Summer Stress Buster #2 - Relax!

Relax with friends.

In addition to taking time with a friend who loves “God-talk”, think about getting together with fun friends, those you haven’t connected with for a long time, or people you’d like to know. We thrive when we enjoy the company of others, plus practicing hospitality is a Christian virtue (Romans 12:13).

Think relaxed! Find a simple salad recipe on Pinterest or an online website. Add some warm, crunchy bread, a chunk of cheese, and some background music. For dessert, purchase a box of special cookies (I love Pepperidge Farm Milano chocolate mint) and serve them with bowls of yummy ice cream. Your backyard or deck doesn’t have to look like a Better Homes and Gardens photo for people to enjoy getting together.

Relax—in bed. Proverbs 6:9-10 warns against too much sleep and asks: “How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest and poverty will come on you like a bandit…”

In the fast-paced whirl of daily life, most of us don’t have to worry about getting too much slumber and sleep. It’s our lack of sleep that is becoming a major health hazard!

The Oregon Public Health Division recently issued a bulletin titled: Sleepless in Oregon. They cite research saying that we need at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night for good health. They also claim: early to bed and early to rise might not only make you healthy, wealthy and wise, it can also reduce obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression and other illnesses.

A recent survey showed that 26% of the US population averages less than 6 hours sleep a night. Another 20% reported inadequate sleep. Nationally drowsiness contributes to over 40,000 car accidents, and 1,500 deaths—so this summer, try to get to bed a bit earlier or take naps!

Let’s Talk: What do you do to relax? How will you refresh your body and soul this summer?

Poppy