Release Stress, Recharge & Regroup

I have come to realize that the hustle and bustle of city life is not for me. It makes me feel trapped, caged, and suffocated. I know that sounds silly to people who thrive in the midst of noise and busyness of people, but it's not for me.
The constant hum of traffic, voices and smell of carbon monoxide overwhelms me. Noise in an urban area never quits, day or night. Some of you probably don't hear it anymore, because you tune it out. I've had friends tell me; "Nah, it's not that bad" or "It doesn't bother me" and then look at me like I had two heads.

If you think I'm exaggerating just think about it. Have you ever been camping or stay in a quiet country inn and needed a fan running because it was too quiet to sleep?  It happened to the friends I mentioned above.They had become so accustomed to noise they couldn't sleep without it.

I am the exact opposite. I have become so accustomed to quiet, silence and solitude.......... I can not live without it. I can't think or comprehend in a noise filled environment. I find being around people constantly, is unhealthy for me personally. People are demanding and I find myself giving more of myself than most others are willing to give back, so it drains me. I find long periods of interaction with others stressful and tiring. If it continues without being able to claim a little "Me" time I become depressed.

Here are some ways I have found to release stress, recharge and regroup:

Take a relaxing bath with bubbles and herbal mixtures to provide an aroma therapy experience. Allow as much time as you can, without being interrupted, to enjoy the full benefits of the aroma and the hot water on your muscles. Listen to some soothing instrumental music as you soak your troubles away.

If you have a roommate, children, or marriage partner you may find it beneficial to go outside or to another location to gain some alone time. Just for an hour or so, curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee. This can allow you an escape from your world into another, if only virtually.

I love the time I spend alone kayaking on the lake in the early morning hours, just before daybreak, the fog lifts as the sun rises in the sky and the quiet is deafening. I breath deeply the scents of the season and enjoy the view nature provides. It exhilarates me, and I feel an overabundance of joy.

I also go for walks, either just around the property or the state parks to a nature trail. The beauty and serenity in the mountains, where I live, is always enough to make me step a little lighter and breath a little deeper. My favorite time of year to hike is in the fall and early spring. Waterfalls flow nonstop in the spring as the earth awakes and the plants bring forth their sprouts and spring flowers. The leaves in the fall are always a joy to behold and the air cools down from the summer heat bringing happy thoughts of family and the holidays ahead.

Occasionally I will spend time with a friend who recharges my spirit, but does not drain me. When you can get with someone who enjoys the same things you do, shares the same beliefs you do and you can share these things mutually it recharges you both. Time spent with them over a pot of herbal tea, can be as beneficial as time alone. Allow enough time to talk over everything without being rushed. Friends like this are hard to find, they are more precious than gold, guard them like the treasure they are.

The most important tip I can give is to spend some quality time, one on one, with God and the Bible. When I am experiencing a rough spot or incredible challenge, He is the only one who can give me the answers I need to hear. It's not always what I want to hear, or always politically correct, but it is right as God defines it.
It takes quiet contemplation and reflection to hear God speak to you. He has a gentle quiet voice that is often drowned out by the noise of life and the voices inside your head. You have to be still, quiet the mind and know that he is God, and as such will give you the courage and the guidance to get through it all. 

With a renewed mind and spirit, you can face anything that comes your way. Put your confidence in God and he will care for you. You will find a gentle calm and peace you can draw on to get through the challenges of another day. Repeat as often as needed, but be forewarned, it will become addictive.