5 Easy Ways to Relax

We unplug only to replug. It’s hard to disconnect and it’s getting even harder to relax. And then Friday rolls around.

Ahhh Friday. No matter what you do during the week, there just something about Friday. Whether you work at an office, work at home, or stay at home (which is also working at home), Friday just feels like a relief.

My husband comes home and it just feels like I can let go of everything from the week. It’s a Friday night and it doesn’t matter what we eat or when we eat or what we watch or how late we stay up.

So in my Friday night mode, I think I need to share with you my top 5 easy ways to relax.

1. Drink wine.

In my case, it’s white wine. Specifically, an unoaked Chardonnay preferably from Burgundy. Yes, there’s beer. It makes me feel full and bloated. I still indulge sometimes. And there’s the hard stuff, which gives me a tummy ache. But a nice glass of wine seems proper, and natural, and just holding the stemmed glass makes me feel good. In fact, one sip and it goes right to my thighs (not kidding).

2. Do some yoga.

I don’t care if you are a man, woman, child, Christian, atheist, runner, muscleman. It doesn’t matter. I believe anyone can benefit from yoga. Men think it’s not much of a workout. I guarantee if you try it you will find muscles that you never knew you had will be aching. And you feel relaxed and energized at the same time. I think if everyone in the world did yoga, it would be a much better place.

3. Watch a movie.

I don’t practice what I preach here. Since my son got older and we let him dominate our viewing habits (don’t judge), we’re usually too tired to watch anything after he goes to bed. So I’ll say watch a movie or read a book. The point is to immerse yourself in someone else’s story. Someone else’s life. It will make you forget your troubles for a while.

4. Take a bath.

Baths are so underrated. I take one almost every day. I know some people get the heebie jeebies over it. If so, don’t get dirty, don’t wash. Just soak. If your muscles are sore, add some epsom salt. If it’s been a tough day, light some candles. Read a book. Drink a glass of wine. Notice a trend here? There’s just something about immersing yourself in water that soothes the soul.

5. Laugh a lot.

There is nothing better than a good belly laugh. It feels like it gets all of the rotten out. It’s kind of like how exercising helps you sleep better. Sometimes, when you exert yourself, it helps your body understand what the state of relaxation is all about. When you laugh, it helps you purge your body of the emotional stress you’ve been holding in.

There you have some easy ways to relax. Nothing groundbreaking but lots of wishes for a good, restful, relaxing, stress-free weekend. And when all else fails, go shopping.