Taking Time to Relax

Why is it so hard to relax? How can such a pleasant thing be so difficult to do? Most of us consider it a nice idea but might not know how to make time for it. Too many of us believe we have no time to spare. As a result, when we get a day off or a vacation, it takes a while for us to sit back and settle down. We stay so busy running here and there we usually crash from exhaustion. That made me wonder, “What can we do to overcome our relentless schedules and allow more time for relaxation?”

Sadly, rushed and restless lives have become normal behavior in our society. Unhealthy habits are deemed acceptable because everyone seems to be living the same way. We all know we need to rest and relax. But often, when we do stop to get some sleep, we’re so tired and overwhelmed we lay in bed wide awake with our minds racing about things left undone or what we need to do next.

I use to feel guilty for sleeping eight or nine hours. I thought I needed to get up earlier and stay up later. I wished I could make it on less sleep and be more productive like other people. I was convinced that I needed more time in my day to get all my “things to do” done. I didn’t know good sleep was a requirement for good health. I thought sleeping eight hours was a luxury afforded to retired or sick people or was the habit of lazy people who don’t like work.  

I have since learned that I’m not one of those people who can get up early and stay up late. The fastest way for me to get sick is by getting off my sleeping schedule for a few days. Soon, I can’t function. I get crabby, can’t concentrate, feel terrible, make little progress and am no fun to be around.

Prioritize Rest

All work and no rest make most people unhealthy and unhappy. In a world that functions 24-7 with lifestyles driving overwhelming obligations, overwork and overcommitment, fitting in time to relax, feels almost impossible. However, if we make relaxing a priority, it can be done. Here are some ways to help us chill out:

• Clock Out
  1. Take a break
  2. Take a nap
  3. Take a walk
• Calm Down
  1. Be Still
  2. Breathe deep
  3. Bow in prayer
• Create Solace
  1. Re-set
  2. Re-focus
  3. Re-charge

Relax Peacefully

It’s amazing how relaxation makes us peaceful and productive. When I keep a balanced schedule, I can get more done in an hour than in three hard hours of pushing myself past my limits. Healthy productivity gives me time to enjoy my hobbies which helps me relax and enjoy my peacefulness.

God gave us all the same amount of time and a seasonal schedule to follow. Taking time to relax is an important part of that routine. Go ahead try it.

Bring It Home

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC