10 Inexpensive or Free Ways to Relax

Relaxing isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. Some even find it difficult to relax and need that extra boost. It’s an important skill that is needed for your personal sanity and overall well-being, so not being able to relax, can cause permanent and serious mental health or physical issues. That’s why, at a certain point, it’s vital to have some form of relaxation technique, even if it’s for a brief moment.

Here are a few tips to help boost you into relaxation mode:

Listening to soothing music can be very therapeutic. Create a playlist of songs with your favorite genre of music, put on your headphones or use speakers, and press play. Let yourself get lost in the music. Listen to the lyrics, the rhythms, let your mind wonder with whatever comes up in your head. If you’re sitting or lying down and that feels great, then continue doing that, but if your body starts to move, let it, get up and dance if you want. The point is to let loose and give in to the music.

When you watch a television show or a movie, the left side of your brain (which is responsible for your logical understanding and analytics), falls asleep. This process allows your brain to stop running around in circles thinking about your everyday troubles. It lets you completely get into the plot of the TV show or movie, giving your brain time to rest and recuperate.

This may be obvious, but getting a massage is an amazing way to loosen up your muscles, and really put your body and mind in relaxation mode. You can also have massage sessions with your partner, family, or friends where you can take turns massaging each other, or even form a circle so everyone gives and receives a massage at the same time. If getting a massage isn’t feasible, it may be worth it to invest in a small massager machine.

Writing or drawing anything that comes to mind is an excellent way to express yourself in creative matter. No matter what you write or draw, or even if you have the skill to, just do it, do it for yourself. It may be a bit awkward at first, and may not know where to start, but just start writing or drawing the first thing that comes to your mind and let it continue on from there. It doesn’t even have to make sense. Doing this will help you with stress, open your mind, and train your brain to being more creative.

Soaking in a tub of hot water with Epsom salt for about 15 minutes, provides more health benefits than just being able to relax you. It sooths your mind, body, muscles and nervous system. Relieves aching joints and back pain. Cures skin problems, cuts and removes toxins from the body. Epsom salt is an overall stress reliever.

Find a hobby that you enjoy, that doesn’t stress you out, and something that can successfully occupy your mind for hours, such as doing a puzzle, reading a booking, playing a game, or knitting.

Drinking a deeply warm cup of tea can be incredibly relaxing. For a day time relaxer, drink green tea. It doesn’t contain as much caffeine as a cup of coffee does so it won’t leave you feeling crashed or jittery, but it will still keep your mind alert, while keeping you calm and relaxed. For a night time relaxer, chamomile tea contains a mild sedative so it’s a perfect evening remedy after a hectic day to prepare your body for a good night’s rest. Combine this with an activity like listening to music, reading a book, watching TV, writing, and you’ve just created a double relaxer.

Doing any kind of exercise can be a big stress reliever and major relaxer. Exercising releases endorphins into your system making you happier, which relieves stress you may be experiencing. Combining this with soaking in a hot tub of Epsom salt, is the ultimate relaxer. Exercising works out your muscles, and Epsom salt will relieve those muscles and help aid in recovery.

Meditating is a relaxant for your entire mind, body and soul. If you’ve never mediated, it may be challenging in the beginning. It takes time, dedication, an open mind and patience to successfully meditate. Meditation isn’t just a temporary relaxer, if done correctly and regularly, you can have a life changing experience for the better. You’ll be able to handle every day stress in a more relaxed manner, reduces anxiety, become more positive, gain peace of mind, increase spirituality and become more connected.

Household chores aren’t just something on your to-do list. Surprisingly enough, chores like washing dishes and folding laundry, can be very therapeutic and relaxing. Your body may be doing the physical work, but let your mind relax and just focus on the chore itself. Once your focused, let the dreaming begin. It’s a great time to let your mind wonder and have a little day dream. This technique may seem simple enough, but it really works to let yourself escape the everyday realities for a brief moment.

When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter what you do to relax, as long as you do. Your well-being is important, and no matter what’s going on in your life, it’s crucial that you take some time for yourself to recuperate and regenerate. Find something that works to relax you. Explore, learn, and figure out what keeps you calm and happy.