50 WAYS TO RELAX

by Hyacinth Fraser

1. Breathe in hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat this five times.

2. Stretching - Practice simple stretches such as the "neck stretch": stretch your neck by gently rolling your head in a half-circle, starting at one side, then dropping your chin to your chest, then to the other side.

3. Exercise - Find a form of exercise you will enjoy - yoga and tai chi are great for relaxation.

4. Take a Bath - Ask household members to allow you at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time, wonderfully fragranced with essential oils or bubble bath etc..

5. Eat Well - Find out if your diet is well balanced and take steps to eat healthy - lots of green vegetables, and generally water rich vegetables helps with our health and vitality. There are loads of great healthy living books, CD's, DVD's on Amazon.

6. Talk - Take the time to talk with a friend or family member. Express feelings you might have been holding in. Listen carefully to your significant other.

7. Go to a comedy club.

8. Watch a funny movie.

9. Rent a funny video.

10. Spend time with someone who makes you laugh.

11. Cry - Crying can be as good a release as laughing.

12. A good book is a great escape.

13. Do something you love - When you enjoy yourself, you relax your emotions.

14. Become an expert in something.

15. Relax at a spa.

16. Go swimming.

17. Take a stroll through the park or just around the neighbourhood.

18. Daydream.

19. Do a crossword or puzzle.

20. Cook something different.

21. Watch the sun go down/come up.

22. Take up meditation.

23. Schedule in relaxation time every day - This could be for as little as 30minutes a day or one hour away from the office during lunch time.

24. Take time out to play, laugh and have fun.

25. Get a massage from a partner, friend, family or salon.

26. Put your favourite music on and dance around.

27. Sing.

28. Go for a nice relaxing drive down a scenic road/lane.

29. Draw a picture.

30. Do some light gardening. There are loads of great healthy living books, CD's, DVD's on Amazon

31. Sit quietly.

32. Be nice to yourself.

33. Phone a family member or friend.

34. Talk to the children or pets.

35. Visit a planetarium.

36. Visit an art gallery.

37. Watch your favourite film (again).

38. Give yourself a pedicure.

39. Take a short power nap (c.30 minutes).

40. Avoid stimulants (Tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and chocolate - they all contain caffeine and can make you `hyper').

41. Sit in a favourite location and stare out at the view.

42. Burn your favourite essential oil/incense stick; sit, relax and take it in.

43. Take a stroll in the sand, on a beach.

44. Go to your favourite restaurant and have a great meal.

45. Take some time to stare at the mountains.

46. Be mesmerised by a beautiful stream.

47. Make love.

48. Take a holiday.

49. Sleep.

50. In addition to the above, create your own list

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