I had a unique opportunity on Saturday. I was alone for the bulk of the day. I had no car, no internet, and no responsibilites. I had a good book and a comfy bed.
Sounds about perfect, right? Problem: I could NOT shut my brain off or concentrate on anything of substance. I was unable to nap, despite being on day 3 of the current head cold I'm weathering. I was unable to read because every time I tried I read the same sentence four times in a row and that's not very productive reading.
So what did I do with this nearly-perfect day? I overdosed on HGTV and iPad Solitaire.
Yep. That's just the kind of substance you've come to expect from me, right? But do consider that we don't have cable TV ourselves, so being in a spot that did was a kind of vacation unto itself.
But I was pretty disappointed with myself for wasting an otherwise perfect day. I do not know how to relax.
What's the secret out there to those of you who CAN shut your brains off and take a nap when you really need to? Inquiring minds want to know. They want to know so badly they can't shut off.
Half-Pint House 
Watching HGTV for any amount of time would have lulled me off into slumber land… 🙂 Sorry, I’m no help.
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When I’ve been going full speed for a long time, it usually takes me an evening or day to decompress (with mindless TV, magazines, etc.) then the second day I am able to relax. Lately, forced rest breaks through the week b/c of pregnancy are helping me slow down and enjoy pockets of down time more. I think it has to do with going full throttle all the time. Our minds can’t shut off in an instant when they’ve been programmed to go fast for so long.
Along this line of thought, you might enjoy Ann Voskamp’s book “One Thousand Gifts” (well, I *know* you’d enjoy the book immensely regardless … but it ties in with slowing our thoughts). I’ve reinstated my morning quiet time, too, which was sporadic at best for several months and that is helping me to slow the craziness in my mind … even if the day is still rushing and busy. 🙂
Also, in the past I have found GREAT value in going away somewhere alone for a weekend (once a year at best is the most frequent I can seem to squeeze it in). Not just overnight or a day, but two nights … for the reason you mentioned that it takes a little while to decompress. Think “Jesus-going-up-into-the-mountain-alone” time. I pray before I go for God to meet me there … just the two of us, alone … and for me to be open to His agenda. Those are times I will treasure forever. And more growth happens in those chunks of time than in 6 months of time busily going about my business. 🙂
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