The Commerce Journal

Opinion

Discussion

December 14, 2012

Taking time to take some time off

By Caleb Slinkard The Commerce Journal

COMMERCE — My dad saved an article for me recently that he showed me when he was cleaning off the coffee table in our living room. I can’t remember the name of the author, but she was advocating unplugging from the day-to-day stress of the world on Sundays in the nature of the traditional “Sabbath.” In the Bible, it says God rested on the seventh day of the week. The idea is that we should follow God’s example, because the human body is not designed to constantly be busy.

The article started with a quote from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. One of the main characters, Bilbo Baggins talks about feeling thin and stretched, like butter spread over too much toast. I’ve never battled goblins or dragons, but I can relate.

I worked full-time in college, first in the university’s marketing department, then with the school newspaper, and then with the Commerce Journal. Most days I was leaving the house at 8:30 a.m., and I was finished with class, work and homework around 11 p.m. Needless to say, my sleeping and eating habits weren’t very good.

I know individuals who have even busier schedules who would put me to shame. My dad drives to Richardson five days a week, is a bowling coach and participates in a bowling league, teaches at his church, and still finds time to do Bible study with my little brother and take my mom on frequent dates.

But I often feel the stress of impending deadlines and over-extending myself socially. I think that it is important to try and experience as much of life as possible. However, I find myself ground down more often than not.

I’m going to try the Sunday relaxation technique. Six days a week, I’m going to work on my to-do list, manage my time as best I can, and cut out unnecessary activities that aren’t beneficial. But Sunday, I’m going to turn off my phone, find a comfy spot to read a book, and take a nap.

I’m already looking forward to this weekend.

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