Enjoy More By Doing Less

I am not writing this as someone who is good at resting. I am writing this as someone who wants to be good at resting. Resting seems a lot like a white lie, it should be something easy. Rest, sleep, enjoy the weekend, got it. But what if God intended for rest to be so much more?

It’s crazy to think that it is actually challenging to get rest but I need to enjoy it. Sometimes, enjoyment means being still and waiting. Psalm 46:10 comes to mind,

“He says “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the Earth.”

I want to expand on where it says, "and know.” It's not, and have a feeling, or have an experience but know. We often fall into responding to situations based on what we feel or experience rather than what we know to be truth. In times when we go through an adversity or something is happening, we naturally ask ourselves, “Why is this happening?” or we ask God, “What are you doing at this moment?”

We cannot rely on our circumstances, the things happening around us or even what's happening to us internally. We have to go back to what we know is true about God through his word. The best way to combat these situations is to remember that God tells us to be still and know who He is because He’s going to have the glory, He’s going to have the final say. For me, knowing scripture to combat what I am feeling and going through has been a dwelling place.

The Lord is revealing to me that the hustle and bustle, the busy and no-time-for-anything lifestyle just ain't it. It is no longer something I desire. A few years back, I remember keeping myself busty, working several jobs, having a full school schedule, and barely getting any sleep. I saw it as admirable. And now, I admire people who make time for themselves, people who set boundaries, say no to things and are intentional about their time. That’s what I want.

There’s nothing wrong with being very busy, there is certainly a season for that and sometimes it is absolutely necessary (putting food on the table, making ends meet, etc.) Everyone goes through those seasons. But I will say that my very long season of busyness has taught me an important principle, it’s that by doing less I get to enjoy more.

Here are some steps I want to take in order to rest and rest well, and I invite you to practice them as well:

Tip #1 - Set boundaries.

As someone who is a “yes man”, this was a tough lesson for me to learn. This step can be applied even if you are currently in a season of busyness because time off is not free time. Setting boundaries may look different for everyone but universally, boundaries can be defined as limits we set with others or things. You don't have to feel guilty for choosing to uphold a boundary and not give someone or something your attention. Especially if it is going to affect you negatively. Furthermore, Jesus was known for setting boundaries. He would regularly take time away from people to go and be alone with the Father. Without boundaries, he would never have had time to be alone with God.

Tip #2 - Practice rest as if it is a skill.

Skill improves with practice and just as it takes time to settle into a new job or place, or a few days to shift into vacation mode, so too will your mind take time to start enjoying rest. For me, it has taken months for my mind to take advantage of my slow Saturday morning routine. This was because I needed to take time to learn what brought me rest, I was so busy that I had lost parts of my identity, I didn't have hobbies and there wasn't anything I did that was for fun. So, if you don't see results immediately, give it time.

Tip #3 - Do not neglect time for sleep or naps.

We all know the golden rule of getting 8 hours of sleep a night. A little extra sleep or a 20-minute power nap can go a long way. Long-term studies show that good sleep provides lifetime benefits in terms of better physical health, and greater emotional stability. It’s funny how God shows us how dependable we are on him by designing us to require sleep on a daily basis. I strongly recommend taking naps during your most stressful times, it can help with mental clarity but it’s also worshipful because you are recognizing that He’s in control and has the final say in our lives. We’re called to do everything for the Lord, why is rest any different?

Tip #4 - Invite those you love to rest with you.

I once saw quote that read something along the lines of, “We find rest in those we love, and we provide a rest in ourselves for those who love us”

While the world demands perfection, God doesn't.

While the world constantly demands performance and conformity from us, Jesus gives rest to stay in His unchanging presence. We gain spiritual rest as well as an eternal rest spent in the presence of God, starting right here and now with Jesus’ peace.