Small Ways to Big Rest

If you live in America, there is a good chance you have been sold the idea of being busy. We live in a fast paced, hurried, busy culture. While work is good and progress and achievement are things we want to challenge ourselves with, there are times it seems to have gone too far.

Although God created us to work, he also created us to rest. God himself rested on the seventh day after creating the world we live in. So if the God of the universe can fit in some R&R, I’m sure we can as well.

Maybe it seems too overwhelming to find an entire day to rest or even a few hours. Today I want to share some small ways I find rest in the everyday.

Small Ways to Big Rest

Breathe

Yes, we must do it to live. But have you ever taken a minute to notice your breath? To be thankful for it? Shut yourself in a closet if you need to and take deep belly breaths for as long as you can. Maybe it’s just three breaths, maybe it’s five minutes worth. It doesn’t matter how long, just take time to breathe and notice how you feel when you’re done.

Close your eyes

Closing my eyes in this stage of life feels so luxurious. Sometimes when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I will give myself a few minutes to lay on my bed or on the couch and shut my eyes. There might be children coming to climb on top of me or yelling ‘Mom’ in the background, but closing my eyes is one super simple way to find a little rest in the everyday.

Do something you love

Read a few pages in a book, go for a 10 minute walk, sit on the couch and cuddle your baby. Knit, listen to your favorite music, take a nap, pray, hug your husband. Make it a priority to do something you love everyday. It’s my favorite way to rest.

Move your body

Although it may seem backwards to exercise for rest, moving your body is powerful. Whether it’s 10 jumping jacks or a 10 minute workout, it all matters. Exercise helps pump up feel good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. It also reduces the negative effects of stress and improves your mood. If I am feeling worn down, I will do a quick 10 minute workout to move my body and get the endorphins flowing.

Find quiet

Whether it means getting up before your kids or staying up after they are in bed, find some quiet in your day. My day is full to the brim with kids, their requests, and the sounds of all their adventures (and quarrels). It is beautiful and loud and lovely and loud. I wake early to find quiet so I can ready myself for the day ahead.

Rest is a vital part of living more life. Where do you find rest in the everyday?