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I am a photography fanatic. I love taking pictures, tweaking pictures, and finding the beauty in every day items

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

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?

54 comments:

  1. My favourite thing to do is hiking in the mountains. The silence, the vistas, the way my body has to work. It's relaxation for the soul :)

    Heidi

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  2. I feel you on the comfy pants! Flattering ones, too! I swear mine shape my butt, because everytime I work out in them and look in the mirror I feel like I don't really need the work out :P If only I could wear them all the time.

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  3. I do a lot of the same things you do! I love baths. I love chai tea latte with soy milk. I love walks with the dogs when the sun is shining. I love a good book. I love a glass of red wine now and then(just one) I love to sneak away with hubby to our bedrooom while the kids are engaged in playing X-Box! I love to sit and write out my emotions on the computer!

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  4. I SO love yoga pants, too. My favorites are a pair of Juicy Couture ones that I think do just what you described. I LOVE your lists. Now, about those SEVEN/CITIZEN's jeans you talked about in a previous post. Do you have a NORDSTROM RACK up there? THe last two times I've gone I've gotten some serious steals. A pair of Seven Gingers for $45. (regularly 189) and a pair of crystal A pockets for $59 (regularly 235).

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  5. Exercise is definitely my way of relaxing - usually going for a run without the kids. However, I, too am a roller-blading junkie! I haven't gone as much since I have had chidren because I am afraid of dumping them out of their strollers but I took them a few weeks ago and it was sooooo liberating!!

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  6. How about a good laugh. Your rollerblade suggestion gave me one. I would certainly entertain others if I tried it!

    I've become very fond of my I-pod. I don't listen to a lot of music but I like to put books on tape on it. I've been putting the Harry Potter books on them. I've read them all several times so listening to them while I work is relaxing and makes the job go faster.

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  7. We sit out on our deck and listen to the woods. Usually with a cup of tea! We have about 17 different flavors. Of course, it often will take me a whole day to drink it. I set it down and forget about it, then have to reheat it. It's pretty strong by the end of the day. I need to check out the yoga pants. I pretty much live in jeans. Not as comfy.

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  8. Is it bad if I do one or all of these things every day? I wear comfy pants, slippers, watch good TV (aka Friends) and so many other things every day to relax. Maybe I need to add a little more stress in my life.

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  9. Reading! Curling up with a good book or gossip magazine (preferably in bed with tons of pillows) is my favorite way to relax. Or listening to Andrea Bocelli (lovely Italian music) in the tub. I had a "Hand off the kids to Hubby" day yesterday too. Grumpy toddler and colicky baby. Today will be better for both of us! Love your list. (Hammocks are the BEST!)

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  10. Coffee, and some window shopping. Even if it is at the grocery store. (I told you I am a kitchen nerd.) It seems that the little bit of time away seems to help me regroup and relax. And cranking up my iPod and dancing in the living room with Toddler is always fun...he gets out of his cranky zone and so do I we collapse in a pile of giggles and forget why we were ever grumpy to begin with!!

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  11. A really long brisk walk around my neighborhood always does it - I used to walk for miles before I had my son and I really miss it now - dawdling with a 2-yr-old has its charms but it's not the same...

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  12. great post....to remind us to take care of ourselves as mommies.

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  13. Oh, I agree with you on all of that. I could LIVE in my yoga pants too (in fact, my mom took me shopping the other day to get me to buy some new clothes because that's all I was wearing!) lol

    I LOVE hot tea (especially Starbucks Chai tea with soy) and I love roller blading...except I've always had trouble stopping...I used to just throw myself down into someone's grassy yard to stop...

    I use some combination of all the things you mentioned, to relax, but I also enjoy getting online to relax and just hanging out in a bookstore, browsing the aisles. Those both work wonders for me...along with a nice brisk walk.

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  14. I like to read.
    or take a walk.
    or read...
    maybe write a little.
    or read.
    LOL.
    So beautiful family you have!
    You look really excited to be camping...now that sounds relaxing! Just me and the Man, a tent and the great outdoors. :) Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

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  15. ...and coffee. I'd like to have a little tin for coffee, please. :D

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  16. ♥ Great list! I'll take a virgin Strawberry Daquiri please! I think just getting away from the house of screaming children is relaxing! :)

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  17. I rollerblade too! I love it, it makes me feel healthy (even when I buy an ice-cream afterwards..) :) And tea as well. I won't go anywhere inside this house without my cup of tea.

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  18. Don't forget blogging!

    I find it so (disturbingly) easy to tune them out whilst I tune into others' lives. Parent of the Year, right?

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  19. I relax by getting deep into a great book, taking a nap to rejuvenate, going on a walk (fresh air does something for us! Not to mention the sun gives us vitamins and makes us feel happier).

    I also scrapbook, clean like a madwoman when I'm upset, etc.

    Sorry your little one was giving you a hard time. My two girls are angels but on those days I hardly know what to do either!!!

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  20. Great list here! Happy Thursday! Hope you'll can visit mine too...

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  21. Great minds think alike! I'm a mommy in need of some relaxing!!!

    Try to stop by my blog. I think you'll enjoy it. It's written for mommies like yourself.
    Smiles,
    Caroline
    SmartyPantsMama.blogspot.com

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  22. Great suggestions! I love to get in comfy pants with my coffee or tea and chill out with my laptop.

    Happy TT! My 10th edition is up here: 13 Favorite 80's Songs

    Sosuna-o-Lata

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  23. I'm not a mommy, but the bath is my #1 way to relax after 8 hours of verbal abuse at work. I go in with a book and a cup of coffee adn have been known to stay in the water for as long at 3 hours.

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  24. I love so many of these things! Add to the list: drinking wine and reading The Economist. Yes, I'm that geeky.

    Also, I LOVE those yoga pants. LOVE 'EM!!!

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  25. How could you leave out blogging and reading blogs? Easiest escape method these days for me! And this will show off my age: I prefer roller skating to roller blading!

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  26. You are so wise! Those are some great ideas! My daughter used to love being pushed in a stroller while I rollerbladed around. You really have a wonderful blog! I'm thankful for you! Hugs!

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  27. I love my hammock. That's one of the best things about summer. Of course I always have to go and push 2 or 3 kids off before I can get on. I also love to read. I do it every night after the kids go to sleep.

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  28. Just READING your suggestions makes me more relaxed! =)

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  29. I love all of the above.
    My favorite is hot yoga-something about sweating all your frustration out to 34 poses in 90 minutes!

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  30. Thanks for sharing...I like the tea one the best. There is just something comforting about a warm drink.

    I think one of the most relaxing thing is having clean linens on the bed...ahhhhh...very nice. :) Oh wait, and it's also necessary to be able lay in them at your own leisure.

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  31. I need to take some of your suggestions. I have a 6 year old with a fever and cough and a 2 year old that is just plain driving me crazy.

    Calgon take me away! :)

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  32. Aaaahhhhhh, I just think I let out stress reading your blog! LOVE IT! I swear just reading about relaxing helped.

    My favorite thing to do to unwind is to have a cup of hot chocolate, and read a magazine. I agree about the hot liquid, I just prefer to be sucking down chocolate at the same time. Now that I think about it, my Country Living just came yesterday, and I am pretty sure I could use a cup of Hot Cocoa!!

    Thanks for the ideas, and hope today is going super smooth for you. :-)

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  33. I just recently came across your blog. I love your lists today! Although, now I need to know what kind of yoga pants, and a playlist for my Ipod would be great.:)
    I am a mom of three and this list fits me to a T.

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  34. Time Alone. Most mornings my hubby will get up with our daughters and make breakfast, while I lounge in bed, read a book.

    I was recently wishing I held onto my rollerblades. They are super fun!

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  35. "...relaxing in the bath tub, listening to soft smooth music, reading a good magazine and drinking a nice pina colada."

    Should read...

    "...relaxing in the hot tub in the rain, listening to soft smooth music, while being read poetry by the one you love as you sip on a hot chocolate with Grande Marnier."

    If you were me.

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  36. Love your thoughts on relaxing. I am usually too uptight to relax...but I agree with Jamie... blogging has given me some "downtime". Thanks for giving me a few seconds to relax.
    Whew! I needed that!

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  37. Great list except the tea - I just don't like it! I like to read or play things like sudoku.

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  38. Love a lot of these ideas. For me, a hot cup of anything to drink is SOOO relaxing. Also, the right music. In addition, tidying up the family room/kitchen is very helpful for relaxing. Since those are the areas where I spend the most time, when they are clutter free and tidied, I can relax, until I see the rest of the house.

    KEEP BELIEVING

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  39. Bubble Baths...long ones with lit candles and a good book...and quiet...sigh

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  40. Love the list! I agree with each and every one and don't know that I can even think of another to add. Although I would replace wine for the pina colada. Here's to a relaxing evening : )

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  41. I am totally curling up with a margarita and season one of the Tudors tonight!
    I may even bake some cookies to go along with everything!

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  42. Sadly, I haven't done this for a while... but my number 1 is a massage...a real massage. 2 would be a long relaxing hike to a place with some kind of water. 3 would be a bubble bath with candles and drinks AND knowing that the kids are taken care of and that I won't have to clean up after them when I get out of the tub.

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  43. A good fast walk with a sister or friend or mother is always good therapy for me. Even by myself is wonderful. Definately don't get enough time by myself. Some day I am sure I wont want to be by myself.
    Great Post!

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  44. my husband i still like to rollerblade! and, i got a bike for my birthday and totally love going out for a ride. the two things i try and do every day to relax though are:
    1. during naptime, i turn everything off and just rest my eyes for 20-30 mins while both kids are sleeping. it really rejuvinates me for the rest of the day.
    2. running. granted, i only get to do this about 3 times/week but a good, hard run makes all the difference in my stress level. i love it!
    great post!

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  45. My dreamhouse will have a giant tub with those cool bubble jet things and a yard with towering trees for my comfy hammock. Then I will have two perfect places to relax and read. Or fall asleep--sometimes when I'm relaxing in the tub I'm afraid I'm going to fall asleep! My tub's too little for that now though, so I won't have to worry about drowning until I acutally have my dream house.

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  46. I think just READING that blog post made me more relaxed! And makes me want to go google "bunny slippers". I need a pair.

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  47. I think I like this gal, we have much in common. I love yoga pants, love margaritas,hammocks,bubble baths,slippers and great music.
    Simon and Garfunkel and Jack Johnson are high on my list. Stop by my blog on Friday's to check out my Friday's song. I was actually thinking some Jack Johnson this week.
    Maribeth:)
    www.marnini.wordpress.com
    Thanks for stopping by

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  48. I am all about yoga pants, and I can't live without my ipod!

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  49. YES! To all of them!!! Bring it on!

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  50. I have this image of me trying to roller blade.... maybe not!It would be a one way ticket to the ER. Relaxing in a hot bath, oh yes. Going for a walk through the countryside. Curling up on the couch with a good book....
    And wandering around the blogging world meeting new friends. Perfect!

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  51. You, my dear mommy, are just filled with ideas!

    THANKS! Now I must go put on my comfy pants!

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  52. These are great tips! I'm thinking I need to implement two or say...seven!

    Thanks for sharing!

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  53. Love this post! My most fav thing to do is (once the kids have gone to bed) sit at the dining room table with my scrapbooking stuff all set up, cup of tea, while watching episodes of MASH (can't get enough of that).

    The hardest part is convincing myself that after 2-3 hours it's time to pack up and go to bed cause if I don't, I totally regret it the next morning when I'm bleary eyed when the kids get up.

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