Take Time to Make a Relaxation List

I'm sure we've all heard this one in passing but have you ever sat down and tried to compile a list of things that help you relax?  You should.  Summer is here and you may find between the economic woes and price of gas, you may need some relaxation.  The best news is that you may not even have to leave your house.....

I'll list some activities that sound great to me and hopefully inspire you as well.  Try some of these ideas to rejuvenate your body, renew your mind and refresh your spirit. 

Reread a favorite book

Visit a nearby park

Spend an afternoon at the public library

Help out a stranger

Try a new food

Take a nap

Enroll in a class

Do something you've always wanted to do

Contact someone you've been thinking of or miss

Sing in the shower

Walk in the rain

Give something away

Spend 15 minutes playing with your pet

Call a friend

Treat someone to lunch and linger over good conversation

Take a walk or ride a bicycle

Look at the stars

Browse through an antique store

Organize a small corner of your life

Pop some popcorn and rent a movie

Turn off the TV and talk to someone

Draw a picture

Bake something

Send a card to someone for no reason

Clean out your wallet or purse

Look at old photographs

Walk barefoot in the grass or yard

Visit a lonely person

Encourage a young person

Go for a swim

Start a new project

Volunteer some time to a good cause

Fly a kite

Have a picnic with a special person

Spend time with people who like to laugh

Have breakfast in bed

Take a different route home from work

Watch the sun set

Teach yourself something new

Throw a party for no reason

Get a spa treatment, massage or facial

Go on a spontaneous day trip with no preplanned  destination

Fix something that's been broken

Meet someone new

Ride a horse

Play a game

Listen to your favorite music

Dance like nobody is watching

Count your blessings

Last but not least, take a mini vacation without going anywhere.  Sit in your chair, relax, close your eyes. Take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Repeat as you think about your favorite place, the beach, woods, mountaintop, under a shade tree, wherever you like to go to escape from it all with friends and family.  Consider the sights, sounds, smells and things you feel in that place.  Let your mind dwell there a re minutes.  Smile.  Then take another deep breath and open your eyes to return to your routine. 

I'm sure you can think of other things to do that really touch your soul.  The key is to identify them and DO THEM! 

Whether you choose to travel across the world or stay in your backyard, make the most of your time, resources, and opportunities God has provided.