Celebrating National Relaxation Day?
A special thanks to Kathy Carlton Willis for this encouraging reminder to find some time to relax today!Often we ask someone we’re getting to know, “What do you enjoy doing in your free time?” The common response is to laugh and ask back, “What free time?” That’s the number one struggle we face today, not being able to relax. It’s such an epidemic that Monday, August 15 has been declared National Relaxation Day.
Tim Hansel wrote the book, When I Relax, I Feel Guilty, back in 1979. Yet here we are, decades later, fighting the same struggle. Is relaxation a part of God’s plan? And if so, why is it so hard for Christians to live in a state of rest, peace and contentment?
Dr. Charles W. Page, author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective, explains, “Relaxation happens as we understand that God provides for our needs (even as we sleep) if we obey His will for our lives on a daily basis. Being still and trusting God typically defies our logic and reasoning. Like drowning in quicksand, we think trying harder to get out will help. However, our pointless struggling only serves to suck us down deeper in the mire. We must learn to relax and allow God to deliver us.”
Let’s all make it a point to celebrate National Relaxation Day by taking something off our calendar, not cramming something extra into our busy day. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to relax. Relaxation is the key to reducing stress, and enjoying fewer sleep disorders.
Stress and financial concerns contribute to the inability to relax. Harold Metzel discussed this issue in his new book, Stress-Free Believers. He said, “Economic deterioration in this country, extending now throughout the whole world, has created a stress-producing engine which has given birth to near panic, even for Christians. When we add to that the “normal” stress we face in all other areas of life, we can feel crushed. That’s not God’s plan for those who walk with Him. Not only is it possible to live the abundant life that Jesus promised, it’s also within reach.”
According to the Relaxation Report survey, 74 percent of Americans said a lack of relaxation negatively impacts their physical and mental health. Relaxing is as necessary to balanced health as sleep and nutrition.
First we need to switch our mindset. Let’s not say we’re indulging in our “guilty pleasure.” We need to reframe our mind to see relaxation as a healthy activity, not something to send us on a guilt trip. When we determine to put away our multi-tasking projects every so often, we can learn to savor the moment. And isn’t that yet another form of praising God, to appreciate the blessings all around us?
This article content is provided free of charge by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.
Tim Hansel wrote the book, When I Relax, I Feel Guilty, back in 1979. Yet here we are, decades later, fighting the same struggle. Is relaxation a part of God’s plan? And if so, why is it so hard for Christians to live in a state of rest, peace and contentment?
Dr. Charles W. Page, author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective, explains, “Relaxation happens as we understand that God provides for our needs (even as we sleep) if we obey His will for our lives on a daily basis. Being still and trusting God typically defies our logic and reasoning. Like drowning in quicksand, we think trying harder to get out will help. However, our pointless struggling only serves to suck us down deeper in the mire. We must learn to relax and allow God to deliver us.” Let’s all make it a point to celebrate National Relaxation Day by taking something off our calendar, not cramming something extra into our busy day. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to relax. Relaxation is the key to reducing stress, and enjoying fewer sleep disorders.
Stress and financial concerns contribute to the inability to relax. Harold Metzel discussed this issue in his new book, Stress-Free Believers. He said, “Economic deterioration in this country, extending now throughout the whole world, has created a stress-producing engine which has given birth to near panic, even for Christians. When we add to that the “normal” stress we face in all other areas of life, we can feel crushed. That’s not God’s plan for those who walk with Him. Not only is it possible to live the abundant life that Jesus promised, it’s also within reach.” According to the Relaxation Report survey, 74 percent of Americans said a lack of relaxation negatively impacts their physical and mental health. Relaxing is as necessary to balanced health as sleep and nutrition.
First we need to switch our mindset. Let’s not say we’re indulging in our “guilty pleasure.” We need to reframe our mind to see relaxation as a healthy activity, not something to send us on a guilt trip. When we determine to put away our multi-tasking projects every so often, we can learn to savor the moment. And isn’t that yet another form of praising God, to appreciate the blessings all around us?
This article content is provided free of charge by Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.
What is your idea of a relaxing day?
Posted by Karen Jordan at 15 Aug 2011 
Categories: Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: anxiety blog tour book review healing KCW Communications rest Guest Post relaxation stress guilt
Categories: Encouraging Spiritual Stories
Tags: anxiety blog tour book review healing KCW Communications rest Guest Post relaxation stress guilt
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