Dear Little Me,
Hugs for you, Being a teacher is a stressful job, having two teenagers, and husband along with responsibilities in/out of the house. Sounds like Open Eyes is right. You can call it whatever you like, mothers rest and reload time, a nap or a brain break.
This will benefit you and try the things like OE suggest.
This will also benefit the family unit because a better you, the better the family will be. And it will show your daughters that when you feel overwhelmed it is okay to take an energy break or rest.
(from my childhood, the word timeout came with a tone as if I did something wrong) but thats just me.
Listen to your body and mind as they tell us what we need.
As we get older everything changes and our energy levels are not the same. So you have to adjust.
You are an intelligent person, start to delegate your time which includes breaks. Your girls are old enough to be engaged with duties in the house and let them organize their time. Tell you husband what you need without getting too deep into the whys. Also just another suggestion Dad can take the girls out without you, daddy and daughters have their own unique relationships. Which is a positive because girls learn how they should be treated as a woman by the way he treats you and by spending one on one with each child. Going out and doing good healthy activities without you just because, not having to explain that you feel drained or tired.
Send the (3) away for the weekend would be great as long as you dont burden yourself with guilt/blame. It is not too late for you, you are overwhelmed, your bodys sleep bank is in the red, and from what I read on your About me page you have issues you are dealing with.
I hope that you are working with someone, this is not something you can do on your own. Your husband can be suppportive but a therapist, clergy or psychologist has the skills to unravel the past trauma while keeping you healthy in the present.
Or you can get away for the weekend, visit with a friend, or go to a hotel. Read, eat, sleep, and relax. Dont bring your trauma baggage with you, I mean dont go away and descend all weekend. Cry if you want/have to, then take a shower /bath then eat, sleep, and relax. Watch humorous television.
It sounds like you have a good family unit. And mom comes home feeling better and with more energy. Able to partake in bike rides, hikes, and other outdoor activities.
Maybe take a meditation or yoga class.
And keep posting here, it really helps!
Sincerely,
H.