A Steroid Shot for the Soul

When sick, steroids are now used along with, or more often than antibiotics. What did they do before penicillin was discovered? Yes, herbs were, but rest and drinking plenty of water were prescribed also. It still comes highly recommended.

Steroids might speed up the healing process, but rest does it naturally. Farmers rested in winters and families automatically rested when the sun went down before electricity was invented. The onset of cars, planes, and stores not closing, turned our society into a world of activities 24/7. Little time for rest. Welcome to stress and more sicknesses.

Covid ushered in more change than most of us have experienced in a lifetime, increasing anxiousness, stress, sickness, anger, and depression. Our emotions are jerked around like a roller coaster with its constant twists, turns, and being flipped upside-down.

Rest

Rest is no longer part of our vocabulary, but needs to be a word used daily. We are battered and bruised, exhausted, irritable, withdrawn, angry, and hanging on to hope . . . hope of a better life.

Rest is so important, God, Himself, set the example for us when He created the world. However, what is restful to one might not be restful to others since we were all created as unique individuals. Sleep is the main form of rest – one that all of us lack.

Taking a break from our normal stresses can relax and distract. Mundane chores and activities like push mowing, doing dishes or laundry, baking or grilling, crocheting or knitting, equally relax. Petting your animals does the trick also.

Have you noticed how many people enjoy gardening, going for walks, and other outdoor activities? Nature sounds soothe when outside the city. This is because we have too many sounds in our lives; dryers buzzing, fans blowing, heaters or air conditioners kicking on, other motors, sirens, tires squealing, honking, yelling, blaring televisions or radios, and dings and rings of electronic devices galore.

Talk about sensory overload! I have become all too aware of this phenomenon since losing all of my sight. Our poor kids growing up with such overpowering noise. No wonder anxiety is on the rise. They have no idea what silence means.

Take a Break

The quickest way to get rest is to take a break from technology.

• Leave your phone in the car when shopping or dining out with friends or family.

• Tuck your phone in the dresser at night. Regular alarm clocks can get the job done.

• Trade electronic games for forgotten board games. It’s fun interaction!

• Instead of Netflix on a tablet, try choosing once a week doing puzzles, crossword puzzles, word searches, or read a print book. Even coloring is nice . . . well, for sighted folks, anyway.

• As strange as this may sound, use your phone to actually call someone and a television set for watching a movie together!

My husband received 500 phone calls a day before we implemented some of these. And, texts weren’t included. Boundaries are our friend.

Live a little. Do something out of the ordinary. Try these free or inexpensive ideas with your family, or yourself.

• Explore things and events in “your own back yard,” or at least a 50-mile radius. The Chamber of Commerce knows what tourists prefer to see. 

• Check out online event calendars to learn about activities near you. Start exploring.

• Visit local museums, nature centers, or hiking and bike trails.

• Libraries have special programs, besides good books.

• Visit a cemetery. See who lived the longest, had the most unique name, prettiest graving, nicest epitaph, or is decorated the best. Use information gathered to start story-telling when you get home.

• Have fun shopping flea markets and thrift stores. Set a specific goal or purpose before entering, like spending only a $1 to see who finds the best buy, look for 3 books to read, find the craziest hat, get two toys to play in the car with, or buy stuff to make a craft project together.

• Take children to a park while you read the Bible, or journal. 

• Get a pop (soda) at a restaurant with indoor play areas.

• Go to the Farmers’ Market, auctions, or garage sales. Treasures await you.

• Go fishing or go to the lake with friends where you can camp or my preference, glamping.

• Eat out by choosing daily specials, using coupons, or dining during “Happy Hour.”

• Pack a picnic.

• Serve others through volunteering. It offers more benefits than trips do, so check with local churches, schools, parks, recovery centers, nursing homes, or museums. 

The best rest comes from the Lord. His rest is a steroid shot to our soul. As we rest our body and mind, with the above ideas, we can hear His voice easier. We can soak in His love, peace, and joy. His Word strengthens us.

I’ve already suggested we declutter our minds to make space for what matters the most to us. Now we must focus on beliefs and habits that will continue to transform our minds and grow our faith. Rest is where it begins. Be intentional. Most call this the foundation of self-care.

Praying for rest in your life, for direction, for healing, and for spiritual growth. Don’t forget, if this helps, please share with your friends or consider leaving a donation.

Please join my Facebook author page and Facebook group for more encouragement and support. You MATTER to me and to God! Blessings.

© 2023, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.