A Day Of Rest Continues

You might remember that, last week, I committed to taking a full-day away from the computer each week. Today I am continuing that commitment. I wrote this post yesterday (today for me!) and scheduled it to post tomorrow (today for you!).

It’s interesting, though certainly no coincidence that as I dove deeper into The One Who Is Not Busy, (see yesterday’s post on shifting your mind’s focus) one of the first points she makes is the need to take regular breaks, both short breaks during the day and longer breaks on a weekly and yearly basis.

She calls the weekly breaks sabbath-type breaks and compares them to the strict sabbath guidelines set forth in many religions.

There is a reason for these guidelines: Without them, it is far too easy to fall into the habit of saying “I’ll take my day off tomorrow, or the next day, or the next.” And before you know it, your day of rest and recreation has been pushed into the next week.

You don’t need to follow a particular religion to experience the restorative benefits of a sabbath-type break. But, in order to receive the ongoing benefits, you must make a commitment to make these breaks a non-negotiable part of your week.

In the book, Cohen writes:

In order to build Sabbath-type breaks into one’s life and maintain this commitment over the long haul you have to be very, very convinced of its importance.

What your day of rest looks like is up to you. For me, the main thing is that I will absolutely not touch a computer one-day each week. Beyond that, I give myself flexibility to be alone in the woods, or spend the day with my family or friends, or play and plant in the garden.
I have gone long enough without a commitment to these weekly breaks that I am absolutely convinced of their importance to my overall well-being. And I fully intend to make these breaks an ongoing part of my weekly schedule.

What will your day of rest look like and feel like? Leave a comment below and let us know what you will be doing and/or not doing on your day off.

Posted by Edward Mills | Filed Under Inspiration, Intentions, Personal Growth, Well-Being