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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 5 (September 1, 1933)

Rest And Relaxation

Rest And Relaxation.

As the busy season of the year approaches bringing in its train spring-cleaning, jam-making, preparing for the holidays, etc., the housewife who appreciates her health and appearance, is well advised to learn the value of relaxation. I suppose there are few women who have not some knowledge of the value of rest, but when it comes to practice, how many will, after the mid-day meal, allow themselves from fifteen to thirty minutes for complete rest and relaxation?

An excellent way to rest is to slip off the shoes and, in a darkened room, sit or lie comfortably with the feet slightly higher than the body. Cover yourself with a rug, let the body relax and the mind become more or less a blank. It may not at first be easy to rid oneself of the cares and anxieties that flesh is heir to, and to force the mind into pleasant channels. However, it is possible to do this and so get the full benefit of the rest and quietness. It is surprising how soon a difference in appearance and tension will be observed. It is when one is busiest that one should allow the time for rest and so become refreshed and able to carry on without that “tired feeling.”

It is also necessary to sit still while eating. Do not rise from the table every now and then to attend to the wants of the family. Put everything on the table at once and do not move until the meal is finished. Make the meal as attractive as possible. Banish depressing subjects from discusion and have pleasant conversation and a happy atmosphere, which is conducive to good digestion.

Although this is a women's page, men also should note the benefit derived from relaxation. It is, of course, a recognised principle in modern industry, as seen in the provision of “rest periods,” “smoke-ohs,” etc., in the best conducted highpressure businesses. But amongst other sections of society the “industrial psychologist” has not had an organised competitive factor to appeal to, and any suggestion for relaxation mostly originates from the medical profession. To those who fail to use the medical man as he should be used— as a health supervisor—the idea of relaxation generally goes unrecognised. Hence it is appropriate that marked attention should be given in these notes to a feature of life which means so much in the direction of producing a well-ordered, healthy and happy existence.

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