Rest During This Time of Year Is Possible

I know people who take the entire month of December off of work, because they just don’t want to deal with the madness of the season. They instead plan for the upcoming year and give back to others during this time. This is one way to find rest during this busy season, but what about the rest of us who can’t get away for an entire month? How are we supposed to find rest in the midst of this busy season, and how can we do better with rest in the new year?

The answer is threefold:

First, we all need at least one day of rest per week. 

For those of us who can’t get away for an entire month, we should at least have one day a week where we can just be. The problem with finding rest for most people is that they will go until their bodies tell them that they cannot go any longer, but this is detrimental to one’s health if allowed to go on for a long period of time. We should know when we are stopping ahead of time, so that we can find guaranteed rest.

I know this because I have been at a place in life where rest was nowhere in sight, and stress abounded because of it. I found that putting in long hours every day should only come in seasons, but should never be adopted as a lifestyle. I found burnout when I wasn’t proactive in saying when I would shut everything off ahead of time. Somehow, things kept coming up last minute and would prevent me from resting like I should’ve. Having a day of rest, knowing what day it is, and planning it out is necessary for a healthier year.

Second, we must get rid of what is unnecessary.

The problems found with holding onto more than we can handle lies in expectations. The higher the expectations we place on ourselves, the more stress we will find. And the more we take on, the more expectations that others will place on us, too. This being said, if there are unnecessary expectations you have in your life, rest will only be found when you cut those ties. Know your limits and get rid of what isn’t necessary.

Third, we must seek out peace in our lives. 

True rest comes when true peace comes. Is there strife in your family? Do you need to forgive someone? Do you need to have a difficult, but much needed conversation? Have you lied about something? Is something not right in your business? I something off spiritually? Are you not doing what you know you’re supposed to be doing? Make things right and experience beautiful rest.