Relaxing After a Stressful Day

When I've had a stressful day, I just want to find ways to relax and get my mind off of anything that is bothering me. I don't find that going to bars helps me unwind, so I usually prefer to relieve stress with some exercise and good distractions. Here are some things that help me to relax:

Taking a walk: I always find that walking helps clear my head while at the same time giving me some nice exercise. Sometimes I will just walk around the neighborhood or downtown. I especially like to walk in the nearby forest preserve; I find that the quieter sounds of nature help me relax.

Yoga: I'm not really that great at yoga, but I still find it very relaxing. My favorite yoga DVD is "Candlelight Yoga" with Sara Ivanhoe, part of the "Crunch" series. I have found that doing yoga has helped me some with my flexibility, and my favorite poses are the child's pose and of course the final relaxation pose.

Talking to friends and family: I often find it helps to talk to somebody about anything that is stressing me out. It might also give me a chance to cheer up a bit.

Listening to music: Depending on my mood, I might listen to some favorite rock songs to get my mind off stressful thoughts or some classical music for something a little more soothing. Either way, I find that listening to music is a good way to unwind.

Watching a movie or TV show: I will sometimes find an entertaining movie to get my mind off of anything that is bothering me. I try to avoid any sad films if I'm already feeling unhappy, so I might go for a comedy or an action flick. I also might enjoy watching one of my favorite shows, particularly something amusing. I definitely want to avoid any depressing crime shows.

Taking a hot bath: A nice bath can be a good way to relax, especially if I'm feeling sore. Using a nice scented bubble bath can help, as well. It can be especially good before it's time to go to bed.

Reading a book: Reading an engaging novel is another good way to get the mind off stressful things. I might like a good mystery, but I generally stay away from horror if I'm hoping to get into a better mood. I often read for an hour or so before heading to bed.

Doing some of these things will generally help me get a better night's sleep. I can go to bed more relaxed, rather than thinking about my day or worrying about the next one. It has taken me awhile to learn to relax more, but it's definitely not good to spend much time being stressed out.