10 Ways to help you unwind

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens (Photo credit: @Doug88888)

There’s lots of things that can cause us stress be it money (or a lack of it), work, love-life or home-life, and that’s without all those other things that can that you never expect. Stress is a problem though; in fact it’s one of the world’s biggest killers as it often causes strokes and heart attacks. Therefore – it’s important to know ways to unwind, whether that’s unwinding on your own or with loved ones or friends!

Here are our 10 favourite ways of unwinding and – even better – none of them cost very much!1.     1.Walking

Walking is a great way to relax and get our natural endorphins flowing. Whilst country walks involving beautiful scenery, wildlife and fresh air are what we all really need, there not always an option. When they’re not, raise your heart-rate by parking the car a little further from work and doing a little power walk to beat the stress-blues.

2. Napping

A short nap at some point of the day can really help you reduce stress levels. Okay, so it’s not always easy finding a place to do it – but try. Whilst a bed or a couch is ideal, even shutting your eyes for five minutes in a workplace toilet will help take the edge off a stressful day.

3. Bath time

This is one to enjoy after a hard day’s work. Think relaxing hot water, mountains of bubbles and an aromatic oil burner. You might want to play your favourite CD or start that book you keep promising you will – even the thought of having a bath makes you relax – and when you’ve relaxed you can always ask your spouse or partner to bring up a bottle of wine and join you.

4. Sex

Regular passion isn’t always easy to fit into a hectic schedule – but it’s one of the best ways to relax. Date night is a popular craze at the moment – so take it in turns to plan a special evening for the loved one in your life. Bath-time can be part of it.

5. Yoga

Yoga teaches you how to relax, stretch and breathe – so throw on some comfortable clothing and banish those stresses and tensions. Naked yoga is even more relaxing – and may lead to number 4.

6. Dance and Sing

If your singing is more X-rated than X-factor or you wouldn’t win Just Dance – who cares! In the privacy of your own home you can be John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John or anyone else you fancy being for a night – just let yourself go and have fun.

7. Online Games

Online games are a great way to relax and unwind. There are a whole host of online games sites which you can chose from. Flash games such as Pool, Golf, Tennis, checkers, chess and other sites where you can play cards, poker, and blackjack. If you want more of a buzz when you play your online games then you could head over to play bingo at Butlers. Online bingo games are a great way to unwind after a hard day at work. Play on your own, invite some friends round or make new friends via online bingo forums and chat-rooms. There’s also the advantage of playing for big cash prizes. Win and you might be booking that all-inclusive holiday you really need.

Gardening

Gardening (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

8. Daydreaming

Even if you don’t win at online Bingo, you can still daydream about being on an exotic island and sipping cocktails. Sure it’s not as good as the real thing but daydreaming is like napping with your eyes open.

9. Reading

If that book you’ve been planning to read for a while is still on your shelf – then make time to read it, especially if it’s fiction. The vicarious thrill of living someone else’s fantasy is a great way to let your mind escape.

10. Gardening

Weeding has been proven to be therapeutic – psychosomatic in a way that it makes feels like you’re removing all the rubbish from your life. Watching flowers or vegetables grow that you’ve planted also gives you an endorphin- releasing sense of achievement.

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