How do you properly relax?

[Needabloodynap]

I’m at that stage of burnout I feel exhausted every single day. I work in HR so constantly dealing with so many other peoples dilemmas and issues. We have had another member of staff go off sick so im also supporting another service whilst also studying at college and I have 3 young children. Im fucking exhausted so sorry to swear but it felt needed😩

Im normally a book a weekend away kind of person but I can’t do that every time I feel like I can’t cope.

What do you do to relax when you feel like life is just getting a bit too much?

My proper down time is a pilates class once a week. One hour to completely clear my head and concentrate on me. I got back an hour ago, have poured a glass of red wine. Bed by half 10 for the best sleep of the week. If I miss this I really notice my stress levels are higher.

Usually a glass of wine or two and a film. This is unproductive. I am trying to transition to relaxation yoga and meditation.

Honestly… microdosing shrooms. It feels much healthier than drinking to me. I have a reputable source though

Low risks associated with microdosing psilocybin.

I take a small dose so it never makes me feel anywhere near ‘high’ but helps with stress and I get a break from booze.

I flit between drinking every night for a few days and then the far more healthy meditation, swimming, running, yoga path. Last week was the wine, thankfully this week I’m back on track doing things that make me feel good. I eat properly, sleep properly and am much more productive this way 🙏
Be kind to yourself, that’s a lot on your plate x

Exercise- swimming. Running, cycling, walking with a podcast x

Look forward to a glass of wine or two a couple of nights a week and carve out the time to watch funny/uplifting tv for an hour before bed every night.

Plan what musical I’m going to see next - I only see a couple a year but spend ages searching for bargain seats and listening to lots of different cast recordings whilst driving/doing chores to pick my favourite.

Not hugely original but helps me escape mentally.

Dancing, especially a conscious sober one like 5 Rythms, but love any dance.

Horse riding.

Going for a run (sometimes)

Massage, especially head or feet extra relaxes me.

Did a floatation tank that was relaxing.

Meditation - chakra breathing, and yoga.

Playing with my dogs.

Pottery, really getting into that zone of being immersed into creating something with my hands,

which reminds me, cooking also relaxes me :)

Find some grass, ideally with a nice view, put my bare feet on the grass and feel the charge of the earth calm me. Sounds cheesy but there's science to back it up. Also, wine or gin in a fancy glass, blanket, candles and phone or film. If kids need to be with you then a kid friendly film.

I never properly relax. My mind doesn't go off, ever :( sorry, no help!

I take deep breaths of the cat. He smells so relaxing, I can feel my blood pressure go down within seconds. I am aware this is not for everyone though!

Staring into space

Yin yoga class every week, once a month Sound bath.

Yoga, massage, walk alone in nature, knitting, singing. Not all at once obvs.

When you are very stressed it's incredibly hard to relax, hope things get better for you.

What is this please?

I am highly stressed right now, work and personal...
When the kids are in bed i like to watch nature documentaries because i find them soothing. I also like listening to guided meditation videos on youtube.
I don't drink alcohol anymore because tbh it doesn't help, it affected my sleep and make me anxious.
Also i do breathing exercises when i feel i have heart palpitations or I'm in a highly stressful situation.
Sometimes in the evening i just sit on my back door step, get some fresh air and enjoy the peace.

I book a massage with aromatherapy. Or long hot bath with a book. Going for a run helps me switch my brain off too. Meditation has really helped me with stress & anxiety.

Exercise, a hot shower, then a lie down on an electric heat pad while I listen to music or an audiobook. Or put a heat pad on the back of your chair and feel your muscles relax.

Definitely meditation. Not only does it help you relax in the moment that you do it, it’s a method to train your mind to respond how you want to in the difficult scenarios you describe. It takes practice to develop this but it’s a skill like any other.

I honestly just stand or sit outside early in the morning, no phone, nobody about. Also lonnngggg pampery showers

I swim in the sea.
I go in with a group of others so it’s safer.
The immediacy of the experience is really all you can think about while in there and it’s a relief to “switch off” for a little while.
Feels very therapeutic.

I need to do this. How do I go about getting some??

A hot bath with epsom salts in it. Honestly, I feel like a melted marshmallow after it and have a fantastic deep sleep.

Swimming outdoors. Lido all year round, sea, river, lake when it is a bit warmer. Although I did the lake until December last winter.

I love that description. So much so that I am going to buy epsom salts (I’m normally more of a bubble bath person).

Different things have been relaxing for me at different times. At the moment, with young children, I need to be able to leave the house, do an activity for myself such as get a massage, or go to an exhibition or play, ideally have dinner out and only come home after the kids are in bed.

Bedtime is stressful in my house. Being present for that would destroy all the hard work I put into relaxing.

Walking the dog is a lifesaver.