When my kids, now 26 & 21, were small, I was wise enough as a mom to require at least one "down day" a week. That meant no friends over, no sports, no travel- it was a day that they knew they would be more quiet, spend time at home, without rush or routine. Unfortunately, I was not wise enough to impose the same boundary over my OWN life at that time!

When the *&$^@# hit my life fan at around age 40, I found that I was exhausted in every way- physically, emotionally, and spiritually just drained. I had no choice but to take a personal sabbatical and evaluate what toll my, "busy bee without end", lifestyle had taken on me! I needed a break and some rest.

Since then, I have determined to set aside a day a week for rest.

It is important to balance hard work with rest for your overall wellbeing at home. When it's time to work, WORK! Put your heart into it. Your work outs should be strong and hard, including that all important balance of legitimate Cardio (4 hours or so a week), fatigueing Strength (2-3 sessions a week), and a daily stretch regime (10 minutes or more). When it's time to rest, REST! Don't feel guilty, don't feel lazy. Take your breaks at work. Take your lunch time, every minute of it and eat well, move a little. Take your vacation time! The world will turn without you. Trust me on this, all work and no play COMPROMISES your performance, it doesn't enhance it! Your mind needs rest as much as your body needs sleep!

We need to dilineate one week from the next. We need that sense of starting fresh. We need to enjoy the beauty of a do nothing day, a "sabbath" rest that benefits our physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual balance & well being.

I'm just talking about a day a week here, so don't use this as an excuse to make every day a rest day! We derive as humans great satisfaction from a job well down- hard work is good for us, but don't get caught in a web of having all of your self esteem revolve around productivity. This is a trap you don't want to be caught in. Eventually it will catch up with you and your overall health will most definately be compromised!

So be brave. Just this week, X out one whole day on your calendar. No plans, duties, obligations, or lists. Just a day to listen to the sea, look at the mountains, lie in a hammock, read, rest, and relax. Ah, I feel better already!

TRY IT OUT - See if YOU discover The Value of a "Down Day".

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