Need an excuse to take it easy? Well, National Relaxation Day on August 15 seems like a good one! If you can spend the whole day relaxing, then great! But if not, you can still work in a little down time.
Ways to Relax During the Day
“Relaxing” doesn’t look the same to everyone. One person may relax by lounging in a hammock with a glass of lemonade, while another finds tinkering in the garage to be more soothing.
Whatever your definition of “relaxing” is, find time to work it into your day — not just on National Relaxation Day, but every day. Just remember two things: make sure that it brings you joy, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment (no multitasking!).
If You Have Five Minutes
- Cuddle with your pet
- Drink a cup of tea/coffee without doing anything else
- Give yourself a hand or foot massage
- Listen to your favorite song
- Close your eyes and breathe
- Daydream
If You Have 15 Minutes
- Stretch
- Sit outside or gaze out a window
- Meditate
- Write in your journal
- Read a chapter of a good book
If You Have 30 Minutes
- Go for a stroll
- Soak in a bath
- Chat with a friend
- Take a nap
If You Have One Hour
- Take a yoga class
- Get a massage
- Have lunch with a friend
- Go for a bike ride
- Work on a hobby
If You Have A Few Hours
- Watch a feel-good movie
- Have a spa day (at home or at the spa)
- Spend the morning or afternoon alone doing what you want to do, when you want to do it