August 15, 2019 (Thursday)
The web site, “Holiday Insights,” tells us that today, August 15th, is “relaxation day,” that it is “a day to kick back and do nothing. Ahhhh! What a great day.”
The site goes on to say, “The stresses, the hustle and bustle seemingly consumes us, every day of the year. Even Sundays are no longer days of rest and relaxation.”
I know people who would be horrified to be asked to observe a day like this. “Work, work, work” is their mojo. They never relax. Remember Superman, who stood for “truth, justice and the American way?” The “American Way,” it seems to me does not ordinarily include much relaxation. We have taken the Scripture, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10), very literally.
You don’t have to have a huge agenda of activities and exercises to relax. You can do it right there where you are sitting.
First, recognize that you are tense. Sit back, try to relax, close your eyes, and intentionally relax your toes on one foot, then relax the rest of your foot slowly, up to the ankle. Wow, you did not know that foot was tight and tense, did you? Now do the same with the other toes and foot.” Don’t open your eyes, just let intentional relaxation take hold of your body, beginning with your ankles and going, section by section, until you’ve relaxed all over. If you have never done this before, you are probably surprised that you were so tense. Now you are relaxed. Let yourself sleep, if you feel like it.
Just take little mini vacations in your mind. Today, “relaxation day,” is a fine day to begin.
While you are relaxed, think about what you really enjoy doing, and start doing more of that if possible. You are more relaxed, and likely to live longer, if you are enjoying yourself.
For those who need more specific ideas, “Holiday Insights” suggests ten ideas to enjoy on Relaxation Day:
Do nothing today
Go to a Spa
Go fishing
Play a round of golf(caution: not always relaxing)
Lounge around in a hammock
Take a bubble bath
Spend the day at the beach
Go to the movies
Do a little gardening (no heavy duty work, though)
Have a picnic in the park
Don’t forget what Jesus said: “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of” (John 10:10 MSG).