Rest? How?

One thing I had to learn early in my fibromyalgia journey was how to rest.... or to "chill"...to practice, at times, what Rhonda Anderson (co-founder of Creative Memories) calls "planned neglect." Sometimes you have to purposely ignore the things around you that are screaming "do me next!!!!" in order to get the rest your body needs (or is demanding!). It is a hard balance to achieve...rarely do I feel like I'm in the "sweet spot" of perfect balance. There is always something demanding attention - household chores, husband, children, other family, church activities, children's school activities, work...
I found the best way for me to get rest when I need it is to read. I have always loved to read! The past three years I was fortunate enough to work with several women who also love to read - they shared a lot of great books with me (thanks, Leslie & Rebecca!). My favorites are in a list here - I've provided links to my favorite authors too! I'll be adding more books I've read as I remember them! : )
I usually draw a really hot bath and soak in the tub to read if my muscles are really hurting a lot. If I'm more fatigued than in pain, I prop up in the bed and read or sit in the recliner. I have loved to read in the bathtub since I was in elementary school! When we built our home, one of the most important factors was the placement of the house based on the view from my garden tub! It looks out over 70 acres or so of woods! Every season is beautiful.
Another thing I do to "enforce" rest is watch a movie - nothing suspenseful or too heavy...a light romantic comedy or interesting drama. Sometimes it is an old favorite to go to sleep to!
Of course, sometimes sleep is the only option - then its either on top of the bed with a blanket (feels more like a nap when you are not under the covers, doesn't it?) or on the couch "watching a movie."
When you deal with fatigue on a daily basis, you have to learn to give your body the rest it needs and not feel guilty about it. If you feel guilty about it, you can't really rest. so you just have to accept the fact that you have to do it and DO IT!! If you are fighting the need to rest or feeling guilty about it, here are some verses to ponder:
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Psalms 116:7 "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you."