The “R” Word–Relax

Do you know how to relax and reduce stress? Frankly, I’m not very good at it, but I’m better than I used to be. When I was practicing law and had the occasional day off (about once every six months) I would spend more than half of it trying to figure out what I was going to do. Because, after all, I can’t just waste it, right? So I would waste it trying to figure out what to do so I wouldn’t waste it. So when I ask if you know how to relax, I must first ask myself that question. Here’s what I’ve learned.

There’s all the standard stuff, like take a bubble bath, a walk on the beach, listen to soft music, do yoga, take deep breaths, get a massage, take a long shower, read a good book…these are all good things. But relaxing isn’t necessarily about being quiet and still. Try dancing. I don’t mean the slow, just swaying your body kind. Put on some Credence Clearwater Revival and rock! Let your body go, be goofy, and don’t think about anything else. You can’t relax if, while taking your bath or your walk on the beach, you’re still thinking about what you have to get done.

There are also some basic techniques that help with relaxing and reducing stress, such as getting plenty of sleep, and good nutrition. And don’t miss the chance to laugh. Laughter is so important. Find something to laugh about, read some funny jokes, watch a sitcom, or dig out old photos from high school. I’ll bet they’ll make you laugh.

If all that fails, you can do what I do when I really need a break. I drive to the movie theater, buy the largest popcorn and a box of chocolate covered raisons, shut off my cell phone, and watch a no-brainer movie.

What’s your favorite way to relax?

Teresa Burrell
www.teresaburrell.com

5 Comments
  1. I have the same problem. I can't relax either. Well, it's difficult. I always want to be doing something and I often put way too much on my plate. When I do allow myself to relax I only have two ways I do it. 1) I head to the pub with friends. There's nothing quite like good company, and a pint of suds. 2) When I really have beat myself up, I will sit in front of the TV and play an NHL video game. No kidding. It completely shuts my brain off. (Who would have guessed video games would do that?) But there's something oddly cleansing about not worrying about anything but trying to score a virtual goal.

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  2. How to relax? Read other writers' blogs!

  3. Im with you Teresa. Dancing is a fantastic stress reliever. Just dance as if no one is watching! Going out with friends to a movie and talk about it over some bar food is fun and relaxing as well.

  4. I will sit in front of the TV and play an NHL video game. No kidding. It completely shuts my brain off. (Who would have guessed video games would do that?)

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