Years ago, my doctor told me, ‘someone like you need to exercise a lot”. I would never forget his advice.
Here are the reasons: 1) All my adult life I have been engaged in an occupation that required me to sit for hours; 2) I am a deep thinker and can easily become anxious about the cares of this world. 3) I am an introvert and suffer from social anxiety, this means that I love my house and because I am very creative, I can find enough things to do to keep me indoors. Note however, that I do love outdoors, on my terms of course. 4) My body often feels tense from thinking too much and doing too much and not having a proper balance – work/relaxation. I then become irritable and not much fun to be around.
I have discovered that not only does exercising do me good but relaxation. Anything that allows me to escape into a place where I do not have to think too much but just embrace my surroundings.
Hear are some things that works for me all the time;
1. Journaling or writing an article for my blog – I write until I feel as if I have emptied myself of my expressions, deep thoughts and feelings. Sometimes I write a little bit of how my day went and a little bit of what I intend to achieve tomorrow. On my blog I share life experiences I feel comfortable sharing and I also share general life principles that I hold strongly to.
2. Driving out and sight-seeing – Choosing a day when the traffic is not congested and finding great sights and seeking to capture the moment by taking pictures; fresh air and peaceful environments is heaven on earth for me. My preference is to do this with small groups.
3. Soaking my feet in warm water. Ahhh another heavenly episode.
4. Going to the beach and lying on the sand listening to the sound of the waves and the birds and just enjoying the beauty of the trees with their well designed branches. I can enjoy the beach without stepping into the water but if I step in, the water needs to be fairly calm and warm, at least a little. Cold rough waters are not my cup of tea.
5. Meet with a trusted friend and just talk, talk, talk.
6. Curl up on my bed with my bible and soak in the word of God, preferably a little at a time.
I can go on and on but I would stop here. I am grateful for what I can enjoy! I am grateful that God saw it fit to create things we all can enjoy. The older I get the more I desire RELAXATION!
What helps you to relax, release stress and feel rejuvenated? Are you satisfied that you are doing enough?
