Rest is not something we do; it comes to us when we finally cease “doing.”
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29
Have you ever noticed that when asked, “How are you,” most people reply, “Busy?”
We don’t even give our reply a second thought. It is the default answer these days. Being busy is the norm. Even our vacations are busy. Nearly half of Americans report rarely having enough time to do what they want.
We overbook and then wonder why we stress. We say yes to everything and then feel resentful. We tell others we don’t have time to do X, Y, or Z with them because we’re SO busy!
Why is that? Why do we stay so busy? Is it really necessary?
Busy is a drug that a lot of people are addicted to.
Some people wear “I’m busy” like a badge of honor: being busy means I’m important, I’m successful, or I’m needed. A lack of leisure time is seen as a sign of significance.
In addition to its connection to feelings of self-worth and status, many people stay busy to avoid or numb painful feelings and situations. If you stay super busy, you avoid facing what may be bothering you beneath the surface. The problem is that the situation you’re avoiding still needs to be resolved. You may wind up feeling more stressed and get even busier to avoid mounting uncomfortable feelings.
Too much busyness interferes with life. It can negatively affect your emotional and physical health and your ability to maintain healthy relationships.
It’s good, and it’s healthy to have things to do.
We were created to be engaged in our world. When we’re engaged in activities and feel productive, our brains are alert and active, alive with thought, and mentally sharp. When we have good relationships with others, we feel fulfilled. But as good as it is for us to be engaged with activities and people, we need to balance that with periods of rest and relaxation, giving our brains and bodies a chance to refresh themselves. When you have balance, you’re more likely to feel in control of and comfortable with how your time is spent.
Benefits of rest and relaxation.
Some people talk about relaxation like it’s something they can’t fit into their busy schedules. Yet taking it easy is one of the healthiest things to incorporate into your everyday life.
Being overly busy leads to increased stress, which could trigger anxiety or depression, among other health concerns. When you rest, you give your mind and emotions a break, which is essential for your health and well-being.
Rest calms your mind, slows your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, relieves tension, renews strength, increases energy, and improves memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
Take it easy.
I recently wrote a post about summer (“It’s Summertime”). Summer is the perfect season for taking it easy. It’s a time of year when schools are not in session, and families are freer to depart from regular schedules to engage in recreational activities and go on vacation. The weather is warm, and the days are long. Sunny summer weather makes us want to slow down, sit in the shade and have a cool drink. All of this is very good for us.
I hope that, at least for the remainder of the summer, you will step back from your busyness and allow yourself to “soak in” the season. Just sit outdoors and enjoy the green trees, lovely flowers, and singing birds. Do some enjoyable activities. Go for a leisurely walk, a bike ride, or a swim. Attend an outdoor concert, go to the beach, or go on a picnic. Be outdoors as much as possible, soaking up that sunshine vitamin D.
When fall comes, and schedules resume, try to balance your busyness with relaxation. You’ll feel better and will actually get more done.
But right now, it’s summertime—take it easy!!
