This week, I was asked by Life Well Lived : What are your favorite relaxation techniques? And what benefits do you see from practicing them?
Friends…
I reach out to them.
I count on them.
I think about them and their needs over my own.
This, to me, is very relaxing.
My dearest friend lives in Virginia, all the way across the country.
After a really bad day, I may head over to Target and shop the dollar section for something to send her sweet daughter.
Or I might drive through Wendy’s, order a Dr. Pepper and sit in the parking lot and just visit with her. Just hearing her voice completely cheers me up.
Music…
I have a few play-lists made for days that I need to relax.
The songs are nostalgic and make me smile.
Nothing too sad or serious for me does the trick!
A few of my favorites right now are: Midlake, Eisley, Sucre, Mercy Me and Natalie Grant.
| “Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” |
| ~ Berthold Auerbach |
Prayer…
When I need to relax and I just can’t get my head to stop thinking about what is wrong, I pray.
I love using Psalms to pray.
If I am so upset that my mind keeps wandering back to my troubles, I’ll open up the Psalms and read them, until I can’t hear my troubles wandering in my thoughts any longer.
Psalm 121 is my favorite:
Psalm 121
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm —
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
After I allow myself the time to relax, I’m refreshed and kind.
I’m ready to tackle the world and put everything back into place.
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Have a wonderful week!
Kate
Music helps me relax, too, but my best method is to sit at the piano with a hymnal and just play until I’m ready to stop. Psalms do give words to pray when I have no words, too. Psalm 84 was a blessing this morning.
I didn’t know you loved Psalm 121 best. When my grandfather was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when I was in 4th grade, the adult choir at church sang a choral setting of that Psalm which comforted my mother like nothing else had. It strengthens me if I’m feeling anxious at night when Allen has to travel without me.
I absolutely love knowing that about the Wendy’s parking lot and calling your best friend. What a joy and blessing to both of you. Such a beautiful friendship.
Much love to you, friend.