Tag Archives: relax

Life Well Lived: Relaxation Techniques

Its time for another Life Well Lived Getting Happy panel!

102: Chill & UnwindThis week is quite fitting for me right now: What are your favorite relaxation techniques? And what benefits do you see from practicing them?

I’ve been SO busy that I’ve actually, this past week, not had time to even edit my daily photos! Time to relax has come at a premium, but its also VERY important to help stay sane when things get busy.

I have a variety of relaxation techniques that I turn to as they fit in my days or nights (or even the season!)

One of my favorite relaxation techniques (that I don’t get to do often at all) is a hot bubble bath.  I would say a “long hot bubble bath” but I can never seem to sit in the tub for long before I actually go from relaxing to being bored. I suppose I am strange that way, but its true. Nonetheless, a bubble bath is one of my favorite escapes from “life” for a little while.

You’re going to roll your eyes at me, but I actually play a few of those games on Facebook that people will complain about their friends playing. I just have all my posts set to only show to those friends who also play. But at the end of the day, when I want to just shut the brain off and let go of the day and its many stresses, I log into Facebook and play a game or two. By the time I am done, I am ready to crawl into bed, sufficiently relaxed.  (Sometimes, though, I opt for games like Draw Something on my phone for that day disconnect.)

I mentioned the season helping determine some of my relaxation techniques. In the winter, I love a cup of hot chocolate or hot coffee in front of a the fire. In the summer, an adult beverage with friends or by the lake (or with friends by the lake) is a favorite technique as well.

Finally, the old stand-bys are always helpful. Those include taking deep breaths, stretching my neck and shoulder muscles, going for a walk, listening to soft music, and having a conversation with God. All of these will always, without fail, help me relax and settle down in any situation.

So tell me… what are your favorite techniques? Tell me here, or go visit the Main Post on BlogHer.com and join me in the comments. Also enter the current Life Well Lived Sweepstakes!

A good book and a cup of coffee

I sat staring at my laptop screen. Visiting the usual haunts. Twitter. Facebook. Flickr. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

I felt lethargic. The previous day’s lawn work and heat left me aching all over. All I really wanted to do was lay on the couch with a cup of coffee. Beautiful sunshine, however, beckoned me outside. I finally consented, grabbing a book and my coffee. I stepped outside, braced for heat and humidity. Instead, a light breeze ruffled my hair. It was warm, but not too hot. I found myself wanting to do cartwheels in the yard or make chalk drawings on the driveway.

227: A good book and a cup of coffeeInstead, I plopped myself down in my porch swing. I put my feet up, and I proceeded read four chapters of my book, breaking only to refill my coffee mug.

I found myself wondering why I don’t do it more often. I listened to a neighbor mow their lawn. I watched cars go up and down the street. My American flag fluttered in the breeze, making the pole creak gently against the house.

My life won’t always afford me the time and opportunity to take moments to slow down and enjoy the moment I am in… I need to take the opportunities I have now and embrace them. Memorize them. Save them in my soul for when times get crazy and stressful.

The next chance you have to enjoy your world. Take it. Put down the phone. Close the laptop. Just BE. It’s amazing.