Three Ways You Relax and Unwind
Posted on October 01st, 2008 in Simple Living
Woo-hoo! It’s Wednesday, and that means I get to hear three pieces of insight from all of you! This week, I’m looking for the ways you unwind. It’s been kind of a stressful time (an understatement to say the least), which makes relaxation all the more important. It’s certainly not a great idea to ignore the historic events surrounding us, but obsessing doesn’t change anything. Taking some moments for yourself can help create the balance and clarity that will serve you well in any challenge you may face.
Here’s what I do:
- Sit in a big, comfy chair and take a nap.
- Curl up with my husband.
- Close my eyes and listen to a mellow playlist.
That’s not very exciting, but it works for me. What works for you?
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Tags: relax, Three Things
This post has 45 comments
October 1st, 2008
That picture of the hammock makes me nostalgic. We had one in our old house, slung between two perfectly spaced trees. I used to love sneaking off for an afternoon snooze in that thing! Ahh.
Anyhow, three things I do now to relax:
1. Settle in with a great cup of double long espresso and catch up on my favorite bloggers.
2. Climb into bed with a great “trashy novel” (fantasy or spy novel).
3. Snooze in the summer sun.
I had to think about that, which was nice. Thanks.
Adam
October 1st, 2008
What? Relaxing? Who has the time!
October 1st, 2008
1. Solving four to five crossword puzzles a day.
2. My daily morning yoga session and evening walk followed by
a chat session with my group of friends at the local park
3. Blogging, reading and commenting on blogs by others
4. Reading.
I have the advantage of not having to work for a living anymore, so, I now live my life.
rummusers last blog post..A Sales Representative’s Dilemma. – Conclusion.
October 1st, 2008
Ah, relaxing…
For me, it’s:
1. Music: I have playlist that I’ll play (mellow, like yours Sara), or even sit down at the piano and just let the keys speak to me. Both are great tension releasers.
2. I get the bike out and head down the local bike path. It’s a great way to clear my head.
3. Mutual back rubs/massages between my wife and I. A great way to connect on the day, and really feel the tension leaving my body.
October 1st, 2008
Chilling out is fantastic, Sara- pity we don’t always get the chance to do it!
For me, I like to drive to a local nature reserve and just sit in peace and quiet overlooking the loch (lake).
Like Lance, I also enjoy being at peace with some favorite music.
I find that if I set aside some time every day to do nothing, it helps me feel refreshed and able to tackle the stuff that needs to be done.
October 1st, 2008
1. Read outside in the summer…
2. Workout
3. Take a nap
Katies last blog post..1st Day All Over Again…
October 1st, 2008
1. Go for a walk with my dog.
2. Read a good book.
3. Like some of the others, will listen to some relaxing music.
October 1st, 2008
1.Cooking is a great way for me to relax and clear my head. I think it’s the combination of doing something with my hands and doing something which requires absolute focus.
2 Workout - because it gives me so much joy (especially my dance classes) and because using my body is such a change from how I spend my days otherwise (sitting by the computer at a desk)
3. Reading, whenever, whereever, but preferably in bed after a long day.
October 1st, 2008
- Martial arts practice
- Sleep
- Meditate
Jarrod - Warrior Developments last blog post..Continuous Improvement: Plan and Reflect Daily
October 1st, 2008
1. write in my journal
2. excersise
3. sew
jills last blog post..Kid - made quilt swap, anyone?
October 1st, 2008
Put on a playlist (either “Mellow” or Classical music), and either begin drawing or reading. Playing chess works too, for me at least.
October 1st, 2008
1. Go to my “cave” and meditate.
2. Read a book.
3. Listen to music.
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Soul Revelations From Past Life Memories
October 1st, 2008
I have so many things, but I’ll include my favorites right now.
1. Morning journaling practice
2. Jigsaw puzzles
3. Getting outside - whether a walk, bike ride, whatever.
Bonus: snuggling with my “boys” - my husband and 2 cats!
October 1st, 2008
I relax by watching ESPN and messing around with the kiddies.
October 1st, 2008
1. Blogging/writing - processing my thoughts through writing is very therapeutic.
2. Exercise - gives my mind a chance to wander.
3. Napping - If I’m stressed, I’m usually tired which doesn’t help things. A good nap helps me think more clearly.
LivSimpl.coms last blog post..It’s the little things that make you happy
October 1st, 2008
Hi Sara. Actually nothing works right now! I’m so wound up things are a blur and there’s no stopping me. And I’m ok with that. What will I do? 1. Take a lazy afternoon nap. 2. Do some cooking (yes, really… that relaxes me) 3. meditate
Davinas last blog post..Free Spirit My Ass!
October 1st, 2008
I veg by:
1) reading
2) walking my (adorable) dogs at the off leash park
3) meditating
Vals last blog post..churchy chuckle
October 1st, 2008
Here’s what I do to unwind:
1. talk a walk outside - sans Ipod
2. Read - magazines or books
3. Swap foot or back rubs with my hubby
October 1st, 2008
My favorite ways to unwind:
1. Turn on my lampworking torch and melt some glass.
2. Enjoy a good long petting session with a cat.
3. Curl up with a good magazine or mindless book.
October 1st, 2008
1. Have a bath! Works every time.
2. Curl up with a novel.
3. Listen to music.
4. A cup of tea with a loved one.
5 … my list is endless …
Avani-Mehtas last blog post..Honor Your Anger Style : Anger Management Series Part V
October 1st, 2008
This is not very frugal, or simple, but there’s nothing like the occasional professional massage for deep relaxation.
October 1st, 2008
1. Blast heavy metal and get lost on the internet.
2. Play my acoustic guitar on a cozy couch or on the patio.
3. Ride my bike downhill on a crisp, cool night.
Simple Sapiens last blog post..I Am Moving
October 1st, 2008
Stress management is my hobby so I have a whole toolbox of things to try. My StressEraser is my favorite form of meditation, and like rummuser I solve puzzles…my favorite is Sudoku, which I do while walking on my NordicTrack treadmill. The technique I’ve used for the first time in honor of the financial crisis is tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique). I wrote about that in my last post, Tapping…A Surprisingly Powerful Tool.
My main way of maintaining my balance and clarity is to remind myself of the Traits of Stress-Hardy, Resilient People and of my basic philosophy:
Thank you for asking. This is a subject near and dear to my heart.
Jean Browman–Transforming Stresss last blog post..Tapping…A Surprisingly Powerful Tool
October 1st, 2008
Adam: Ahh, hammocks! I have a friend who thought a hammock would the most enjoyable thing in the world, until they ate it hard trying to get in one.
Hooray for trashy novels!
Traciatim: Oh, no! Hopefully commenting on blogs is relaxing enough for you.
rummuser: Jealous. I am completely jealous. But I’m glad to hear that you’re enjoying life and have a built a lilke-minded community around your activities.
Lance: I love these, all of them. I’ve never been musically inclined, but just letting the keys speak sounds wonderfully uplifting and freeing. Beautiful.
Scott: It is a pity! And I agree–doing nothing is sometimes the best way to actually get something accomplished.
Katie: I love to read outside, too. I always get distracted by bugs, though. And napping, oh yes, there will be napping.
David: I love that you find your dog relaxing. Mine is a crapshoot. When we’re both in a good mood, walks can definitely be relaxing. Any good relaxing music you recommend?
Anna: I would really like to adopt your frame of mind about cooking. Currently, I’m usually too worried about screwing up to relax. It sounds like you get into a meditative state. So cool.
Jarrod: I never would’ve thought of martial arts as relaxing, but it probably is a great way to energize the body while releasing the mind from the day’s concerns, right?
Jill: Oh, I am so glad that someone out there finds sewing relaxing. That means there’s hope for me! At this point, I still usually wind up in a state of frustration at some point. Any tips on making it more relaxing, or do I just need more practice?
Greg: Ooh, drawing. That’s the first time that one’s showed up. It sounds like you like to engage your mind in order to relax, or at least give it some creative outlet.
Evelyn: Hee hee. The “cave” is great. It sounds like we’re pretty similar when it comes to unwinding.
Chris: Okay, do you end up screaming at the TV? And is it relaxing in a weird way? This is what I’m trying to figure out about B. It’s awesome that you’re the dad who messes around with the kids to relax. I love that!
LivSimpl: Like Greg up above, you seem to relax best when you cater to your mind. I like that your list includes a way to let your brain focus, to wander, and to rest. Seems like a healthy way to view things.
Davina: Nothing? Oh no, Davina! I hope that these three work, but for now it sounds like being supercharged is right where you need to be.
Val: I think you and I are on very much the same wavelength!
Anne: Do you find it easier to relax your mind with no iPod, or is it that you enjoy the thinking time? Just curious, as I’ve been trying to figure that out for myself.
Julia: Ooh–torching stuff! I can imagine that melting stuff and then recreating it is very soothing.
Avani: Tea is awesome, isn’t it? And yeah, I’m with you on the bath. I try to take them sparingly so that it’s always there as a real treat if I need one. (Okay, I think that came out wrong. I do shower in the meantime…)
Vered: My husband swears by massage, and now a vote from you. Time to look into this; I’ve never had one.
October 1st, 2008
Simple Sapien: Blasting rock? You sound like my better half! I do love the idea of whooshing downhill and breathing that air in fully–great addition.
October 1st, 2008
1. Talk politics, tech and trivia with my husband over a glass of wine (weird eh?)
2. Yoga
3. An afternoon nap in the sun
Okay, I have to try a massage too
October 1st, 2008
Hehe, heavy metal music! But hey, I am sure getting some TNT and blasting a huge rock would add to the experience as well. Good idea!
I have this huge downhill stretch on my way to work. I enjoy it and savor in it every morning
The uphill on the way back after a long day of work… not so much.
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
Simple Sapiens last blog post..I Am Moving
October 1st, 2008
There have been several ways for me to unwind, and here they are:
1. Turn on some relaxing classical music. Respighi, Mozart, and Debussy are my favs for this.
2. Soaking in the hot tub with a chilled glass of good white wine.
3. Sitting back in a chair and let a parade of kitties come lay on my lap to be petted and loved on.
4. Spend time going over technical manuals and publications (Think of Scotty’s shore leave in “The Trouble with Tribbles”)
5. Spend time on the beach and let Tolkien’s “music of the creation” flow all around me. (See “Music of the Ainur” in “The Silmarillion”)
October 1st, 2008
1. Curl up in bed and nap.
2. Write and/or research topics for my blog.
3. Paint and explore new ways to combine colors.
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Two Truths and a Lie
October 1st, 2008
Maya: Talking politics as relaxation? Definitely quirky, but my husband’s the same way. I’m glad you’re significant other’s on board (I’m sure the wine helps).
Jack: Ouch on the uphill! But good for you for biking through it anyway.
jrandom42: “Soaking in the hot tub with a chilled glass of good white wine.” Amen, dude. Amen. Heck, I don’t even need good white wine.
Stacey: Combining colors… I’m so intrigued by the way you put that. Sounds like a creative outlet that lets you get in a flow state!
October 1st, 2008
1. Play the piano
2. Swim
3. Watch a good movie
Shamelle -TheEnhanceLifes last blog post..Over Spending & Impulse Buying: 8 Reasons Why You’re Not To Blame
October 1st, 2008
good work. keep writing more. thanks.
jakys last blog post..Positive thinking to control your thoughts
October 2nd, 2008
Hi Sara - I was wondering what your three things would be for this week
1) Cuddling with my husband
2) Reading
3) Journaling
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Biggest Misconceptions About Blogging
October 2nd, 2008
1. Do a long, heavy workout, then take a long bath.
2. Listen to my favorite operas.
3. Watch the sunset over the bay from my living room chase lounge.
Carlas last blog post..LA Times: California launches broad effort to control hazardous chemicals
October 2nd, 2008
1. Sleep
2. Sleep
3. And sleep some more.
Cheers
-Tabs
Tabss last blog post..How to Create and Use a Vision Board
October 2nd, 2008
Looks like I’m not the only one with ‘nap’ on my list! The other two are: a walk in the park and do something creative - paint, play the piano, bake…
Laurie | Express Yourself to Successs last blog post..Helpful Habits
October 2nd, 2008
looks like i’m late to this party.
1) i clean things maniacally
2) I cook things deliciously
3) i go for a very long hard run.
I have difficulty relaxing. i feel most relaxed when i am being productive. hm.
neimanmarxists last blog post..There’s a Gold Mine in my Basement!
October 2nd, 2008
Hey, a nap with some good music (mellow music) playing in the background works just fine for me. Or sitting back and throwin’ on a good dvd will do the trick as well.
And then there’s a good book. Now I know, that doesn’t sound very exciting, but I kinda like to read
When I have some time to myself, and when I’m not tired. A good book can be very relaxing.
Ricardo Buenos last blog post..Read, Read, Read, and then some…
October 2nd, 2008
3 things I do to relax…Quite honestly, it’s not something I get to do a lot of, but when I do I usually…..
1. Read a magazine. I prefer a good book, but sometimes my downtime only lasts 10 or 15 minutes!!
2. Believe it or not…hang my laundry on the line. I know that sounds really odd, but for me nothing is more relaxing than being outside listening to the birds sing,the creek softly running and feeling the breeze on my face.
3. Sitting on the porch with my husband. We love to just sit in swing and talk about everything and nothing at all. He’s been my husband and best friend for almost 25 years.
Debs last blog post..Good Chaos
October 2nd, 2008
Shamelle: I also like to indulge in movies! I think too much of cinema and television is written off as a waste of time, but good movies are divine!
Jaky: Thanks!
Barbara: Ah, cuddling! Ain’t it wonderful? Journaling and reading have both been popular answers. I’m really enjoying the idea that connecting with oneself and then getting lost in another world is an ideal way to relax.
Carla: You can see the sunset from your chaise lounge? I’m so incredibly envious right now, but I’m also glad that you get to appreciate it. Any particular favorite opera by chance?
Tabs: Ha! I seriously can’t argue with this.
Laurie: No kidding! I’m glad I’m not alone in my undiluted love of catnapping. I’m also noticing that “play the piano” has made a few appearances, but hardly any other instruments have been mentioned. (I think we had one mention of acoustic guitar…) Is there anything particularly soothing about the piano?
NeimanMarxist: Your handle still makes me smile.
So do you ever give take a few minutes to do nothing after your intense activities? I like the letdown after working hard to accomplish something, so I’m just curious about whether it’s the task or the afterglow that you dig. (Feel free to ignore me if I’m digging…)
Ricardo: Hey! Good to see you around! I also love to read, and clearly so many readers, so don’t worry about sounding weird. Any books that have particularly sucked you in? (I’m in the middle of Lonesome Dove right now, and the complete change in atmosphere from my everyday life has been really enjoyable…)
Deb: Uh-oh! I hope you get as much time as you need to feel ready to attack each day. I know some people don’t need much.
I love that you make laundry into a relaxing ritual. I think you might be my hero! (Of course, a creek would help!)
October 3rd, 2008
1. Daydream anytime. I’m really good at it. I practice daily.
2. Hammock on a sunny day. My hammock was my favorite until it broke, I fell, it hurt.
3. Hot Tub at night. Oh, how the night sky, the warm, wet wrap, and hum of the magic bubbles creates a little heaven on earth.
If we can stretch the list to 4, I’d have to add …
4. Read On Simplicity.
J.D. Meiers last blog post..Strengths and Weaknesses vs. Personality Profiles
October 3rd, 2008
@Sara: well it’s good to be around
Well I just finished reading “The Four Agreements.” I really enjoyed that one. I have a few others that have recently caught my attention and that I’ve been meaning to get to. “Once You’re Lucky, Twice You’re Good” is one of them. I’m really excited about reading this one. (Ok, so I totally suck at giving you descriptions of the book, but I’m having a hard time thinking right now; I barely remembered the titles. LOL. So I shall return…).
October 3rd, 2008
Ricardo,
Don’t worry about giving descriptions of books…that’s what amazon.com is for. The contribution only you can make is telling us how a book/idea is changing your life. It seems to me that’s the power of blogging, being able to share our experiences.
I’m starting to look at Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar. I’ve always had a lot of trouble with eyestrain, so I read a little and think a lot. If an idea resonates I try to integrate it into my life and share it with others.
Sara,
I listened to Lonesome Dove in Books On Tape a few years ago. It had a strong emotional impact on me. Thanks for reminding me.
Great post!
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..Creating a Sacred Space
October 5th, 2008
J.D.: You are so kind! And I apologize, but the image of you falling out of a hammock made me laugh.
Ricardo: I’ll check out those titles!
Jean: Holy cow! That must’ve been a lot of tapes!
October 7th, 2008
When I want to relax I do one of the following:
1. Listen to my favourite music and sing along…
2. Dance either at home or at the dance school
3. Going for a drive and a walk at the beach
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