Relaxation Ideas from A to Z

This week marks the start of winter quarter, and I'm already thinking about ways to relax. Here are some of my ideas:

A - Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is complex, but most of us can manage the basics. Lavender has a calming effect, while mint is invigorating. Light a few aromatic candles in your office, bathroom, or bedroom to set the mood to unwind.

B - Bubble bath. Pick a bath gel with a relaxing scent (see above) and wash away your worries.

C - Count your blessings. The stress of everyday life can make us forget all the positives around us. Remind yourself of what's going well, and you will feel some of the burden being lifted.

D - Drink tea. Tea warms you up from the inside out, and there are many touted benefits to tea-drinking linked to its antioxidant properties.

E - Enjoy your favorite movie. Lose yourself in the plot line of a romantic comedy, uplifting musical, or nail-biting thriller.

F - Facebook. This may not be for everyone, but spend an hour (or eight hours) on Facebook and you will quickly forget about your to-do list. Just remember, the list will be waiting for you when you return from cyberspace.

G - Get a manicure. Pampering can be a great stress reliever. To maximize your health benefits, go with a girlfriend and unlock the power of female friendship.

H - Horseback riding. Ok, ok, not what you might consider to be the most relaxing activity. But, I guarantee, trotting around outdoors with one of the world's most majestic domesticated creatures will give you another perspective.

I - Internet surfing. A great way to lose yourself for awhile is to surf the world wide web. Try StumbleUpon - the internet version of channel-surfing - to discover new websites, videos, and photos.

J - Journal. Writing about your stressors can help you process them, and therefore reduce their impact on your physical health. The tradition of journaling (or keeping letters or diaries) has been dated back the the 10th century.

K - Kitchen activity (baking and cooking). When you're coming home late and rushing to get dinner on the table, cooking may sound like the most un-relaxing (read stressful) activity. But, when you immerse yourself in the aromas of herbs and spices and begin to focus on the creation of a nourishing meal, the kitchen can become a sanctuary removed from the office, laundry room, or classroom.

L - Listen to music. Music can have a profound effect on your body and mind. Research has shown that music stimulates brain waves, so to relax you should listen to music with a slower tempo.

M - Massage. Massage doesn't just feel great, it can lessen depression and anxiety, enhance immunity, decrease substance dependency, and improve circulation.

N - Nap. A power nap can improve patience, reduce stress, increase reaction time, and enhance learning.

O - Open a good book. Reading can take you to another world. Whether you pick up a trashy novel or a classic, there are lots of great books out there.

P - Pet a dog. According to Therapy Dogs International, petting a dog can lower your blood pressure and calm your heart rate. If you are angry, afraid, upset or depressed, interacting with a dog can help divert your attention.

Q - Quiet reflection. Reflection is sometimes referred to as "thinking about thinking," and it is a key component of learning. Reflection allows us to learn from our mistakes, deepen our understanding, evaluate our experiences, repeat successes, and revise our actions.

R - Reflexology. Reflexology focuses on the hands and feet where the nerve endings are located. It is the use of special techniques to break up deposits and restore circulation.

S - Shop at a thrift store. A little retail therapy can go a long way, but don't break the bank - be sure to shop where you can stick to your budget.

T - Talk with a friend. Talking about your problems can help you process them and put them in perspective.

U - Uproot weeds. Take out your aggression on those weeds! Gardening is a great stress reliever because sunlight can improve your mood, being in touch with nature removes you from the stressors of daily life, and the beauty of nature can help you feel more grounded.

V - Vacation. Get away from everything and take a vacation or, the newly popular, staycation - where you play tourist in your home town.

W - Wine. Red wine is a source of antioxidants and may reduce the risk of heart attacks. Regardless of the health benefits (which are debatable), enjoying a glass of wine on occasion can be relaxing.

X - eXercise. Exercise has many well-known benefits. It can enhance your mood, combat chronic disease, help manage weight, strengthen your heart and lungs, and promote better sleep. It can also be fun! Take a hike, ride a bike, or hit the pool, the possibilities are endless!

Y - Yoga. Yoga is about more than just stretching - it is like an internal massage. Yoga can be detoxifying and invigorating.

Z - Zzz. We all need sleep...I'm off to bed now.

photo by krikit

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