When you’ve spent your week running from one thing to another, by the end of the week it’s easy to feel drained. This why it’s important to take time to relax and recharge so your fresh for next week.
Say Good Bye To Social Media
Social media is great, but it isn’t really a great way to relax. So put down the phone and close the computer.
Instead of looking at whatever is going on in everyone else’s lives, focus on yours and what you can do to improve it.
Read A Good Book
There have been countless studies done of the effects of reading on your brain. In almost every study, reading showed positive effects, including better mental health.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to sit and read for awhile.
Read a book that has been sitting on your shelf for a long time. Or if nothing on your shelf appeals to you, head to the library and pick out something new.
Spend Time With Your Family
Family time is a great way to relax and have fun with the people that you love.
Friday nights at our house, are family game night. Everybody gets a turn picking the game or games we play each Friday night.
One of our favorite games to play is Card Against Humanity Family Edition. When we first got it we threw out a few cards, but once we did that, it became a family favorite. We also enjoy Skip-Bo and Scattergories.
Take A Bubble Bath
Bubble Baths are a little bit of a staple in movies and TV as way to relax, for good reason. Sitting in a hot bath while listening to relaxing music does so much good for your mental and physical health.
Fun Things To Add To Your Bath:
- Epsom Salt
- Essential Oils
- Bath Bombs
- Bubble Bath (of course)
Take A Walk Outside
Walking outside is a great way to unwind because not only are you getting exercise, but spending time out in the sunshine is a great mood booster.
Even if you take just a few minutes to walk around your neighborhood, it is enough to release endorphins in your brain and bring you a sense of calm.
Cook or Bake Something
Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh-baked bread or the spicy scent of soup simmering on the stove? I certainly do.
I’ve found when I am having a bad day, making food is a kind of a comfort.
I particularly enjoy making breads, both quick and yeast. There just something so soothing about mixing and kneading.
Fun and Easy Things To Cook and Bake:
- Banana Bread
- Taco Soup
- Blueberry Muffins
- Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Journal
Okay, I know that writing isn’t for everyone, but if you do enjoy writing, it can make a great de-stressor. Writing, whether fiction or nonfiction, helps your brain work through things and process your feelings.
Write about how you’re feeling, things that make you happy, or even a fun short story. You can even look up writing prompts if you don’t know what to write about.
Read Your Bible
Reading your Bible is the best way to to relax and recharge. Philippians 4:8 even says: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
And what book fits all of those categories better than the Bible? Some good books to try when you’re feeling down are Psalms, Any of The Gospels, and Proverbs.
Watch A Fun Movie
Sitting and watching a favorite movie is somewhat akin to reading your favorite book.
Try to find a movie that makes you laugh. Some of my favorites are Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Uncle Buck, and Miss Congeniality.
Listen To Relaxing Music
I listen to music a lot, because it helps me focus and relax.
Certain kinds of music have different music effects on the brain. Classical music is known for positively effecting your brain chemistry. Music that talks about and praise Our Savior is also wonderful for you.
Lately I have been listening to a lot of Ellie Holcomb, Consumed By Fire, and old hymns.
Final Thoughts
Don’t feel bad about needing to take a rest. In fact, YHWH set aside the seventh day of the week for us to rest and spend time with him.
Exodus 20:11
For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
