In our fast past culture, being busy is a mark of
success. But is it really? Being busy and on the go all the time can create
havoc on your physical bodies. Not getting the proper amounts of down time can
cause stress and a decrease in your immune system. If you are under any
additional stress in your life, then taking time to rest your body will be
essential; otherwise your body will cause you to rest.
If you have any chronic stress in your life, taking
sufficient times of rest can help rebuild your energy levels and aid in
strengthening your immune system. In our society we are not taught that rest is
good, in fact, we are encouraged to “burn the candle at both ends.” Life is
short no matter how many years that you live. You can work constantly and never
take vacation time and you can stay so busy with outside activities that the
day is just a blur. What’s the point in working so hard you can’t enjoy the
simple things in life? For more money, a better title/position, or to get the applaud
of others? There usually is a time in everyone’s life that you have to work
hard such as when you are in college and have to work full-time, and sometimes
people have to work two jobs because they are a single parent. I am not
referring to people who are in the “you gotta do what you gotta do,” phase in
their life, but for people who never, ever rest. Even when you are in a stage
in your life that is hectic, you can still carve sometime for rest. We all get
time off, but many use their time off unwisely by running and doing when they
may need to rest. Yes, there are times that you can “play hard,” just not when
your body is saying, “I feel tired.” Many push themselves and their limits and
end up getting sick.
Your
life should be balanced. Equal amounts of time for work,
play and rest. Some days you may need a little more rest because of persistent
stressors that can exhaust your energy levels and diminish your immune system’s
ability to fight colds and viruses.
Reflect
and ponder:
Do you push yourself to keep going and doing when your
body is telling you it needs rest? Why do you believe you feel the need to keep
going?
Counselor’s
Corner:
Your body will let you know when it needs
rest. If you have experienced several of the following, your body may be
saying, “Slow down.”
·
Fatigue. Difficulty getting up in the
morning
·
Difficulty staying or falling asleep
·
Difficulty concentrating
·
Distracted and lose of focus
·
Irritable, short-fused, or agitated
·
Upset stomach
·
Headaches
·
General malaise
·
Easily frustrated
·
Appetite changes-decrease or increase in
eating habits
·
Sighing frequently
·
Shortness of breath
·
Anxiousness
·
Depression
·
Loss of motivation
·
Lack of creativity
What can you do during your times of rest?
1. Turn
off your cell phone and check at the end of the day.
2. Do
not engage in social media. Checking your Facebook status will not cause you to
rest.
3. Lay
down and take a nap.
4. Watch
a movie that is enjoyable and eat your favorite snack.
5. Take
a warm bubble bath.
6. Take
a leisurely walk in your neighborhood.
7. Get
your chores out of the way so you don’t do any chores during your time of rest.
8. Read
a good book.
9. Spend
quiet time with God. Be still and listen for the Holy Spirit to speak.
10. Spend
time just “soaking” with worship music.
11. Sit
outside and observe God’s beautiful creations.
What not to do when your body needs rest:
1. Running
to and fro when your body is depleted.
2. Hanging
out with people who drain you.
3. Checking
your phone, texts, emails, and social media.
4. Doing
heavy chores or chores that take a while to complete.
5. Worrying
and analyzing your problems over and over.
6. Doing
anything that would cause stress.
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