Learning to Relax

“What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it.”  -Anonymous

This past couple of weeks I’ve had a lot of time to myself. I’ve watched several movies, made food, organized our home, read books and magazines, knitted a blanket, went for walks, played with our pup, slept long hours, played board games and card games, and rested. I don’t feel guilty at all about taking a week and half away from people to relax and refuel.

During this time of rest, I worked, but only three days a week, and I didn't spend time with anyone except my husband. No family, no friends. Just alone time. And through all of this rest and relaxation I’ve found out what truly relaxes and refuels me.

Less Stuff

I spent several hours going through our home and only keeping the things I find to be useful and valuable to our home. If the things didn't meet those criteria they were taken out. I am most relaxed in simple environments that have no clutter. Whether that be outside in nature, or in my own home, it is far more relaxing when there are no piles or distractions around me.

Physically Fit

After working out or doing some sort of physical activity, my mind and body feel alive. So I've taken to making physical activity part of my daily life. Ideally it would involve going for walks or playing soccer, but since the temperatures are fridged, I've been forced to find alternatives. I’m most likely going to join our local gym, at least until the sun comes back out here in Michigan :)

Clean Home

I've never been one to have a clean bedroom, car, or home. The reason I do not have a clean or organized home is because I’m lazy. There is no way around it. While on break, I've cleaned the house and have taken to picking up after myself. Novel idea, right? I've noticed that I set stuff down everywhere. Need to open a frozen bag of green beans, I leave the scissors on the counter. Return home, plop coat, purse, and whatever else are in my arms on the table. And then the table is cluttered and messy. Picking up after myself has taken some getting used to. I find myself walking away from something and then realizing that I’ve left several things out that have a home.

Reading and Writing

I enjoy watching movies and tv shows, especially if I'm folding laundry or knitting, but I don't enjoy the feeling of just sitting and watching tv for the sake of sitting and watching tv. While I had all that extra free time, I made a point to sit down and read or write, especially before falling asleep. It relaxed me and I didn't have that feeling of I just wasted several hours.

As life begins to press in again, I am making a vow to continue with these things that breathe life back into me.