I love to be busy.
The summer is always harder for me, because I don’t have my normal schedule. I do enjoy relaxing with friends and family, but I thrive on busyness.
A few weeks ago, I started my fall schedule and by the end of the first two days of this schedule I was exhausted. I had booked myself solid with meetings, grocery shopping, school, etc.
Before moving further into my fall schedule, I had to do some self-care!
This week, I have the opportunity to speak at a local MOPS group on the topic of rest. Maybe God is trying to get my attention. I strive for balance between rest and busyness, and I don’t get it right all the time. Thinking through my presentation, I realized I have learned five keys to helping me find rest.
5 Tips For Embracing Rest
1. Start your day off right
Instead of checking your phone, unloading the dishwasher, or throwing in a load of clothes, grab a cup of coffee and spend 5 minutes in your Bible. You’ll be amazed how that peaceful and powerful start can transform your day.
2. Create margins
Wikipedia defines margins as the white space on a page. We need to create these “white spaces” so we have room for the unexpected. Margins help us with balance. Do you feel stressed when you build margins into your life?
3. Cultivate moments of silence and solitude
I’ve been taking Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea to the ocean for years. She reflects on the importance of solitude throughout the seasons of life. Turn your music off in your car or enjoy a quiet shower to help cultivate solitude.
4. Find ways to relax
I have to be intentional about this one. I go to yoga with a friend once a week. I love to read or watch a movie. Walking in nature relaxes me. How do you like to relax?
5. Prepare for bed
I take a shower and read before bed. I also write five things I’m thankful for in my gratitude journal. I turn off the television, and I play soothing music.
To embrace, you have to be intentional with your schedule. If you follow through on these steps, you will have a more satisfying and fulfilled life without the stress that busyness offers.
