Want a Healthier You? Relax!
Relax--it's good for you!
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 1500 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?
This post is part of my Thrive This Summer series.
Want to be more hospitable? This very helpful guide to caring and sharing with others will show you how. An Invitation to the Table—Embracing the Gift of Hospitality, by Michelle Lazurek
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