The Benefits of R&R

There’s nothing like a little “R&R time” to clear the mind and settle the spirit.  ”R&R” is an old military term that means “rest & relaxation.”  Every general knows that the day-to-day demands of battle (uh, like getting shot at, for example) are highly stressful and that this constant stress wears a person down.  They know that the best way to keep soldiers in top fighting form is to allow them some time to rest and relax away from the battlefield in order to “recharge” their fighting spirit.

Now you and I don’t normally have to worry about the “demands of battle” but we do have to deal with the demands and stress of modern life – work responsibilities, family needs, church or social obligations, and of course, bills, bills, bills.  It wears you down and just like a soldier, you occasionally need a little R&R time in order to de-stress and recharge.

So here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when planning your next R&R time:

1. R&R is Different From a Vacation. A vacation is usually only taken during the summer, when the kids are off from school.  Vacations also tend to be big dramatic events with set schedules, planned events, and specific timetables.  That’s not what I mean by R&R.  In many cases, people experience way more stress trying to plan and take the perfect vacation than they ever experience at work.  R&R time is true rest and relaxation time when you let all the stress and worries slip away.  It’s time spent reading a good book or simply engaging in conversation with your significant other (remember the last time you both really talked?).  R&R time is not about doing activities or seeing the sights.  It’s about letting your soul take a deep breath.
2. R&R Time can be as Short or as Long as You Need. Take a week or take a day.  If you spend it properly and with the right mindset, no matter how much time you have, it’s enough.
3. When You Need It, You Need It. I know I’m writing this post at the end of the summer vacation season but once again, R&R time is not the same as a scheduled vacation.  If you find yourself suffering from modern-day “battle fatigue,” it’s time for a little R&R.
4. Get Out of Your Foxhole. Make sure to change your scenery.  Get out of the office, get out of the house, or if necessary, get out of town.  The key for soldiers on the battlefield was to get out of the “foxhole.”  You need to do the same.
5. Don’t Plan Too Much. Teri and I just got back from a trip to the Grand Canyon (hence the picture).  No schedule.  No itinerary.  No tours.  No plans.  No rush to get here or there or requests to “please stay with the group.”  We were just there – and it was great!  Without having to worry about what time it was or without having to be at a certain place at a certain time, we were completely free to simply enjoy being there – which leads me to the next tip:
6. Wherever You Are, Be There. The only way R&R time works is if you truly leave all your cares and worries (and stress) behind.  Better stated, this tip should be “Wherever You Are, Be THERE,” not mentally back at home or at work worrying about how you’re going to get through the pile of work, bills, assignments, or whatever, that you left sitting on your desk or counter top.
7. Come Back Recharged. No, taking some R&R time does not make all your problems disappear.  But it does make you better able to tackle them.  With a recharged mind and spirit, you’ve got a much better chance of finding a solution.

So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, take a little R&R time away from the “battlefield.”   Give yourself some time to recharge and you’ll tackle those problems with a clear mind and a renewed spirit.

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