One of the subjects discussed in Chocolaltherapy:  Feeding the Deepest Desires of Your Inner Chick is the way women tend to use food, primarily junk food as a temporary fix, a means of escape.  So, it is a good prevention technique to consider other activities that provide a sense of escape, a change in perspective, and yet are healthy.  I considered this, and realized a lot of my spare time activities are not that relaxing.  Example?  Well, working on my quilts is sometimes stressful (which could lead to a trip to the kitchen) because I am learning new skills.  I am not comfortable with what I am doing yet.  Not all hobbies are about relaxation.  Some are about achievement or learning a new skill.  For a true “escape” we need something that is relaxing!  The two activities that I thought of are reading and crocheting. I love to read, but most of the time, my reading method is a few pages here and there while trying to do other things.  This is not ideal!  But, oh, the joy of an uninterrupted hour to simply read and enjoy.  Sigh.  I also find the meditative motions of crochet and looking at the varieties of colors and textures of yarn very uplifting.  I haven’t crocheted in a good while because 1) I am running out of people to give afghans to, and 2) I am supposed to be working on my quilts.  However, after this reflection, I am thinking that I might need to start a project for pure relaxation purposes.  Plus, I will have a good stash of homemade gifts ready for the next birthday or wedding! The next question is most likely:  How on earth do you find time to do something like that with everything else that needs to be done in a day?  Schedule it.  Consider it preventive care.  For years I got up an hour earlier than I needed to just so I could sit in a cafe and read a book before work.  Making time to do things that I enjoy works in opposition to the feeling of being deprived.  This makes eating to soothe or escape less likely. [openbook booknumber="9780800731892"]

     It is a very special thing to a have some extra time for personal reflection and prayer on Sundays. Yet, between church, preparing meals, caring for husbands and children, and the pending workload coming on Monday, it may be difficult to make it happen.

     Ask the husband nicely to watch the kids for twenty minutes or so.  Light a candle in the bathroom and close the door.  Use some bubble bath, bath salts, a bathbomb–whatever you like as a bath additive.  Right now, I am into cupcake bath bombs and bubble baths.  If you’re lacking in “bath stuff,” try adding a milk and honey mixture (right out of the kitchen) to your bath water. 

     Soak and relax until your toes prune up.  While you’re in there, close your eyes and count your blessings.  Focus on all of the things in your life that you have to be grateful for and offer up your thanks to God.

     Thinking about our blessings helps us appreciate them more.  It also refocuses our minds on the source of all good gifts:  the Lord.  When you emerge from the tub, you will be refreshed physically, mentally, and spiritually.  Take a gratitude bath get-away today!