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Relaxation tips, anyone?

Confession: I'm not good at relaxing. I don't really know how...

My dad claims that he passed this trait to me, but I claim personal responsibility for nurturing it beyond what I inherited honestly. I used to make plans every Monday - Thursday night, which meant that I was too busy to have time at home by myself. This schedule led to exhaustion and emotional overload - a hamster on a wheel effect. I was always going somewhere or doing something with somebody, but not always feeling like I was GETTING anywhere.

Making plans every night also resulted in complete incompetence in the relaxation department. The little free time I gave myself (Saturday mornings and a bit of time on Sundays), I filled with necessary tasks such as cleaning my house, laundry, and grocery shopping. When I found myself with a rare moment alone, I busied myself by cleaning or organizing something.

Now, I try to leave at least one night open for either down time at my house or a spontaneous date with a friend if the mood strikes. I typically spend those nights by working late or escaping into TV. Probably not the healthiest uses of my time either...

If John is home, I can relax with him. Somehow, doing something relaxing with someone else feels productive because it's like quality time with that person. That's the root issue - I feel guilty just relaxing because it doesn't feel productive. I feel a need to be productive constantly. Does anyone else understand that? How are we supposed to walk the line between doing things with excellence like Jesus did, loving people like He did, yet having a Sabbath? That all is very confusing to me.

How can I learn to relax and get over my drive to be productive 24/7? What's the biblical perspective? I need a Relaxing for Dummies book. Any and all ideas are welcome. :-)

Thanks.

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