What do you do for relaxation?

**Simone411** · 01-28-2013, 09:06 PM

Things I do for relaxation:

I love to read novels.

I also love to write poetry. I thought about working on a second book, but this one will be a little different. I've decided to write or compose a recipe book with all of my mom's recipes. She kept them in an old school lunch box. It's really neat to go through all of the recipes; some dating back to when I was maybe 4 or 5 years old. I don't know if I'll consider publishing it or not, but it will be a nice little project in my spare time.

I love to draw which means I'll probably draw all the illustrations for the recipe book.

I've also started back with preserving all the figure skating events, shows, competitions that are on my VHS tapes.

I think all of this alone is enough to keep me occupied for quite awhile.

**Marge_Simpson** · 01-29-2013, 12:43 AM

Make jewelry. It's really quite easy (I taught myself from a book) You can make really nice stuff for a fraction of what you'd pay in a store, even if you use real gemstones. You'll find yourself looking at say, a pair of earrings and saying, "$50, you're kidding me, right? I can make those for $5 and they will be nicer than those."

I also find baking relaxing. My coworkers reap the benefits of that as I don't dare leave sweets lying around my place.

**emason** · 01-29-2013, 01:54 AM

Read.
Needlepoint.
Take a hot bath.
(I lead a very quiet life!)

**AnnieBgood** · 01-29-2013, 03:50 AM

I'm def. an introvert.
I like hot baths,
makeup,
pinterest,
period movies,
swimming in a warm pool,
Doctor Who,
and animals help release all those nice endorphin's.
I wish a book would calm me, but it seems to do the opposite. I was a speed reader before OCD invaded my life. Now, my thoughts are really distracting.

**4rkidz** · 01-29-2013, 03:58 AM

I have a crazy busy life with a full time job and teaching at the college part time and doing my Thesis so for me to cope its imperative that I have some good ways to relax and they are:

Nightly baths with various salts, bath bombs (lush)
Monthly spa visits - massage therapy (covered with health care)
Reading & listening to my new toy an IPOD touch 5 that has my music
Certain TV shows (I like Dr. Who to but just at Xmas and when on breaks from school/work)
Red wine and chocolate..

I also love travel and having the opportunity to turn off the electronics but life realities are not allowing that right now..

Also I have found FSU to be very helpful as a nice distraction from life and ultimately the actual figure skating comps both live and online.. because it is so removed from my real world..

**BigB08822** · 01-29-2013, 05:08 AM

I love bath bombs from Lush! We have one in our mall and I get everyone gifts there and they all love it. I plan on getting my husband one for his Birthday this week! It's a great way to relax with some soothing music on Pandora.

**El Rey** · 01-29-2013, 05:45 AM

Drink.

**Kasey** · 01-29-2013, 05:57 AM

Read
pilates (going to the gym doesn't relax me, but even though I do cardio pilates, it's relaxing to me)
get a manicure or massage if the time and $$ are available (those little rare luxuries are nice!)
In the winter, ski. In the summer, swim or hike
take a walk (any weather)
Visit and play with my nieces!

**ks777** · 01-29-2013, 06:24 AM

Smoke pot.

**nubka** · 01-29-2013, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by michiruwater

Yes, it's the introvert/extrovert thing. Extroverts gain energy from crowds. Introverts lose energy in crowds.

I'm very extroverted, but I definately need my down time.

**Ziggy** · 01-29-2013, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by ks777

Smoke pot.

You win the thread.

**Marge_Simpson** · 01-29-2013, 07:32 AM

I'd probably smoke if I knew where to get some. The last time I bought any, they still had nickel bags. Do they still exist, or is it like $20 now?

**Japanfan** · 01-29-2013, 09:16 AM

I exercise, I read, I go for walks. But reading doesn't really relax me since I read page-turners. And the walks and exercise help, but I'm really not very good at relaxing. Doing mentally demanding work as a self-employed person and constantly having to meet dead-lines doesn't help, because if I relax, my brain shifts down to a lower gear and that's not always a good thing. Figure skating helps, as does a glass (or three) of wine.

I'm basically not very good at relaxing. The long walks are the best, and kayaking is excellent too. Figure skating is relaxing to a certain degree, also.

I'm completely resistant to meditation and have no desire to overcome my resistance. I sit enough as it is. I like to move. Kayaking is as close to meditation as I'm going to get.

**Karina1974** · 01-29-2013, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by michiruwater

Yes, it's the introvert/extrovert thing. Extroverts gain energy from crowds. Introverts lose energy in crowds.

Is there a term for someone who is a little bit of both? I love my "downtime," being alone and going for solo bike rides for exercise, but.... OTOH, when I go out contra dancing I am often in a crowd of 100+ dancers, and I definitely get energized. When I go to the Lenox, MA dance every 3rd Saturday I'm back on the road to drive home at 11:30 PM, wide awake. Home by 1:00 AM but never in bed before 2:00 'cause I'm just so wide awake.

**myhoneyhoney** · 01-29-2013, 05:35 PM

I can't believe I forgot to list one of my faves: knitting!

**Simone411** · 01-29-2013, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by Karina1974

Is there a term for someone who is a little bit of both? I love my "downtime," being alone and going for solo bike rides for exercise, but.... OTOH, when I go out contra dancing I am often in a crowd of 100+ dancers, and I definitely get energized. When I go to the Lenox, MA dance every 3rd Saturday I'm back on the road to drive home at 11:30 PM, wide awake. Home by 1:00 AM but never in bed before 2:00 'cause I'm just so wide awake.

"Downtime" being alone is awesome. I missed out on that luxury for a whole year when I was ill. I had to stay at a nursing facility to recuperate and there was hardly ever any privacy because of nurses, CNAs, physical therapists, etc. always checking on me. Of course, it was their job to do that. But the thought of having privacy hardly existed and the only place I found privacy was in the bathroom.

Privacy is so wonderful, and I've extremely enjoyed it since I've been home. It's definitely a pleasure to be able to walk around in my birthday suit whenever I get the notion to do so.

**Wiery** · 01-29-2013, 09:35 PM

Bikram yoga or heated power yoga.

**Bailey_** · 01-30-2013, 05:56 PM

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's posts... gives me good ideas...

For me - I'm definitely an introvert but I also enjoy spending time with friends. I spend most of my time...
Knitting
working with photos -- scrapbooking and organizing my photos
Watching favorite shows or movies
reading
listening to music
cuddling with my dog
going for a walk

**Vash01** · 02-01-2013, 05:38 PM

Drawing and painting (to add to my list)

**Aimless** · 02-01-2013, 08:28 PM

I started with jigsaw puzzles a little over a year ago. I had the basement finished in summer of 2011 and the room turned out just wonderful but it took me another six months before I could afford the large flat-screen television that the space called out for. During those six months I really wanted to be in the fabulous, attractive new room and use it well, so I decided to take advantage of the table, space, and good light to do jigsaws. I really enjoy them now, even with the nice television. put on a baseball game, or HGTV and puzzle away. And get a drink from my small but richly stocked bar....

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