how do you relax?

It is Saturday, a day meant for relaxing. I loved going back over some of these comments!

13 Reader Comments on Relaxing

The past few weeks have been a little hectic, and I’ve been craving some time to unwind. We love learning about ways to de-stress and recharge, so here are 13 reader comments about relaxing…

On quick fixes:

“My all-time favorite thing is to go through the carwash. There’s just something about being in this cocoon while all the whirly brushes are scrubbing and water and suds are flowing.” — Christine

“I don’t even knit but will go into yarn stores to touch and squish the yarn. The bright colors help, as well as just knowing that knitting relaxes people in general. I relax by osmosis.” — Miruska

“Wandering through the aisles at the library. Better than a spa.” — Conner


On at-home routines:

“Listening to history lectures as I drift off to asleep. Diving deep into the Middle Ages or the ancient Greek world takes my mind off present woes, and also reminds me that people have come out of very difficult times before.” — Erin

“When I put my girls to bed, we do the senses game: name five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one thing you can taste. My girls are three and five, and sometimes their answers are so funny! ‘I can taste my tongue. I can smell the wind.’ They love it and it definitely calms them down.” — Kelly


On one-on-one moments:

“On weekends, my dog and I are the first ones up, so I make a cup of tea and we check on all the plants. Sometimes that means watering and pruning, sometimes just sitting together and enjoying the peaceful greenness.” — Rachel

“I’ve begun whispering to my infant daughter when I put her to sleep at night: “Thanks for this day, for all birds safe in their nests, for whatever this is, for life.” It’s from Prodigal Summer, by Barbara Kingsolver, and maybe it’ll become one of our bedtime rituals.” — Megan


Snow. I can smell snow. No, for real. I was taught when I was very young. It’s magic! I wait the whole year long for winter, the holidays and snow. Glorious snow.
The world slows down. Our town becomes quiet. ( and this is in Washington D.C. ! ) Folks dress in warm clothing and go to stores to buy food enough to last them a while. I’m more patient and kind and others feel the same towards me.
The rest of the year I’m waiting and wishing for this time of year.
It gets me through.

I have struggled with anxiety for nearly a decade, and one of the best self-help books I’ve read (Don’t Feed the Monkey Mind, by Jennifer Shannon) suggests that before you do anything that needs to be done, practice 5 minutes of self care. For me that might mean drinking a big glass of ice water before doing a chore, taking the time to prepare a good snack (peanut butter on a slice of sourdough toast), putting on a pair of comfy socks or my favorite gold hoop earrings. I’ve been struck by how even these very small acts of self care make me feel more relaxed.

Wandering around a nursery is truly magical. A plant one, to be clear.

My toddler is obsessed with keys. I was sitting on a bench with my baby in her stroller dangling keys as she giggled. Two little ones passed by with their adult and I overheard their conversation. The younger one asked the older one why the baby liked keys so much. The older one’s reply was incredible: “Because they’re magic. One minute they’re silent and the next they jingle and make music. Anything that makes sounds can be magic.” Mind blown.


via {cup of jo}