We live in a world that seems to never stop. Wake up. Work. Sleep. Fill in the rest with your daily schedule.
Obviously time goes on, but that doesn't mean we have to push ourselves to our limit to keep up. However, this doesn't mean we need to throw away all of our commitments. School, work, family time, these are all probably pretty non-negotiable. However, do you make time for rest in your hectic routine? I know the idea of rest is a very foreign concept, especially for college students, but taking time to relax our minds is so important. You would be surprised at how much easier everything else becomes when you take time for yourself.
Even the Creator of the universe set apart a time for resting. Genesis 2:2-3 says "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Some people take this literally and set aside one whole day each week to do nothing but reflect. As amazing as that would be, being a college student this feels pretty impossible sometimes. However, I have found that just taking even a few hours one day to sit back and reflect (which sometimes turns into a nap) helps my mind to refocus.
Just like our cell phones and laptops often have to be charged up, we start to get wore out and overworked sometimes. When you keep going and pushing yourself, you become mentally and physically exhausted and it becomes apparent in your work ethic, your relationships, and your health. Stress builds upon stress and soon, you break.
The old saying, "stop and smell the roses" is actually very relevant. We find ourselves too caught up in growing the roses and making sure they look just right that we forget to enjoy the best part.
Sometimes it's not always work that tires us. Sometimes it's relationships, school, social media, stress, health, anything. However, I guarantee if you take a step back and look at the big picture, you can see some room for a break. Maybe instead of going on that jog tomorrow morning you should take that extra hour of sleep. Maybe instead of going out with your friends on Friday night again you should have a night in and watch a movie by yourself. Maybe instead of reviewing the chemistry notes for the millionth time tonight you should close your laptop and actually get 8 hours of sleep for the first time in 4 months. I promise it will pay off and you will feel so much better.
"Give your mind a break and you are giving your whole self a favor."
Rest is not always sleeping. My favorite rest is meditating and spending time in prayer. Go outside and find a quiet place to reflect. Personally, I love to take my eno outside and a nice blanket and my devotional. I'll plug in my headphones and just tune out the world. It feels amazing, and somehow I do so much better in all aspects of life the rest of the week.
If you have no time to rest, it is exactly the right time. -Mark Twain
If you feel you are under too much stress or are overworked and running on empty, it's time to take a break. Treat yourself, because you deserve to be in a better place. Take time out of your crazy schedule- even if it is only 20 minutes. Sit back and look around or just close your eyes and dream. It's worth it.
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in a while, you could miss it. -Ferris Bueller
