R & R: Why rest alone isn’t enough and how relaxation completes the picture …

Rest and relaxation — “R and R” — have long been recognized as vital to our well-being. We hear often about the importance of rest for physical recovery and spiritual renewal, but relaxation? That’s another story. Many of us brush it aside, seeing it as a luxury or a waste of time. Yet, relaxation is as essential as rest, serving a unique role in helping us release tension, enjoy life, and maintain equilibrium.

Unfortunately, we often feel conflicted about taking time to relax. We may think it’s selfish or unproductive. On the other hand, we may swing to the extreme of overindulgence—equating relaxation with passive activities like endless Netflix marathons and junk food binges, which leave us feeling drained rather than rejuvenated. True relaxation, however, is intentional and deeply restorative. It’s about creating space for your mind, body, and soul to unwind, not through indulgence, but through activities that bring peace and enjoyment.

REST V. RELAXATION: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
Rest is about ceasing activity, giving your body and mind time to recover. It’s the quiet moment after a long day when you simply stop. Rest might look like a full night’s sleep, a Sunday afternoon nap, or a day off where you’re not expending much physical or mental energy. It’s restorative, addressing the wear and tear of daily life.

Relaxation, on the other hand, isn’t just about stopping activity, it’s about engaging in something that reduces tension and brings enjoyment. It’s proactive, not just reactive. While rest helps your body recharge, relaxation calms your mind and alleviates stress, promoting emotional and mental well-being. It’s not just about doing nothing but about doing something that unwinds you.

We need both. Rest is the foundation that keeps us standing, but relaxation is what allows us to enjoy the view.

WHY RELAXATION MATTERS
Relaxation isn’t a luxury or a self-indulgent reward for hard work. It’s a vital aspect of well-being, addressing needs that rest alone cannot fulfill. Without relaxation, the tension we carry — mental, physical, and emotional — can slowly erode our resilience. Think of a tightly wound spring. Even if it isn’t in motion, it remains under strain. Relaxation allows that tension to be released, preventing damage before it begins.

But relaxation isn’t just about avoiding stress. It’s also about experiencing joy and connecting with the present moment. When we take time to relax, we create space to notice God’s blessings, to laugh, to breathe deeply, and to find gratitude. Relaxation helps us avoid the constant drive toward productivity, reminding us that we’re not defined by our output but by our Creator’s love and grace.

This is why it’s so essential. Without it, even the best rest can feel incomplete.

WHAT DOES RELAXATION LOOK LIKE?
True relaxation is deeply personal, varying from person to person, but it’s always intentional. It’s not escapism or zoning out but engaging in activities that genuinely refresh and restore.

Relaxation might look like stepping outside to walk slowly and take in the sights and sounds of creation. The rustling leaves, birdsong, and sunlight filtering through the trees create a calm that reminds us of God’s hand in the world.

For others, it may involve engaging in a creative pursuit. Painting, cooking, gardening, or writing allows us to lose ourselves in the process, finding joy in the act of creating without pressure to perform or perfect.

Still, relaxation can be social. Spending time with loved ones — laughing over a meal, playing a lighthearted game, or simply talking about the day — can fill us with a sense of belonging and warmth that no solo activity can replicate.

Spiritually, relaxation might mean sitting quietly with God, not asking or striving but simply being. Reflecting on His Word without an agenda or gazing at the night sky in awe of His creation can be deeply restorative.

The common thread in all of this is intention. Relaxation is purposeful, chosen, and embraced as part of a fulfilled life.

A FULL LIFE
When we embrace relaxation as an intentional, God-honoring part of our lives, we find ourselves more grounded, more joyful, and more at peace. It’s not about doing nothing or doing everything, it’s about creating space to release tension and celebrate the beauty of life.

So take the walk, pick up the paintbrush, or sit quietly in God’s presence. Let relaxation be a gift you give yourself, knowing it’s not wasted time but sacred time. Rest renews, and relaxation refreshes. Together, they contribute significantly to the abundant life God desires for us.

Scotty