Some people find that lighting candles on a dark winter s day brings warmth and coziness to the environment. Take time to rest and regenerate so that you do not overextend yourself with too many projects or commitments. Because our culture puts so much emphasis on doing, it is important to schedule in periods of time to relax and just be . You may wish to meditate, walk, listen to your favorite music, or engage in a hobby where you can relax in a focused way. One type of relaxing experience that is also good for the body is therapeutic massage.
Massage relaxes the muscles, promotes lymph drainage, and stimulates the immune system.
Human touch is profoundly healing for body, mind, and spirit. When asked for his definition of mental health, Sigmund Freud replied, The ability to work and to love. Conversely, I have seen depression brought on by a person s lack of employment, or being involved in work that does not express a genuine passion. Friedan discovered that people aged gracefully when they had close personal relations and were involved in a series of creative projects that gave full expression to their abilities and talents. Closely related to work is the process of goal setting.