“I need a vacation!” resounds across America daily.
Everyone yearns for a time they can take a break from their daily routine of work and responsibility, or chaos in my case. Vacations offer such relief for many.
Sometimes I yearn to take one, but deep down I know the truth. Planning a vacation stresses me in more ways than one. When we actually took one, I definitely didn’t come back rested either and I don’t think I’m alone.
Not all vacations are for rest. People enjoy attending or participating in special sporting events not available where they live and travelling to unknown lands. If going to see family. . . well, you’ve heard food and family go bad after three days (just saying).
Not many travel destinations appealed to this gal when I was visually impaired, and even less now that I’m blind. I do enjoy going where those I love desire to go though.
Due to time, money, or both, mission trips were our only get-a-way. Over time, I not only wanted a vacation, but I needed one! Stress increased and rest decreased.
In my heart, the Lord began dealing with me about the importance of rest. I couldn’t be good to anyone else if I wasn’t in good shape myself. A normal vacation might not be the answer, but rest was needed one way or another.
God set the example when He rested on the seventh day of creation. He commanded us to do likewise.
With my type A personality, this was a challenge.
I began implementing the following activities daily:
- listened to relaxing or praise music
- read your Bible plus other books
- call a friend to chat
- listened to nature sounds
- sip on tea or lemonade in summer – hot chocolate, coffee, or tea in winter
- daydream
- work on a hobby
Resting restored my mind and body, Increasing my productivity and joy in small increments.
I still needed more. I had to come up with a new plan.
Ways to Rest Without Vacationing
Mix and match these ideas to simulate a vacation or pick a few to do once a month. Keep in mind, what is restful to one isn’t to another.
For best results, rely on God who gives supernatural rest and peace.
If you’re like me and short on money, time, or help, try some of the following ideas.
Since stress increases causing rest to decrease, implement more of these when necessary. We’re looking for that break from our normal routine for something pleasurable that gives us a replenishing rest.
Take a rest from technology
After witnessing poverty in Mexico, I observed how happy they were without the fancy “possessions”
It got me to thinking how our children grow up with too much noise and entertainment. After losing my sight and experiencing sensory overload myself, I knew its truth before studies proved it.
Visit a store or restaurant and you can hear a mixture of televisions, radios, an overabundance of rings and dings or videos coming from phones, conversations, and baby cries.
That doesn’t include clicks and buzzers from cashiers, grease sizzling, or items dropping.
What about the time adults and children spend on social media? It causes more stress than you realize. If you don’t believe me, just try leaving your phone home while running an errand.
“Hands off” Devices Ideas:
• Tuck your phone in the dresser at night. Regular alarm clocks can get the job done.
• Trade electronic games for board games. It’s a forgotten interactive type of fun.
• Set phones & tablets down for a quieter activity. Consider doing crossword puzzles, word searches from a book, regular puzzles, or read a tangible print book for a few minutes every day or once a week. Even coloring is nice . . . well, for sighted folks anyway.
• As strange as this may sound, use your phone to actually call someone and a television set for watching a movie together!
Did you know that playing outside two hours a day for children develops their brains? I know it would also do this body good at my age, but for other reasons.
Activities and Places to Go
Discover things and events in your own back yard or at least a 50-mile radius. The Chamber of Commerce knows what tourists prefer to see. Event calendars online will let you know of available activities, as well.
Start exploring:
• What museums are nearby? Nature centers? Hiking or bike trails? Racetracks?
• Libraries have special programs, besides good books.
• Visit a cemetery. See who lived the longest, had the most unique name, prettiest graving, nicest epitaph, or is decorated the best. Use information gathered to start storytelling when you return home.
• Shop flea markets and thrift stores. Go in with a specific goal or purpose in mind. For example, look for 3 books to read, find the craziest hat, get 2 toys to play with in the car, or buy stuff for a family craft project.
• Take children to a park while you read the Bible or journal or get a pop at a restaurant with indoor play areas.
• Go to the Farmers’ Market, auctions, or garage sales. Treasures await you.
• Attend discounted afternoon matinees or movies
• Go fishing or go to the lake with friends where you can camp or my preference, glamping.
• Eat out by choosing daily specials, using coupons, or dining during “Happy Hour.”
• Have the kids pack a picnic once a month.
Volunteer
Volunteering isn’t exactly what one thinks of to replace a vacation or provide rest, but helping others is super beneficial. It is a change of routine – and rewarding to boot. Mission trips were only vacations for over twenty years.
Serve through Habitat for Humanity, Samaritan’s Ministry, or do emergency disaster relief. But there are plenty of local ways to serve. Check with local churches, schools, parks, or museums, civic organizations, and government agencies assisting Seniors.
May you find rest and contentment in all situations.
Thank you for sharing this with your friends so we can all become more rested.
© 2024 – 2025, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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