What to do with downtime

Americans have more leisure time then ever, but don’t know how to use it to their advantage, the Washington Post reports in the article, “Leisure overload?”

Over the decades, workers have become more productive, wages have risen, hours worked per week have decreased and discretionary time has increased. But many feel more stressed out and anxious than ever. Why the contradiction? One might ask.

Could it be we need more spirituality-based activity in our leisure time?

Have you ever gone on a long vacation and come back home more tired than before you left? I have, and I learned from the experience that a true vacation is not getting away from a job sight or home front. It’s getting away from burdensome thoughts and perspectives.

Enduring rest doesn’t come from tanning on the beach or walking through the woods. Genuine rest comes from soaking in spiritual inspiration and gaining new spiritual insights. One can do these things while lying on the beach or walking through the forest, but without some type of spiritual improvement and regeneration, these activities have little positive effect.

Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “God rests in action….The highest and sweetest rest, even from a human standpoint, is in holy work.”

It’s easy to fill leisure time with endless ways of entertaining the material senses. But the effect of sensual over-indulgence typically leaves one feeling empty and wanting. I've found that the more fulfilling way is to fill those hours with activity that brings me closer to God and feeling more spiritually minded. The fresh inspiration we gain stays with us long after the hours seeking it have passed!

So, when you're looking for something to do with your next day off, seek out your spiritual options, and plan accordingly. The good effect from being spiritually productive will take you up a few notches in the scale of true happiness and leave you feeling genuinely rested for the effort.