My 5-year old grandson has been living with us most of his life since he was born. And even when he wasn’t living here, I had him almost every week for a few days. He is my joy and I loved it. AND He’s a whirlwind of vitality, draining me from his month-long NICU stay through the “terrible twos” to his nonstop, ever-moving 5-year-old self.
This fall, my grandson began Young Fives, a full-day pre-kindergarten program. I was eager to dive back into my writing, creative ideas, and various work projects, but I sensed the need to prioritize rest first.
To recharge, I committed to a daily two-hour retreat (an hour in the morning and an hour after my grandson’s bedtime) and dedicated most of one Saturday to rest. I focused on four key areas of renewal to prepare for what lies ahead:
Rest to Reduce Stress
I didn’t have the energy to start a big, new project. All I wanted to do was sleep and watch TV, so I knew rest was in order. I…
- Did Yoga Nidra
- Napped
- Read, mostly novels instead of learning books
- Took an at-home spa day
- Listened to calming, instrumental music
- Lit candles
- Set up scents of lavender and simmer pots
- Practiced deep breathing
- Introduced silence when I would normally be listening to something (when cleaning, when driving)
- Tried progressive muscle relaxation and body scan meditations
Spirituality
I am an introvert who loves her quiet time. I have had a lot less of that recently. So that extra time alone was soul-soothing. I…
- Prayed
- Meditated
- Journaled
- Set intentions
- Visualized
- Wrote out gratitudes
- Re-started my Bible study I hadn’t finished
- Practiced forgiveness
- Started a spiritual notebook
- Stayed off social media mostly
Wellness
I also wanted to concentrate on renewal for my body, so I would have the energy I needed when I was ready. I…
- Did gentle movement like yoga and nature walks
- Concentrated on more fruits and veggies, more protein and less portion sizes
- Played with mindful eating
- Found a new fruit and a new vegetable to try
- Went to the farmer’s market every weekend
- Had dance parties with my grandson
- Tried new recipes
- Got a massage
Creativity
Before my grandson, I used to do a weekly artist date by myself to fill the well and on Thursday nights I would do something creative. I was writing less with less to say. To get back into my creativity I…
- Wrote often even if it wasn’t publishable
- Wrote letters
- Practiced drawing
- Played my piano
- Painted with my grandson
- Practiced photography
- Made a vision board
- Wrote a poem
- Browsed Barnes & Noble
How about you? Have you felt like it was time to rest? How can you carve out some restful time?
Wishing you calm and peace,
Beth
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Hi Beth. I really loved your article on rest and renewal, as I have been taking time to do more of that as well. I stopped reading educational books for a time and just read novels. I go on walks several days a week, sometimes alone and sometimes with my partner. We took my daughter and her husband to the nature center for a walk on Saturday afternoon. They really enjoyed it, and the healing energy of the woods will give him strength as he is going through treatment for throat cancer.
I don’t have grandchildren, but life’s journey has taken its toll on me . I am also a business owner and my first book came out last year. I just turned 60 and have decided that the slow pace is more joyful at this time. Thank you for sharing your journey. I am glad I finally had some time to read your articles and catch up again.
Angela
Hi Angela, I am so glad you are slowing down right now. I am sorry to hear about the throat cancer. Yes, life’s journey can take a toll can’t it. Wishing you the best!