I woke up this morning, as I do each and every morning, trying to figure out what day it is. Some mornings this process takes longer. Today I eventually realized it is Sunday and my very next thought was "day of rest." Bad sign, right? I was just waking up after a full night's sleep, and my first thought is about resting more? What the ____?
But I do believe the concept of taking one day out of the week to focus on rest and rejuvenation is an excellent one. And of course, it doesn't have to be a particular day or even a day at all. You might plan a midday siesta on the weekdays, or an after work yoga session, or an early morning meditation. But taking time out of your hectic schedule to rest, to breathe, to focus inward for a change, is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.
We are busy beavers, for sure. Our society tends to measure success by what it is that you DO and how much of it you DO. More always seems better. More impressive. If someone asks you how you are doing, most likely you are going to tell them you are fine, but busy. If you have children, the likelihood is that they have similarly packed schedules, running from one commitment to the next. It is no longer enough for kids to just go to school each day. They also need to attend various meetings, practices, lessons, evening classes, meets, games, competitions, and religious activities. Parents need to have jobs, clubs, classes, meetings, plus the obligatory volunteer work. All of this filling up of the schedule inevitably leads to the depleting of energy.
So today, give yourself a time out. Not a punishment, but a break. If you can't take the whole day off, that's fine. Take just an hour or two and focus on what you really need in order to rejuvenate for the upcoming week. Maybe your idea of relaxation is a great book and a hammock. Maybe you have a yoga DVD you've been meaning to try. Perhaps it has been ages since you took a bath. Dig out that aromatherapy candle and a pound of epsom salts to increase the relaxation factor.
Even if you only have 10 minutes to yourself, that is enough time to meditate. Find a comfortable seated position. You can sit on the floor, on a cushion, on a chair, even on the edge of your bed. Rest your hands comfortably in your lap. Relax your shoulders and your belly. Breathe. If your mind is racing, it might help to count your breaths. Say to yourself as you inhale, "One." Say to yourself as you exhale, "One." By the time you count to ten, you will already be more relaxed. There is no need to worry about doing it "right." If you are breathing and becoming more relaxed, that is perfect.
Enjoy your day of rest. You deserve it!
But I do believe the concept of taking one day out of the week to focus on rest and rejuvenation is an excellent one. And of course, it doesn't have to be a particular day or even a day at all. You might plan a midday siesta on the weekdays, or an after work yoga session, or an early morning meditation. But taking time out of your hectic schedule to rest, to breathe, to focus inward for a change, is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.
We are busy beavers, for sure. Our society tends to measure success by what it is that you DO and how much of it you DO. More always seems better. More impressive. If someone asks you how you are doing, most likely you are going to tell them you are fine, but busy. If you have children, the likelihood is that they have similarly packed schedules, running from one commitment to the next. It is no longer enough for kids to just go to school each day. They also need to attend various meetings, practices, lessons, evening classes, meets, games, competitions, and religious activities. Parents need to have jobs, clubs, classes, meetings, plus the obligatory volunteer work. All of this filling up of the schedule inevitably leads to the depleting of energy.
So today, give yourself a time out. Not a punishment, but a break. If you can't take the whole day off, that's fine. Take just an hour or two and focus on what you really need in order to rejuvenate for the upcoming week. Maybe your idea of relaxation is a great book and a hammock. Maybe you have a yoga DVD you've been meaning to try. Perhaps it has been ages since you took a bath. Dig out that aromatherapy candle and a pound of epsom salts to increase the relaxation factor.
Even if you only have 10 minutes to yourself, that is enough time to meditate. Find a comfortable seated position. You can sit on the floor, on a cushion, on a chair, even on the edge of your bed. Rest your hands comfortably in your lap. Relax your shoulders and your belly. Breathe. If your mind is racing, it might help to count your breaths. Say to yourself as you inhale, "One." Say to yourself as you exhale, "One." By the time you count to ten, you will already be more relaxed. There is no need to worry about doing it "right." If you are breathing and becoming more relaxed, that is perfect.
Enjoy your day of rest. You deserve it!
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