading is one of the primary ways I learn on my own schedule, at my own pace.

One book bursting with ideas may help me solve a problem, provide a new perspective, or give insight I was lacking.

Being intentional to invest in yourself as a busy, homeschool mom is one of the best things you can do for yourself, your family, and your homeschool. It can be hard to find time for self-care, it’s true; however, if reading’s your thing, try setting aside some time to try a book or two from this curated list. I think you’ll find it renewing and rewarding.

Favorite Self-Care Reads for Homeschool Moms

1-The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t and Get Stuff Done

Kendra Adachi’s book has so many fantastic ideas that I almost felt overwhelmed when I read it. I was ready to start implementing all her principles…like, right now. Her creative ideas are simple and practical, yet you’ll wonder why you never thought to do these things before!

The tagline of the book says it so well: “Embrace what matters, ditch what doesn’t and get stuff done.” Isn’t that what we’re all longing to do? From making decisions to building routines and being kind to yourself (yes, that’s Principle #13 and one of my favorites), by the end of the book, you will see a lot of things differently.

Hopefully, you’ll discard some of the unhelpful thoughts and actions that are preventing you from living the life you want.

2-Tranquility by Tuesday: 9 Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters

Laura Vanderkam has written a number of books about time management and productivity, and this one focuses on how you can truly have time for the things that matter to you. I’m often running about saying I don’t have time for the things I care about.

If only I had more hours in the day! If only my schedule had space for leisure!

Laura challenged my thinking about that. She gives practical ways to view your time differently, intentionally plan, and make the activities you care about a reality. “Calm the chaos, make good things happen, and waste less time” (the three parts of her book)?

Sign me up, please!

3-Introverted Mom: Your Guide to More Calm, Less Guilt, and Quiet Joy

More calm and less guilt? Sounds awfully good, yes? I only read this book by Jamie C. Martin for a few pages when I started to wonder how she worded so clearly what I’d felt as a mom for years. As an introvert, I resonate with this book entirely!

She vulnerably shares personal experiences that helped me quickly realize I’m not alone in this motherhood journey. Interspersed throughout the books are reflections from other introverted moms around the world. Honestly, you can’t finish this one without feeling as though you’ve found your people.

4-Teaching From Rest: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Unshakeable Peace

This book by Sarah Mackenzie is considered more of a homeschooling book, but I believe it belongs on this list of self-care books for homeschool moms too. Teaching From Rest is about giving yourself the grace to realize you can’t do it all as a homeschool mom. What you are doing, with God’s grace, will be sufficient.

This book felt like a breath of fresh air. I felt myself relaxing as Sarah gave me the permission I needed to approach my homeschool days differently. They are a privilege to be enjoyed, not a comparison game or a competition to be won.

5-Melanie Shankle’s Books

I recommend you read all of Melanie’s books if you like humor or need more of it in your life. I’m a fan of funny and I like to laugh. That’s what Melanie’s books do for me. You’ve heard it said that laughter is the best medicine, and it’s true.

She’s like the best friend or big sister you’d love to have. I literally laughed until I cried because of her books. Also, I just might be guilty of having made my husband and children listen to a few passages.

Yes, they were that funny.

The best part is that through the humor, she addresses the tender parts of life, too; the parts that can sometimes hurt when you’re a wife/mom/friend/daughter. I suggest you start with Sparkly Green Earrings, followed by The Antelope in the Living Room.

6-One Thousand Gifts

The first time I read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, I started the challenge that she began in the book: keeping a record of the big and small gifts God blesses us with each and every day. I’ve been continuing that habit of gratitude for years now, and recognize the power that one book can have in cultivating change in my life.

Ann writes with a beautiful vulnerability about her own life struggles while encouraging you to daily walk in the grace and comfort of the Lord.

I’ve subscribed to her blog for ages, and her writing and photography continually inspires and challenges me. She also has several other books you should check out!

7-That Sounds Fun: The Joys of Being an Amateur, the Power of Falling in Love, and Why You Need a Hobby

I took this book by Annie F. Downs with me on my mom’s retreat trip to Florida a few years back. The premise of the book is that having fun in life is an essential component of living a joy-filled life. (I guess it’s fitting that I read it on a trip I was taking for fun!)

The question you have to answer is: what sounds fun to you? She challenged me to take a closer look into what makes something fun, why fun matters, and how to pursue those things I would identify as fun.

What a great self-care challenge!

As busy moms, our fun-to-work balance can often get out of whack. So, it was just plain fun for me to read about her pursuit of enjoyment in life, while changing my thinking at the same time.

Healthy self-care requires intentionality on my part to ensure I’m getting regular doses of fun in my life.

Side note: She also has a podcast of the same name, and her upbeat personality and interviews with guests of all sorts might also make your podcast favorites list.

8-Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection And the Language of Human Experience

This is the first Brene Brown book I’ve read, and it is also fantastic on audiobook, which she narrates. Did you know that there are 87 different emotions we experience as humans? I didn’t either. She describes these emotions and gives detailed descriptions of how these emotions might show up in our lives.

It makes my list of self-care books for homeschool moms because having the tools to understand my emotions with clarity is powerful. I understand myself, my family and friends so much more.

Furthermore, when I can identify my emotions clearly (emotional intelligence), I’m better equipped to address issues in my relationships, my own motivations, and more. 

9-Only Love Today: Reminders to Breathe More, Stress Less, and Choose Love

I used this collection of writings by Rachel Macy Stafford as a sort of daily devotional. It contains short readings grouped together by seasons of the year. This book covers topics like growth, gratitude, grace for ourselves and others, and encouragement for moms.

I easily related to so many of the thoughts and feelings she shares as a mom struggling to live life in a world that often feels too busy and overwhelming. It helped me pause and see situations with a healthier perspective.

Additionally, it challenged me to replace my instinctual negative thinking with thoughts that are more generous, kind, and loving towards myself and others.

10-How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing

This book by KC Davis offered me an approach to the care and keeping of my home in a way I had never encountered before. What I loved most is that she gives extremely practical ideas you can implement right away, but also new ideas surrounding your thoughts about your home.

Replacing negative thoughts about yourself that are directly related to your home gives grace to those in difficult life seasons, like chronic illness, post-partum, mental health issues, etc.

How I wish I had read a book like when I had newborns! I believe it’s a grace-giving message you might need to hear.

While I don’t agree with her perspective about everything within the book, there’s enough good information that you can sift out what’s most meaningful for you.

11-The Next Right Thing: A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions

Do you struggle to make decisions? Would you like a little help? I hear ‘ya. I’m often guilty of analysis paralysis, fearful that I’m going to make the wrong decision.

Ugh.

Unfortunately, life is unavoidably full of decisions. Help, please! This book by Emily P. Freeman provides a fresh framework for thinking about decisions differently, minus the overwhelm I’m too familiar with. Simply put, she suggests keeping it simple by focusing on one thing: doing the next right thing.

I need the reminder that there is space to choose without fear, knowing that God is gracious and loving. I can embrace the freedom to choose. This often feels true in my head, but I want it to continue to become truer in my heart.

12-Breath As Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul

You’re probably familiar with the idea of breathing exercises to help address health issues like anxiety, stress, and worry. But, you might not be familiar with combining scripture with those breathing exercises.

This book by Jennifer Tucker has the most beautiful illustrations combined with simple Bible-based prayers you can use as you utilize helpful breathing exercises!

For example, I frequently use box breathing to help me relax before bed, when overwhelmed with frustration or anger, and even to reduce tension while driving. Adding scripture is like putting the icing on the cake. A beautiful book with beautiful ideas to add more resources to your self-care toolkit!

Conclusion

I hope you will find a book or two from this list that will speak to your heart. No matter what season you’re in today, it’s important to keep nurturing you. Continue seeking moments when you can set aside the daily load, curl up with a good book, and invest in healthy self-care.

It’s not always easy, but a little planning can go a long way. Here’s to happy reading moments, homeschool moms!

What have you been reading lately that’s caused you to grow? Do you have any favorite self-care books to share? Drop a comment below!