Kicking off the week on the right foot ...

National Relaxation Day

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By Diane Forrest

I read recently that women are having as many heart attacks as men these days, and that heart attacks are more frequent at a younger age.  Lifestyle and heredity account for most of this, but included in the lifestyle is the amount of stress in our lives. Though stress is normal, too much of this feeling can be harmful to your physical and mental health.

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For those us with a hectic lifestyle, Relaxation Day is a day to look forward to. It provides a break from the madness of your busy work and personal schedule. Today is the day to enjoy either doing absolutely nothing, or partaking in your favorite relaxation activity.

According to holidayinsights.com here are some of the Top Ten ideas to enjoy on Relaxation Day:

1. Do nothing today
2. Go to a Spa
3. Go fishing
4. Play a round of golf (caution: not always relaxing)
5. Lounge around in a hammock
6. Take a bubble bath
7. Spend the day at the beach
8. Go to the movies
9. Do a little gardening (no heavy duty work, though)
10. Have a picnic in the park

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I recently had a friend who had an abnormally high blood pressure.  Some of the relaxation techniques I gave him were to lie down with his eyes closed, take slow deep breaths, think of something calming, such as ocean waves, or a waterfall.  Then dangle his arms, relax his fingers and move to each part of his body, concentrating on relaxing his muscles.   Light some scented candles, such as lavender to help relax the senses, and take the phone off the hook and take some time for yourself.    These techniques are also effective if you are experiencing pain, and are trying to ease the pain with another method  instead of pain medication.

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Today is National Relaxation Day.  So kick back, take your shoes off, put your feet up and rest your body and your mind.

National Workaholics Day - 2012

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By Terry Orr

(Retired Workaholic)

Workaholics Day was created to honor all those hard working people that "burn the candle at both ends" and are addicted to work. We all know a few work-a-holics, here are a few ways to identify them...

• They are the first to arrive at work and typically the last one to leave.
• They canceled their vacation because they felt as though they had to much work to complete.
• They know the name of the person that cleans the office at the end of the day. This person asks them each day to move so that they can clean their work area and if they would mind locking up when they leave.

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Wikipedia describes a workacoholic as  "a person who is addicted to work. The term generally implies that the person enjoys their work; it can also imply that they simply feel compelled to do it. There is no generally accepted medical definition of such a condition, although some forms of stress, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder can be work-related. Workaholism is not the same as working hard. Despite logging in an extraordinary amount of hours and sacrificing their health and loved ones for their jobs, workaholics are frequently ineffective employees.... As with other psychological addictions, workaholics are often unable to see that they have a problem. Confronting the workaholic will generally meet with denial."

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How do you know if you’re a work-a-holic:

• It's the Fourth of July weekend, and you are at work or brought home work.
• You are working because "It's fun!" Yes, we've heard that one before.
• You work because you want to, not because you need to. (yeah, right)
• You are always the first one to work and/or the last one to leave.
• It's Saturday, and you're working.
• It's Sunday, and you're working.
• You're last thoughts as you fall asleep are related to work.
• If you are a work-a-holic, we encourage you to use Work-a-Holic Day to break the habit. Simply take today off.

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 Here is the link to our article last year:

http://kisbyto.blogspot.com/2011/07/did-someone-say-workaholics.html

Chill Out, Relax ...

August 15, 2011 is National Relaxation Day

In such a fast-paced society, dedicating a day for relaxation seems ineffective and almost imposing on the things that you need to accomplish for your job, school, and everyday life. But it is probably more necessary than you know.

People push themselves as far as their limits will allow, causing them to become stressed, rigid, and tense. This can be harmful for both your physical and mental health.

Release your built up stress and negative energy by getting a professional massage, taking the day off from work, or just simply sitting down and putting your feet up for a while. However you choose to celebrate National Relaxation Day, it will be the most important thing that you with your day!

On National Relaxation Day, 
take a moment
to enjoy life

If you’re spiritually inclined, spend some time reflecting, praying, and meditating. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Jake!!  # 13!!

Hammock Day - 2011

Terry's idea of relaxing

By Diane Forrest, 

Today is Hammock Day, when I think of hammocks; the first thing that comes to mind is Gilligan's Island.  Growing up watching Gilligan and the Skipper sleeping in their hammocks seemed like a natural way to sleep the night away.  I on the other hand could never quite get the hang of operating a hammock.  They look so uncomplicated, until you try to lay down on one.  They flip!  They never showed this with Gilligan.  When I would finally get laid out flat on one, after being thrown out several times, I would have to lay straight as a board so I would stay put.  Not a very comfortable form of sleeping for me.

A hammock is a sling made out of cloth or netting suspended between two points for the purpose of sleeping, or relaxing.  They were first used in the tropical islands to allow inhabitatants to sleep off the ground to avoid animal and insect bites.  Their use was discovered by Christopher Columbus, and he introduced them to the European countries.  Later they were used aboard Navy ships, not only for their comfort, but also because they maximize the use of space.  They were also used aboard the space flights for the same reasons.

In Venezuela, entire villages raise their families on hammocks.  They allow them to be out of danger from snakes and scorpions that inhabit the area.

My son traveled to Bolivia on two occasions with a mission group from our church.  They used hammocks for sleeping during their trip, and he liked them so much he brought one home for himself and some friends.  However they must have lost their appeal during the trip home, from the jungles of Bolivia to the back yard of Mississippi wasn't quite the same.  So, he took it down and packed it away for his next exotic adventure.

Today people use hammocks while camping.  They are easier to carry than a tent, and they don't cause any disturbances in nature while being used.  People also place them in their gardens at home to use for relaxing on warm summer days.  They come in several different styles, some are even built for 2 or more people.

If you have a hammock, take a few hours and go out and relax on it.  If you don't have one, try finding some old reruns of Gilligan's Island on TV, or hulu. 

Mint Julep

Tara! Home. I'll go home. And I'll think of some way to get him back. After all... tomorrow is another day.

Of course when you read these words you immediately think of Scarlett, Rhett and Gone with the Wind. Visions of the old South, Mississippi River, Steamboats and Plantation homes come to mind. I am fortunate to live in a small southern town in Mississippi. It is a very unique place, home to about 1000 Antebellum homes and historical buildings. People travel here from all over the world to capture a glimpse of the past.

Each spring, 4 weeks during the year, we host a Pilgrimage. During this time the ladies dress in hoop skirts and give tours of the Antebellum homes, horse and carriages transport people through town, and guests sit on sprawling porches watching the lazy river roll by and sip on Mint Juleps.
Many people from the South are steep in tradition. The traditional way to prepare a Mint Julep is to first obtain a silver julep cup. During our Pilgrimage a pageant is performed on the weekends depicting scenes from our past. A popular gift for the participants to receive is silver julep cups, so they aren't very hard to find in these parts.
Ingredients:

• 3 ounces bourbon whiskey
• 4 -5 mint leaves (spearmint is the mint of choice)
• Granulated sugar to taste
• Crushed ice

Preparation
Place a couple of mint sprigs, sugar and ice in the bottom of the cup and "muddle" together. Let it stand for a bit to allow the oils of the mint to be released. Pour whiskey then fill with crushed ice. Stir well to allow to get cold. Handle the cup by the rim or on the bottom, allowing the frost to form on the sides. This reduces the transfer of heat to the drink.

 Find a breezy porch with a comfortable rocking chair, sit back, relax and sip!



http://www.visitnatchez.org/