relax - how do you?!

[Candy]

God what a day! I'm still off work with laryngitis (a lack of voice is a BIG disadvantage when you're a secondary school teacher!) and today I had a row with hubby (VERY difficult with insufficient voice to put across my side of the argument, as the minute I get stressed my voice gets much worse) - SO since the speech therapist says I have to concentrate on remaining as relaxed as possible, I wonder if anyone has got any good relaxation tips - currently I'm using a combination of at least one long soak in the bath a day, bucket loads of lavender oil and reading Mumsnet! Cheers!

A damn good book! I'm reading 'She's come Undone' by Wally Lamb, it's great, one of those books you can really get into and not put down! I find baking really relaxing too, whilst listening to some classical music. On certain odd occasions I get my hubbie to give me a massage, trouble is with men they can never do this without wanting more can they?!

Get well soon Candy!

Book, massage, glass of wine, lavander oil, long candlelit bath (all the usual) but how about yoga, t'ai chi, or meditation? I am unbearable to live with wthout regular t'ai chi classes. Also I do find a long solitary walk (or with baby in buggy)incredibly good for blowing away the cobwebs and giving me a fresh perspective. Best wishes

A good old black and white movie - something like Blithe Spirit, or Wuthering Heights, something to drink and a box of chocs if I can manage to find a couple of hours where I can be completely alone.

A friend brought me an aromatherapy pillar for Christmas which is bliss. Its a lavender one which you stick in the microwave for 3 minutes to heat it up. I usually lie on the sofa with it behind my neck or across my forehead.

Hope your voice comes back soon.

Thanks everyone - I'm currently looking for a yoga class in my area and I absolutely love the idea of an aromatherapy pillar - where do you find them, does anyone know?

I've seen the microwavable lavender pillows/cushions in the lakeland limited catalogue for about a tenner. Also in our local garden centres gifty bit. I gave one to my stepmother for Christmas and have always wanted one myself! Lakeland's website is quite fun - it's lakelandlimited.co.uk I don't know how to do a link I'm afraid. Yoga's a fantastic idea. I'm currently looking for an antenatal yoga in my area.

The combination of a large glass of wine, chocolate or pringles (depending on my mood), credit card and surfing the net, I find relaxing! I've enjoyed many an evening buying a few treats. One word of warning, there is definitely a positive correlation between the amount of alcohol drunk and the amount of money spent.

I also run/jog and am addicted to magazines, (the glossy fashion and lifestyle type). If I can get my husband to give me a back massage, that does the trick too.