10 Restful Activities for Your Sabbath
October 2, 2020
Written by Victoria Dissmore, Marketing Employee
It can be hard to take a whole day to rest when you have homework piling up, but the Sabbath is an important spiritual discipline that will keep you from burnout while strengthening your relationship with God.
Taking a Sabbath doesn’t have to mean sitting around doing nothing or watching Netflix all day. The Sabbath is meant to be an enjoyable, restful time with the Lord, which should make you want to prioritize getting your homework done at other times.
Whatever day you choose to Sabbath, these suggested activities will give you a fun break from work to help you enjoy God and delight in the life He’s given you.
Bake Cookies
I don’t know about you, but I feel like Fall is the perfect baking season. Find a friend who lives on East or off-campus and get a few more friends together for an afternoon in the kitchen. Baking or cooking something simple is a way to spend quality time together doing a shared activity and enjoying each other’s company. And then you can eat whatever it is you made together!
Watch a Movie at the Theatre
There’s something special about going out to see a movie as opposed to watching one at home. You get to leave your worries outside, sit in comfy seats for at least two hours without the distraction of your phone, and you get to focus on just one thing. It’s also fun having a shared experience with the people around you.
This applies to seeing a theater performance or an orchestra concert, as well. Did you know that Lynchburg’s Regal is now open? Check out what movies they’re playing here.
Write Letters to Friends & Family
You could Facetime or email or text them, but writing letters is so much more special. Your friends and family members will appreciate the handwritten note in the mail, and the time you take to write it out will be refreshing for you, too.
Take a Day Trip
Sometimes you just need to get out of the Liberty bubble. There are so many places to explore in the surrounding area that would be a great place to drive to for the day. Try…
- Going on one of the many hikes near Lynchburg (i.e. Sharp Top, McAfee’s Knob)
- Visiting one of Virginia’s beautiful lakes (i.e. Lake Anna, Lake Moomaw)
- Exploring a nearby city (i.e. Roanoke, Charlottesville)
Go to a Local Sports Game
Obviously, this one might be a little tricky in 2020. But even if you’re not into sports, it can be fun to go out and cheer for a team! You could go to a Lynchburg Hillcats baseball game, or if you have any local friends with kids, you could ask to go with them to their kids’ sports game. And of course, you can go to one of Liberty’s many sports games, including club sports and intramurals.
Stargaze
There’s nothing like the wide-open starry sky to remind you that God is bigger than that paper you have to write or that test you have to study for. Try to find a spot on campus without too much light, but for a real view drive out to Liberty’s very own observatory just past the Liberty Mountain Equestrian Center.
Go for a Jog
Take a minute to appreciate the body God has given you and go for a jog! Getting your heart rate up and your blood circulating will be just the boost you need to get back to studying after your sabbath. You can also work out at our lovely LaHaye Rec & Fit Center. You can run, walk, lift weights, rock climb, play some basketball, swim some laps and more!
Journal
Just like writing letters to friends and family, journaling can also be refreshing, not to mention therapeutic. It’s a way to get all your thoughts and worries out of your head where you can process them and bring them to God. Writing with pen and paper is also a good way to rest your eyes from looking at screens all day.
Read a Book
You’re probably tired of reading for school but reading a good book for fun could be the rejuvenating break you need, especially a fantasy or realistic fiction novel. Sometimes it can even be fun to read a children’s chapter book, and it doesn’t take as much brain work as reading your textbooks.
Sit Outside
Have you ever gone outside and just sat? No phone, no homework, maybe even by yourself? Sometimes it can be really refreshing to just sit with nature and breathe in the fresh air. Our very own Hydaway has lots of great spots to sit and relax with the God who created the nature you’re surrounded by.