Vernon soldiers unwinding marks National Relaxation Day

Relax.

This is your week to do it.

National Relaxation Day is celebrated every Aug. 15. It’s a day to remind us all to slow down, unwind, focus on taking care of ourselves by taking a moment to relax.

This week’s fascinating picture from the Museum and Archives of Vernon shows a group of Canadian soldiers relaxing by the roadside at Camp Vernon, or the Vernon Army Camp, in 1915. Can’t help but wonder what’s going through their minds when the picture was taken.

The First World War had begun. The soldiers were in training. Did they get called overseas? Did they see any action? How nervous were they? 

CHILD FOUNDER

Believe it or not, National Relaxation Day was founded by a grade school student in the United States.

Sean Moeller founded National Relaxation Day in 1985 as a fourth-grader. In an interview with The Des Moines Register, Moeller suggested people “shouldn’t do anything of real value. Cleaning and real work are not part of relaxation.”

Hard to argue against that logic because, as has been proven, the Moeller lad was right. Stress can be harmful to our health, both mentally and physically. Most doctors will agree that finding ways to relax and finding ways to reduce stress will improve overall health.

Suggestions include: 

• Reading a book;

• Fishing with a friend;

• A picnic in the park;

• Walking along the beach;

• Taking a drive in the country;

• Spa;

• Golfing (until the first slice, hook, shank, sand trap, water hazard, missed putt);

• Photography;

• A movie;

• Window shopping;

• Lunch with friends;

• Drinks with friends;

• Watching sports;

• Swimming.

“National Relaxation Day is an important day as we all need a break from the fast-paced and often hectic lifestyles we live,” said nationaldaycalendar.com.

“Taking time to recuperate and rejuvenate our tired minds and bodies may help prevent many health risks, too. Like the founder of this day suggested, too much work can make us sick, run-down, tired and that’s just wrong.”