Karin wrote about how we need to experience the Sabbath rest however the Lord leads you. This point was brought home to me when awhile back 2 people on the same day asked me, “What do you do for fun?”
My answer: “Fun? I don’t have time for fun. I’m too busy and stressed out for fun”.
Since then I’ve been changed my schedule enough that I’m able to do things that are either fun or relaxing. Anything to take a break from my busy stressful life.
So in keeping with the Grandma Principle:
1) keep the sanctity of the Sabbath
2) take time for yourself without feeling guilt
3) Christ alone is your refuge
here are a few things you can do to rest or relax that have helped me.
Enjoy a relaxing bath.
Light candles, turn the lights down, add bubble bath or relaxing music and don’t think about anything stressful. Pray if you want too. But this is your time so shut out the world for at least 30 minutes. One thing I do is add Lavendar Oil that I buy at Whole Foods. The scent of Lavendar is relaxing. Get a lavendar scented candle.
Do something that is fun for you.
What did you used to do when you had time? Paint, scrapbook, bake, exercise, enjoy the beach? We all need to have fun, the hard part is making the time. For me, I realized I needed to find a way to bring back my creativity. Doing anything creative is fun for me. This even includes baking!
Learn to say No
So many of us are probably stressed out because we’re doing too much. You don’t have to do everything people ask you to do. If they get upset that you said no, that’s their problem and not yours. The world will not stop is you say NO. A few years back I was having coffee with several friends talking about how stressed out I was. One of them looked as me and ask me “Have you prayed about if God wants you to do that?” WOW!!! I hadn’t. When you’re asked to do something, ask God if that’s where he wants you, look at your schedule, and at your priorities before giving an answer.
Hang out with positive people.
I’m not meaning to say to hang out with people who don’t have any problems. Everyone has problems. Positive people have a good outlook on life. Yes they may have their problems, but they may not sulk about it all the time. Positive friends are restful, relaxing and fun. You can laugh together as well as cry together.
Last weekend I laid in my hammock for awhile and that was relaxing. I’m creating bridal shower invitations for my sister. Today I made chocolate chip cookies which is fun for me. If I was really stressed I’d be eating all the cookie dough but I’m not! I’m baking because it’s fun for me.
Then again it’s still hard for me to make time for myself. I don’t have time to roller blade, something I used to love. As I sit here typing I’m thinking of all the things I need to do in the next week, which as we all know is stressful because the list always stays long.
I’m still learning to rest. It’s not easy. Start little by little and eventually you’ll get used to having fun time for yourself.
March 31st, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I love a good bubble bath watching gilmore girls on our mini tv. Can’t tell you the last time I did that.
I would love to try the lavendar oil…good idea!
April 1st, 2007 at 1:50 am
You like to watch Gilmore Girls too, Kelly??! I’m very excited. I always knew I liked you
Thanks for writing this post, Patricia. I’ve learned that I have to make time to read (ideally every day, but at least 1-2 times a week) for me to feel not stressed and overwhelmed. I took a personality profile test called the Birkman and that’s when I first learned about the way God designed me. Kind of like how the Chariots of Fire dude says that when he runs “he feels Gods pleasure,” I feel that way about reading & learning. When I study, I feel God’s pleasure. It’s like that’s what I was created for. That’s when I feel alive. I’m learning to incorporate studying - just for me - into my week.
What about the rest of you?
April 4th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I love to bake (who would have known), and make bread. I also love to work in the yard/garden. I love to get an IC Mocha at Panera, and sit and be alone. I also like to be with my friends.
I do struggle sometimes with doing something just for fun with out guilt, since for me to do some of thos things means someone has to watch my kids!!
Thanks for the encouragement to do them, though.