How Do I Spell Relief?
During the course of a week we encounter many stressors. Many of us work at least five days each week. Others not only work outside of the home but there is much work to be done inside the home as well. Whether it be taking care of children, an elderly parent, cooking, cleaning, etc. There are also those of us that are active participants in organizations and churches. Our busy lives can at times, have a negative impact on our body. Our bodies not only deal with the normal stressors but additional stress as well. We carry a lot of weight on our shoulders from day to day and often times do not relieve ourselves of it. Many of us pile on and hold on to the day to day things that weigh us down. Often times we are not even aware of it. Unfortunately, the lasting result of not being aware can lead to tons of physical ailments and conditions that we did not see coming. So, make it a practice to be conscious of what your body is holding on to. Take some time out just for yourself. A little respite can go a long way.
Here are some things that I have personally begun to do to try and keep my mind and body functioning at their best.
1. Each day when I come home I turn off the cell phone volume, turn on some soft music and sit down for approximately twenty minutes. Some days I mediate and bring myself into the presence of God. Some days I take a ten minute power nap and other days I literally just sit there and do nothing. This rejuvenates me.
2. At night I make an effort to shut everything off by a certain time. (cell phone, computer and television) This gives my mind a chance to be clear before going to sleep.
3. "Shut it Down Sundays" I try my best to shut it all down on Sunday evenings around 7pm. I stay away from the cell phone, get things ready for Monday, take a bath, play soft music, type this blog, read and go to sleep.
You may not be able to devote as much time as I do but creating a habit of just a little bit of respite for yourself is healthy. Start off by doing something one day a week. Once you try it, I am certain that you will love it and gradually make more time for yourself.
So how do I spell RELIEF?
R Revive, Restore and Recuperate.
E Exhale for a moment and release the stressors of the day.
L Laugh; it really is the best medicine.
I Inhale all that brings you joy.
E Ease your mind.
F Focus on the good things.
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