fl 



'J34 



Readixg-Course for P\\rmers' Wives. 



theless, it is body-and-brain-saving, good common sense. Duty to 

 oneself should lead women to take measures to save health and 

 strength while there is still a fund to draw upon. 



Women do not often enough rest before they are utterly exhausted. 

 But there is no enjoyment in enforced idleness and relaxation. One 

 dreads the let-down after utter exhaustion. Sometimes it seems easier 

 to go on working than to stop because the first experiences in resting 

 are most uncomfortable. Young housekeepers full of life and energy 

 are tempted to work beyond their strength without planning for the 

 reserve necessary for later years. 



A hard working professional man was asked how often he rested. 

 He replied as often as he had fifteen minutes to spare. Rest periods 



of fifteen minutes through 

 the day are much to be de- 

 sired in the housekeeper's 

 program, and they should be 

 taken before she has become 

 so weary that fifteen minutes 

 do not seem to count. 



Vacations cost less and are 

 much more to be enjoyed 

 when one is in condition to 

 appreciate the change. No- 

 body needs a vacation more 

 than a housekeeper. Every- 

 thing is brighter and more encouraging on her return and her family 

 feels the benefit which has come from a different point of view and a 

 rested spirit. The home maker probably finds it more difficult than 

 many to leave her work, even for a day or two, and when it is suggested 

 that she have a change for two weeks she is appalled at the thought of 

 leaving her home duties. 



Mental attitude has much to do with our fatigue. It is quite restful 

 to sit for ten minutes visiting with some one or even with folded hands, 

 if it is not enforced waiting. But as soon as one becomes aware that 

 the dinner may be late because of some interruption or because of 

 trouble with the kitchen fire, every delay becomes wearisome. It is 

 not always possible in a household to have helpers do things on time 

 and accomplish results successfully, and the average woman is worried 

 by waiting for other people to do things or to travel as fast as she wants 

 to. To worry over these conditions is a difficult habit to overcome 

 but it causes much waste energy. The satisfaction of doing all that is 



Fig. 



Fig. 3. 



