Tag Archives: stress

The Value of a Getaway

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mom and girls on getaway
Me and my girls

Our Getaway

A week ago, our family went on a getaway. We took a few days off and drove about two hours north to Lancaster, PA for a vacation. We spent time playing in the pool at the hotel, going out to eat, visiting some of our favorite stores, building legos, and of course drinking lots of coffee.

I always forget how even just a few days away can make such a big difference. There’s just something about a change of pace and a change of place that helps to bring some much needed peace.

When the pressures of every day life grow to be too heavy to handle, and it seems like the stress is just too much, sometimes all it takes is a few days away to get some peace and perspective. I feel like we were able to get just that.

Matt and I started our morning each morning in the hotel with a coffee from Starbucks and extra time doing our morning time routine. The kids just played or watched something while we did this. It was so peaceful and relaxing. We didn’t have to hurry out the door to go somewhere, we didn’t have to get school started, we didn’t have to get busy working…we just took our time and enjoyed our morning.

Matt and Malachi building legos

Finding Time Alone

I love this verse from the book of Lamentations. Lamentations is one of those unassuming books in the Bible that is chock full of great verses.

Finding time alone is one of the best things we can do when we are discouraged and disheartened or feel like we can’t hold up beneath the weight of our burdens. I think it works best if it’s somewhere other then your home. There’s something about a new location that seems to help us be more sensitive to God’s voice. Maybe it’s a cabin in the woods, next to a creek, in the mountains, at the beach, a hotel, or a coffee shop. Wherever it is, find time to be quiet and alone. Let God be the One to restore your hope.

Planning a Getaway

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just lost your creativity or passion, maybe it’s time to plan a getaway. It doesn’t have to be long or expensive. Nor does it have to be something awesome like Disney Land; it can simply be an overnight stay an hour away. Don’t underestimate the peace that even just twenty-four hours away can bring.

How I Use Release Writing

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photo credit: Ana Tavares

What is Release Writing?

So I think Matt may have made up the phrase “release writing,” but it totally works! We have been calling it this for years. The idea of release writing is to write down whatever it is that is bothering you until you feel a release from the building pressure. Basically, when I am overwhelmed, hurt, discouraged, frustrated, or whatever it is that I can’t wrap my mind around, I write about it. I write down everything I am feeling, thinking, experiencing, and anything else that is rolling around in my head.

When to use Release Writing?

Sometimes I release write after Matt and I have had a fight. Other times, it’s after something discouraging takes place. Sometimes it’s just a problem with our kids or a frustration in our home that we can’t seem to get past. I can process things so much better when I see it on paper in front of me instead of having it all stuck in my head. I write down every crazy thought in my head.

How does Release Writing Help?

I write until I feel like the pressure that is building inside of me is released. After the tears have flowed, after the hurt or anger has eased, after I have gotten all the frustration down on paper, then I can take a deep breath. Now I can look back through it and see what is going on. I can begin to process what happened and what I need to do next. What started the fight? Why am I so hurt? What did the friend really say, and did I respond the right way?  Was he wrong or was I? Why am I so discouraged right now? Why do I feel so helpless? Release Writing helps me to see what is going on and the steps I need to take next.

What is an Example of Release Writing?

I believe a lot of the Psalms of David were simply release writing on David’s part. We, as the readers, can see he was working through his fears, failures, problems, and discouragements simply by writing them all down. I find it so interesting that a lot of his Psalms start really negative and discouraging. By the time he has gotten to the end of the Psalm, though, his attitude turns positive again. There is something about writing that helps us to work through our emotions. It certainly helps me! Give it a try, and see if works for you too.