...and on the seventh day, she rested...

Today I sort of accidentally slept in until 2... I completely missed church, but I have embraced it as a much needed mental health and rest day. I started the day laying in the bed with my little heater running and my dog, Kiva, curled up beside me. After reading 7 chapters in "The Happiness Makeover," I played Bebe and Cece's Different Lifestyles. I opened the balcony door (which is a feat in itself) and let the fresh air and sunshine in, lit a couple candles, danced around with my silly little dog, and washed dishes.

I dont even like washing dishes... But with the music and the cheerful atmosphere, half of my dishes are currently spick-n-span =) The last half is my umpteen birthday mugs. They will be clean tonight.

Anyway, on to today's happiness nugget.
Rest! How in the world can we expect to be happy if we are drained and stressed and dragging our bodies through the day?!

In my experience, I have run myself to the end of my physical and mental rope many times. When I get to that point, my body literally shuts down. I crash... and that good ole crash is ALWAYS at the MOST inopportune time. So afterwards, Im off schedule and even more stressed because things weren't done.

Sigh... Enter: Mental health moments.

Instead of waiting for our bodies to make the executive decision to shut the show down, why dont we take out time to simply step back and relax. Take a few moments to breathe and smooth out the edges that life has caused to fray. We deserve to do this for ourselves. To create a space for renewal and recharging. There are a couple things that i have discovered that make me feel rejuvenated. One being driving. Another being time spent alone at home. Both of these things give me the opportunity to let my mind go. I am able to, kind of, air out my brain and relax. And that relaxation and peace is the goal. It's the breath that comes easily and softly while sitting on my couch crocheting. It's the contentment that wraps around me while driving with the windows down, music up, and the sun streaming in through the open sunroof. It's in the smile humming across my lips as I sway to gospel music in my kitchen, hands submerged in dish water.

Why not sprinkle a few of these moments throughout our weeks. Between home and work. During the 10 minute breaks or the 30 minute lunches. After we get home. Right before bed. Take some time to cultivate peace and rest for yourself before your body shuts it all down. You will be much happier you did.