I shared a more extended thought on this in a recent fellowship!  magazine (see page 15). But folks have continued asking for the acrostic. So, here ya go…

In today’s fast paced, ever changing, information-overloaded world, one question keeps being asked, “How do you survive stress? Easy, R-E-L-A-X!” (It’s really an acrostic…let’s unpack it!)

R – Rest
There is perhaps no better antidote for the stressful lifestyle than rest. The average adult needs AT LEAST eight hours of sleep a night. Very few of us get that much

E – Escape
Time away “escapes” are important for recharging and rejuvenating. These can be extended vacations, study times, prayer retreats, or any number of other times away. Refresh, rethink, re-dream and renew.

L – Laugh
There is no better energizer than a release of endorphins through a good belly laugh. Laughter really is the “best medicine” keeping our perspectives healthy. About once a month, I give myself a “mental health” day. I watch comedic movies, listen to stand up comics, and visit humor sites on the Internet.

A – Alter Routines
Doing the same things, the same ways, day after day leads to boredom, lack of energy, even depression. By altering routines, we can see new perspectives, re-energize our work lives, and enjoy life to the fullest. Altering routines can be as simple as brushing our teeth with the opposite hand or driving to work on a different route.

X – eXercise
Perhaps the most ignored part of our daily routines is physical exertion. The average adult needs forty-five minutes of exercise at least three times a week. As we get our bodies in motion, our souls, minds, and bodies become healthier.

So, get off the blog! Quit surfing for more sermon ideas. Go out and do something! Laugh out loud! Ride a carousel. Make a mud pie or an apple pie! Have some fun and relax!!