I realized yesterday that my relaxation implementations absolutely suck. I come home and sit in front of the TV to let go of my work. I think its relaxing, then after my night has been wasted, I am still stressed and haven't decompressed from work. And I believe the Lord helped illuminate why.
A couple Sundays ago, one of the pastors spoke in regards to emotional recovery from grief: nobody goes into a dark place and comes out better. I realized by coming home and watching TV, I was going into a dark place to find rejeuvenation for my soul - how dumb can I be? Its not that I come home with a tired body, so I don't need to be sitting. Its that my mind is exhausted and needs to let some air out of the pressure valve. And by watching TV, I think only the thoughts that are presented to me - not thoughts to clear my head.
So, I need new ways to relax - any suggestions? Walking from Fremont to SPU after my work meeting this afternoon was splendid. I like that idea.
3 comments:
It depends on what type of relaxing you need.
I find baking really enjoyable. I think about all sorts of things, sometimes call a friend or my mom while I mix ingredients, and afterwards feel like I've straightened out the world. Plus, the house smells great.
I used to look down my nose at novels because they weren't a 'good use' of my time. At Grand Turk I discovered that fiction totally immerses and relaxes my brain in a way that business advice books simply cannot. I also like magazines because it doesn't require a large time committment.
Since you're artistic, perhaps crayon or watercolor therapy would be refreshing. For me, painting is relaxing if I rid myself of the need to paint perfectly.
I'm also a fan of wandering the beach at low tide...
How's that for a starter list? I'd like to hear what you come up with.
I go for a walk as often as I can. Just a few minutes in the outdoors can reduce our stress level dramatically. Sometimes I watch relaxing videos.
get rid of the tv
actually give it away or store it for a year
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