The best way for me to relax is through breathing exercises. There is no doubt that modern lifestyle is too stressful. We have to divide our time between work, family and social obligations. It is not easy to make time for myself, but it is still necessary to find time even for a few minutes. Relaxing can help and make me healthier, in both body and mind. It helps me recover from the daily stress that life throws at me. No matter how busy I am. I need to set aside time and space to relax. Breathing exercise is one of my simple relaxation strategies. It effectively calms my body and mind. I will find a place where I feel comfortable to sit or lay down and put one of my hands on my belly. Then, I breath into a slow count of three and then breath out to the same slow count of three. I can feel my stomach rises and falls as I breath in and out. I repeat for five times or more as long as I need to feel relaxed.
— Vilma Allado
There are many ways to relax. It can be outdoor or indoor. But in the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, our ways to relax are quite limited. My anxiety and fear for being infected occupies my thoughts often. But I find a way to relax through music. Though I am always busy working for a living, listening and singing the Gospel songs give me comfort, peace, and joy. I can feel the presence of the Lord in my daily life, and that is my best way to relax. I am so grateful to God for always being by my side.
— Raquel Barbante
Spending time in prayer by reading God’s Word and doing some meditation gives me peace of mind, enjoyment, direction, and wisdom. It encourages spiritual growth, nourishes, and refreshes my body and spirit. That is the best way for me to relax with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Sometimes I find his word confusing and there are times I do not know how to begin with my reading. But the more I read the Bible, the more I enjoy and experience his love and God’s mysterious work. I meet Jesus Christ when I explore the Gospels; he is the light and truth! I was struck by different verses about love, inspirational sayings on faith, freedom, peace, and above all, on how his life has been given to us to redeem us from our sins. All because of his great love for humankind!
— Maria Nelly Manzano
In our present situation, when the world is in danger because of the Covid 19 variant, it is not easy to relax. Wherever I go, I feel unsafe as though the virus is just around the corner, unseen by anyone on the street or in the marketplace. It seems that the best way for me to relax is to stay inside my room to pray and talk to God, which is too relaxing because I can disclose everything to him, such as my feelings, joys, problems or worries, and anxieties. He is my close friend with whom I can tell all my concerns: whether personally, in my community, the society, and even the global crisis that the world has been facing now. After praying to God, I find peace in my mind, body and spirit.
—Aurora Paringit
Life as an overseas Filipino worker can be stressful. Work and other concerns from family in the Philippines and other social obligations challenge us to strike the equilibrium of life. It is hard to make time for my personal needs, but it is necessary to save a moment for myself. Experience taught me that after a period of stress caused by fatigues, anxieties, and emotional imbalances, I should find time to relax so that I can be more productive. I need also to reboot my brain to improve concentration, which helps solve problems. It also aids me to rediscover myself by listening to the inner voice speaking within me.
Hiking is the best way for me to relax. I do it regularly! It alleviates pressure and helps me stay calm in the mind, body, and spirit. It offers me peace and strengthens my creativity in doing my job. Doing meditation while climbing can also deepen my relationship with my Creator. Appreciating the beauty of creation fortifies the spiritual life that guides me to integrate it into my daily affairs.
— Maria Even Ybo
