Rest Home

I read a brochure this afternoon recommending "Top Time-Saving Tips" which included a little tidbit on relaxing and recharging. I whole-heartedly agree that rest is important. God set the example for us and rested on the seventh day. What I found odd were the suggestions for how to relax. With recommendations like get a manicure, jog in a park, or buy yourself an ice cream cone, I am stressed with the thought of having to get out in the frigid cold to run in the park, make another inconvenient appointment in my day for the manicure, or fight traffic to run out and get an ice cream cone. This would not reduce my stress level one bit.

My recommendation: Stay Home. Design a 'Rest Home.' Create as many ways to relax in your home as you can and then use them. When my house gets chaotic, I like to start off in my bedroom. I set up a place to relax with either lots of stackable pillows on my headboard or a recliner with a reading lamp. Then in the morning tidy up the room, make the bed, spray a mist of air freshner, and close the door on the way out. When you are done running yourself ragged with your to-do list, you'll open the bedroom to a wonderful surprise exclaiming, "Awesome! The maid was here," forgetting the fact you are the maid. There is nothing more relaxing.

Create lots of relaxing nooks and crannies in your home like a reading corner or a two person breakfast table. Make sure you have a place that is quiet, no tv, to retreat to. Not all relaxation has to be quiet. I enjoy relaxing at the piano playing worship music. There is nothing like a warm, bubble bath with some soft music and a glass of wine.

I do not find getting into my car relaxing or unstressful. It is always a task on a to-do list even if it is fun. On my hectic schedule, there is nothing more relaxing than the opportunity to spend some quality time relaxing in my home.