My top 10 ways to unwind and RELAX

There truly are never enough hours in the day. Everything in life seems to be pulling on us for attention.

So what's one to do when burn out starts to strike? How do you make time to refuel?

... continued ...

It's hard. Really hard. But I also think time to yourself is important. If you don't slow down at some point, you'll likely get sick, which is nature's way of slowing you down right quick. So rather than reach the brink of disaster, I personally think it's wise to put 'relax' into your schedule. Sounds abit crazy to put 'do nothing' in your day planner, but I think you really really should.

BlogHer asked me:

What are your favorite relaxation techniques? 
And what benefits do you see from practicing them?

This question made me revaluate all the different ways there are to relax.
So here are my own top 10 affordable go-tos when needing a break.

1. Just walk.

Whenever I'm stressed, I know it's always best to go for my walk. Putting one step in front of the other down my favourite country road with no interruptions offers you nothing BUT time to think. It's my quiet time which I thoroughly enjoy.

I also have a mantra... I keep walking until my issues are sorted out. It works!

A messy bedroom look

2. Take a power nap

If I get too busy or too stressed, I need to crash for a few.

I don't mean to actually falling asleep. Power naps to me mean to crawl under the covers and just allow your mind to rest for about 20 minutes. You'll drift off if you need it, but if you don't, you'll jump right back up and feel brand new again. And if not, that means an early bedtime tonight!

3. Get lost in a great book

To enter in another's world for a short spell is one cheap form of travel. While fun,  I do find if I get caught up in this one too often, it creates more stress because important stuff isn't getting done. 

4. Catch a feel good movie

This works the same as reading for me. LOVE a happy girlie flick or even enjoy an adventurous Marvel movie. But anything scary or depressing, no thanks. No worrying allowed during my happy escapes.

My photoshoot contest win

5. Stare at water or fire

Ever notice how calming it is sitting in front of a lake front or bonfire? I'm convinced these work because of the constant movement of said objects... water or fire never looks the same twice and the sound effects are incredibly hypnotizing. I find these elements so calming I generally don't even require talking. How relaxing is that?

6. Hug a pet

Never fails. I'll be upset about something, go lay down to unwind, only to be greeted with a little invisible thump on the bed or hear the dog sigh and plop on the floor. How can you possibly NOT relax when you're petting a purring cat or staring back at a dog's face that adores you so? Whatever ails you melts instantly. Pets are just really really good for that.

A picnic with my mom

7. Run away from home

Whether it's camping, going to the beach, or even sitting beside the river, it's wonderful to leave the muss and fuss of all things undone at home and take a breather. I believe looking at unfinished projects or mess can be a big stress out. Just remember, it'll all be there when you return, so... leave! But not for too long. :)

8. Go soak your head :)

Every so often my son and I escape to Harrison Hot Springs for a good hot soak in the mineral pools. I swear I come home a changed person. I'm always so relaxed and mellow! When we renovated our home, I ensured our tub was extra deep so we had a chance to do the same at home on occasion. Hot soaks just work.

Creating garden art with junk

9. Plant some flowers

Sunshine on your face, wind in your hair, birds twittering in the background, and you're on your knees planting beautiful flowers or pulling a few weeds = perfection. Gardening is actually very gratifying, because you see instant results. 

But want to know my very favourite relaxation technique?

Here it is...

Branch handled tray DIY

10. Dive into a passionate project

One of my happiest times on earth is when I wake up and dive into a passionate project. The kind where time stands still even though you're moving like crazy. The process may even exhaust you, however you know within a heartbeat, you'd do it all over again the next minute if time allowed. Relax? Why? :)

I guess that's why they say it's great to do what you love for a living. :)

Do you schedule in relaxing? What's your own fav go to?

Feel free to visit the main post on Blogher.com HERE and join in the comments!

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