Ways To Relax

Had a hard day? You know, one of those days where as soon as your husband walks through the door you hand the children off and say, "Your turn!". Well, yesterday was just one of those days. I was pushed to the max, to the limit of my sanity. Lucy doesn't do this to me often, so I am a little spoiled and don't handle those situations as well as I would like. So I have been starting to take some me time and finding ways that I can enjoy myself more and put my time into something really meaningful and fun. I find the hard days less stressful when I have some me time where I can just do what I want, turn off my brain and not have to think about too much. I need those moments for me because when I do I notice that I am a better wife and mother.

So, here is a post that will hopefully save many souls on those days of muddy children running through the house, children constantly saying "why", "no" and "mine" for EVERYTHING, and little ones stalking you through the house with arms raised in the arm screaming to be picked up. This is for all you women out there that just need some time away from children, work, the office, husbands, cleaning... just about anything.

Good Music
I love music, I love listening to it, and playing it. It can easily pump me up when I am down and help relax me when I am tense. Seriously, who could be angry and tense while Jack Johnson or Simon and Garfunkel is playing. The best is when I make a nice relaxing mix of music that will help soothe the soul.
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Comfy Pants
Every person on this Earth needs a good flattering pair of comfy pants. For me, I am all about yoga pants. There is nothing like finding a really good, butt sculpting, pair. They are comfortable and can be worn around the house, but also just sleek enough to be worn outside of the home too. I have to watch myself though, because I could find myself happy to live in them.


Rollerblades
Okay so maybe a lot of people don't rollerblade much any more, but I don't care, I still love it. This is probably one of my favorite summer time activities. I go put on some nice comfortable clothes, grab some music and glide my troubles away. How can anyone have stress while pushing themselves out in the nice warm sun. What is great too is if you have kids and can't leave them home with someone, it is an activity that you can bring the kids.
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Tea
Who doesn't love a good cup of tea? The English people love it and look how polite and mellow they are! I could literally drink it every day. Okay, I lied....I could drink it several times a day :) I love that feeling of a warm cup in my hand and with every sip it is like you are slowly washing your worries away. Simply taking a moment in a comfortable chair with a good cup of tea can change your day. I think tea time should be mandatory :)


iPods or MP3 Players
Well, this one kind of ties in with good music, but if there is any way that I can keep music close to me, it is something I am allllll for. As I have already stated music is something I use to help me unwind and relax. So, if you can take it with you, then why not. Everything is just a little bit better with music; walks, laying on the beach, baths, rollerblading.....just better.
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Margarita & Pina Coladas
If you are needing a break, but a special break, that is where these bad boys come in. Okay so I don't drink alcohol, but even a virgin margarita can help you let go. But just always make sure you have ice, margarita mix (or pina), and a waaaaay cool glass. Because, please, it can't be in a regular glass. It just wont be as much fun. And a special tip for a good pina colada....add in some whip cream while you are blending it, it will make it spectacular!


Bubble Baths
I know, I know, this one is an obvious one, but still very important to your mental health. I think people really underestimate the power of a good bubble bath....and I mean a GOOD bubble bath. Get some good smelling bubbles, a magazine that you don't care if it gets wet, and some music in the back ground. Perfect. Just also make sure to take care of everything so you don't have to disturb your bath time. Make sure the phone is with you so you don't have to step out, towels in reach so you can dry your hands off if you need to grab somethings and if you are really looking for something good....watch something in the bathtub. Bring in your laptop, download some "Sex in the City" "The Office" or "Grey's Anatomy" and let your self go. Now THAT is a bath.
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Slippers
What a nice way to start off and end a day. Waking up in the morning and sliding your feet into something soft and fluffy and then ending your day with warmth and fluff wrapped around your feet. And I have to admit, that I have always wanted a really cute pair of good ol' fashioned bunny slippers.


Biking
I love biking for almost the same reasons that I love rollerblading. You don't have to do much and can simply and smoothly glide your way around. I think I just love how with biking and rollerblading you are relaxing and also working out at the same time. Mainly you just don't have to put in THAT much effort, especially down hill......WEEEEEEEEE!
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One Really Good Hobby
I believe that everyone needs a good hobby. Something they truly enjoy and love learning. I love finding time to scrapbook, crochet, make crafts or do my photography. Granted, sometimes they can be stressful when I get too into them. But when I am doing a no pressure project with no deadlines and it isn't for anyone, just for fun.... then it can be really rewarding and relaxing.


A Good Show or Movie
There is no way faster to shut your brain down then watching TV. Once in a while I have a day where I just don't have the energy to clean, get ready, or even do my fun crafts. Sometimes I just need to veg out! There is where my shows come in handy. I don't like to stare off at the TV for too long so I watch my shows. I love "Friends" and have the complete series, so when I need to go comatose I will just pop a disc in and watch a couple episodes. It makes me feel good because I got a chance to relax and it also kept me from feeling too lazy because I spent only 40 mins watching some shows rather than 2 hours watching a movie.


Hammocks
Maybe not everybody has one, but every one should! We have a hammock with a stand and it becomes my best friend during the summers. What better way to enjoy a hot summer's day than laying out in the hammock with a glass of lemonade while the kids are playing in the yard. You can even grab a good book to take with you during this time. But be careful with falling asleep...I may have on more than once....um....have fallen....out.


What is so great about most of these relaxation methods is that most of them can be combined to make the ULTRA MEGA RELAXING METHOD. Just picture this....relaxing in the bath tub, listening to soft smooth music, reading a good magazine and drinking a nice pina colada. Does life get much better than that and if it does please post how so the rest of us can enjoy :)



How do you help yourself relax?