“Happy National Day of Relaxation”
August 15, 2025
National Day celebrations seem to be a daily event, and today, August 15, is no exception. It is the annual National Day of Relaxation. Originally founded in 1985, by a nine-year-old who was relaxing in his grandfather’s basement, the day is now celebrated in the U.S. every August 15th and is a day meant to remind people of the importance of taking time to unwind, de-stress, and prioritize self-care.
The fourth-grade founder, of this day of relaxation, was concerned that too much work can make us sick, tired, and run-down. So he proposed a day to recuperate tired minds and bodies, as a way to prevent many health risks. The day was a reminder, and not a 24-hour cure-all for overworking and neglecting to take a break from the fast-paced, and often hectic life styles many American live.
The once held adage, “Hard work never killed anybody”, has, over the years, come under question. While hard work can be beneficial, it can lead to negative consequences, including physical and mental health issues, burnout, and other problems even if it’s not directly fatal.
Some people will celebrate today by taking a nap, reading a book, going to a spa or pool, walking, disconnecting from technology, practicing yoga, or spending time with loved ones over a meal or by enjoying a movie. The options are endless.
However, while I applaud the ingenuity of the nine-year old founder of the National Day of relaxation, the Bible portrays relaxation, not as a luxury or a national day of relaxation, but as a necessity for both physical and spiritual well-being. Resting is a divine command.
One of the most notable biblical principles regarding relaxation is found in Exodus 20:8, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy”. This command not only emphasizes the importance of taking a day off from labor but also highlights relaxation as a fundamental part of God’s creation. After six days of working to create the world, God Himself rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). In doing so, He set a divine precedent – rest isn’t just a suggestion but a vital part of our daily lives and something that deserves our recognition.
Resting allows us to recharge our minds and souls, reflecting God’s created order. It serves as a reminder that, while we should strive to be productive, we are also human beings filled with limitations. Recognizing this can lift a weight off our shoulders and help us embrace the grace found in rest.
The New Testament also reveals how Jesus regularly withdrew to rest and pray, even when the demands around him were intense. In Mark 6:31, when the disciples were so busy they “did not even have a chance to eat,” Jesus told them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Rest is a gift that reminds us we are more than what we produce. My worth isn’t tied to my output. My identity isn’t determined by my achievements. My worth comes from being His child and not from my accomplishments.
The Bible portrays relaxation not as a luxury or a national day of relaxation, but as a necessity for both physical and spiritual well-being. In a world that often celebrates busyness and high productivity, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking time to relax. Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our weary souls: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I am going to read a book by the pool.