Free Time May Be Hazardous to Your Health

Somewhere in my past I remember a saying or quote that went something like this:
"If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do."
I'm not one to enjoy free time, so fortunately I don't have much.  I know people who can spend time doing absolutely nothing, and I simply cannot imagine that.  It's been years since I watch television or even attempted to watch a movie because I fall asleep.  Doing nothing seems to trigger my OFF switch.  Don't get me wrong, here.  I enjoy relaxing on my futon after a full day's work, and I enjoy awakening before dawn, knowing I don't have to get up for awhile longer, but that's all the free time I need.  I do like being active enough that I fall asleep within moments after going to bed, and I sleep well.

I don't like to sleep late and I don't like to go to bed early, and I don't want to just sit.  I do, however; rest on Shabbat.  From sundown Friday evening until the following sunset, I do no work!  I have enjoyed a good board game every now and again, with my Grandchildren, but they've mostly outgrown me now.  The reason I'm sharing all this introspection of free time, is because I truly believe the amount of time we spend with our brain in neutral reflects in our accomplishments and our aging process.

I'm not promoting workaholism, although, I'm not really sure that's a bonafide term.  I'm of the opinion, it was made up about the time society became sedentary, and those who had energy and wanted to keep busy, were labeled.  Of course, the almighty dollar played into that for some as well, but reality is, people weren't created to do nothing, we created to tend . . .  I looked up the word, tend:  1 take care of, 2 manage, 3 run.  

My Dad is a very active man.  At 75 years old, he was asked by a company that he contracted for, to oversee a rather large project.  With that contracted position, he still cut all his firewood, and last I heard, his garden was planned, but he was doing some fence repair on one of his places, first.  When he stops, he also, falls asleep.   My mom, on the other hand, is not so active, and she's pretty comfortable with plenty of free time, but her physical health is not so great. They began dating when they were 15 and 17, so for all practical purposes, they've been together their entire life!  Having been an observer of their entire adult life, I've been shocked at how dramatically different their aging process has been.  It's certain inspired me to "keep moving!"

A good diet and standard exercise are not all it takes to stay healthy.  One day of rest, the seventh, specifically is needed for a healthy spirit, mind, and body.   Activity and accomplishments feel good, they are actually energizing.  Too much free time, wears a body out!