Find it Hard to Relax - How Did You Manage It?

[summersun29]

Interested to hear from others like me who can't sit still/find it hard to relax. For a bit of background, I've been like this for years and I'm ruled by to do lists as long as my arm! I'm trying hard to work on this now, and accept the lists aren't good for my MH/that the lists will never truly be complete. I like being productive though so I do get satisfaction from completing things (but obviously this can go too far RE: my lists and I need to find a balance).

Anyway, for various reasons (bereavement/becoming a new mum), I've sought help from different health professionals lately and they've all said the same thing - I need to relax more! At first I scoffed (who has time for that once you have a baby?!) but I'm slowly accepting that they have a point. If I don't find an outlet, my stress and emotions can build up and are often released by getting angry/irritated.

I don't think my idea of fun fits with conventional ways of relaxing (like taking a bath, doing yoga, meditating etc) as I'm bored stiff with the usual things suggested to me!

So, if I sound familiar to you, tell me how you finally found ways to relax

Oh yes to do lists, I have many, they don’t help me either, make me feel more pressure, every once in a while I have a mad deleting spree, I just think arses to them but eventually I end up creating more!

As for relaxing, why not have a little dance or if you’re like me a big dance! As you’re not interested in the usual stuff, why not put on some of your favourite music & have a good old dance or just move, how ever you like. I do this sometimes, it’s much fun, I end up making myself laugh, feel knackered after & more relaxed. My therapist always suggests some forum of movement & highly encourages dance, it’s good for the soul.

All the best

Just dance
Walking
Something that requires concentration?

I make a cup of tea and eat half a pack of biscuits!

Binge something on netflix/iPlayer.
Play loud music in the house and sing and dance with baby (I do this 😂)
Play video games? I find Animal crossing on my Switch relaxing. Or games like wordle/nerdle/quordle/semantle/worldle
Audiobooks are good too

I struggle to relax too, but I started running a year ago and find it does the trick. I’ve recently added swimming in but I enjoy it less. My brain only really switches off when I’m running and have pretty scenery to look at. AND have lost weight as a bonus!

A really weird thing was that I somehow had MORE time when I was spending half an hour a day running than before, like the mental clarity led to more efficient use of the time I had. Have you tried exercising? Ideally alone and outside?

Thank you, something physical might fit the bill then! I actually used to dance pre baby, I even trained professionally at one point when I was much much younger... Might be time to get the dancing shoes out once more!

I've never really run before but I think this could also help me clear my head, I might just give it a go if my self consciousness doesn't get in the way! Something about running makes me feel that I look ridiculous!

Games are also a good shout, thank you all.