7 Relaxing Activities I Wish I Can Do Today

Who does not want to get some relaxing time and recharge? I’m sure everyone wants some special time for himself. Of course every person has different ways to relax and recharge. I thought about what relaxing activities I want to do and here they are.

Sure, walking is a healthy, low impact exercise, but when you’re trying to get your finger on the biometrics pad on time, it’s more stressful that relaxing. I usually walk around 15 minutes a day instead of getting stuck on a 30-minute traffic jam. For a relaxing change, I want to take a leisurely walk in the park where there are lots of trees and none of the toxic fumes from vehicles. A leisurely walk at night is also a welcomed retreat from the day’s toil.

Reality check:

Unless your office is located in a park, the closest you can get to a forest-like or at least park-like ambiance is your screen saver or the indoor plant on the corner that nobody notices. So savor your walks to the next department or getting some documents signed. Oh yes, enjoy your trips to the toilet, the walk going there may be all you have. Also, avoid caressing the indoor plant too often, it might just look too creepy for some.

Another relaxing activity I want to do is to just read a book. From CS Lewis’ classics to more recent spectacular reads, I’d give almost anything just to get myself away from the office table and read a book cover to cover in one sitting.

Reality check:

You might just consider financial statements and reports as the next best seller.

When was the last time you took time out just to lie on the grass? Lounging under a tree can be so meditative and relaxing. My wife and I have a special place in University of The Philippines Campus we call “slope”. We used to go there just to relax and commune with nature. There’s also a place we call “5 palms” where it’s equally quiet and tranquil.

Reality check:

The green grass-like welcome rug near the building entrance is not a viable substitute for the real thing. So think twice before you cozy up on the rug.

Again, don’t get too intimate with the potted plants in your office.

Have you stared blankly at nothing and felt refreshed? Well, that’s one of the activities I’d like to do today. Sometimes a few minutes of doing nothing and thinking of nothing can recharge the tired body and mind.

Reality check:

Of course I can do this at work but that can be counterproductive to my security of tenure. But some have mastered the art of looking busy and do this effortlessly. It’s a skill I have not mastered.

A warm bath, with lots of soap suds, that’s a relaxing way to drown the day’s stresses. When a bathtub is not available, a warm shower will do. It’s not the same but the warm water on your body can really make the difference. Of course take your time, there’s no need to hurry. Enjoy the soak – or the shower.

Reality check:

If your office does not have a bathtub for employees to soak in or a shower room, you’d better settle for that wash room faucet and splash some water in your face – that can be revitalizing as well. I have not heard of any office with bathtubs for their employees.

A full body massage sounds enticing as the day progresses. Whether it’s from the poor posture in front of the computer or a psychosomatic reaction to work stress, loosening the tension in the muscles sounds like bliss. Although I have this fondness for Thai massage and shiatsu, any type of massage will do.

Reality check:

The office does not usually provide such a service. A few nape or shoulder self-rubs may be my last resort. But I’m not really into pleasuring myself in public.

A relaxing sleep, even a nap can make the difference between stress and clarity. Sleep without interruptions, sleep on a comfortable bed, clean sheets and comfy pillows – that’s a delight right now.

Reality check:

Yes, some have tried this at work to their own detriment. Sure, they got their shut eye time, but unfortunately, with detrimental repercussions.

The stresses all around can sap anyone’s strength and worse enthusiasm and motivation. Finding little moments to relax and energize in the office is something everyone must regularly do. Chances are the closest I can get to these relaxing activities is the quick shower when I get home. But then again, better that than not taking a bath at all.

So what do you do to take work stress away?