Does anyone else NOT know how to relax?

[BumbleBeeWineGlass]

I am someone who has no clue how to switch off and relax and it's making me ill as time goes on.
I just cannot seem to stop and have a rest, when I find myself not in work at home alone I will always find something that needs doing, housework or general de cluttering, if I'm physically exhausted so feel I can't move my brain still goes a million miles an hour from where I'm sat.
It's a huge problem for me and people seem to think that telling me to rest and take care of myself is the answer, they look baffled when I say I don't know how to stop!
Can anyone relate or does anyone have any advice?

I used to be like that. Yoga and meditation changed that. But it was bloody hard work. I don't meditate regularly anymore, but it helped me break the cycle of busyness. Still do yoga, and take time every day to just 'be' rather than 'do'. Life is so much nicer. Hope you'll find a way.

I can relate to this. One thing I try to do (not as often as I should!) is set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and just sit somewhere comfortable with my eyes closed until the buzzer goes. Five or ten minutes seems a manageable amount of time, which can be built up.

Me.
Never relaxed at yoga either.

I relax when I have a general anaesthetic, every 2 or 3 years.

I was like this. I became very ill with ME. Now I have to rest most if the time or I'll collapse.

Try some guided meditation on YouTube. It really works.

I'm the opposite really, an expert relaxer, so I have to make a conscious decision to get something done instead of lolling about. I do get plenty done, but I have to override my default setting every single time.

Do you like reading or watching films? It's easy to have a restful couple of hours doing those things, so perhaps put some proper thought into choosing books or films that will hold your attention. I find browsing in the library very relaxing.

I’m like this and it’s stolen my health. I hate it, I never feel like I’m relaxed or enjoying anything in the moment. I’m like a train that never stops.

Could you write down what's going on in your head in an attempt to clear it and then do some guided meditation as suggested above?
I find when my brain is on overtime writing things down really helps empty my head.

Do you have any hobbies that could be classed as restful, or is there anything you're interested in that you could turn your attention to?

Yes, I can't stop as there's always something that needs doing going round in my head.

Just tarted sertraline for anxiety so hoping it will help with this.

I find to-do lists help, colour coded for urgency. Once it's on the list and non-urgent you can stop thinking about it because it'll get done in due course.

Also, "organised relaxing" can help too. A list of things to choose from, e.g. I will spend an hour going for a walk, watching a documentary, reading a book, or knitting.

Brilliant tips I will have a go. I have tried yoga before but can never switch off, I tried speaking to my GP and she looked at me like I was loopy

I'm on a night shift because I couldn't shut off then back at 6am for work. I know it's crazy but it's torture doing nothing. I often wonder if I have some sort of hyperactive disorder.

I will try some organised relaxing I think!