Call a friend

Call a friend
Getty Images

Hearing your mum or best friend’s voice has a way of instantly relaxing you in a way a text message or an email just can’t. So, if you need a quick moment of zen, take a moment to call and say hi to a loved one. They’ll appreciate that you’re thinking of them and you’ll get a quick reminder of why you adore them.

Read on for the secrets to make friendships last forever, according to lifelong friends.

Advertisement

Sing some YouTube karaoke

Sing some YouTube karaoke
Getty Images

Happy music triggers happy memories, instantly boosting your mood and relaxing you, according to a study published in Memory & Cognition. Double the effect by singing along to your favourite tunes. You don’t even need a fancy karaoke machine these days, thanks to the millions of free sing-a-long videos on YouTube.

Meditate

Meditate
Getty Images

Meditation is one of the most powerful relaxation methods we have, according to a growing body of research. And the best part is that all you need is a quiet place and your mind (and once you get good at it you don’t even necessarily need quiet).

Why not teach yourself to meditate and beat stress?

Walk your dog

Walk your dog
Getty Images

Owning a pet has many health benefits, including stress relief and increased relaxation. Simply sitting and petting your furry friend can help you unwind but for the biggest relaxation benefits – for you and for them – take your pup on a walk outdoors.

Head to the library

Head to the library
Shutterstock

Libraries are a free and incredibly useful resource – yet so many of us don’t even have a library card. Going to a quiet, clean library is calming on its own but add in a good book and you’ve got a recipe for hours of relaxation.

Even if your local library hasn’t reopened yet, several libraries have apps that allow virtual lending.

Head to your library and check out the books everyone should have on their reading bucket list.

Fold your laundry

Fold your laundry
Shutterstock

Clutter increases anxiety, according to a study published in Current Psychology. So while chores may not be your go-to strategy to relax, doing some light cleaning will allow you to better relax. Plus, some repetitive chores, like folding laundry, can induce a relaxing ‘flow state’ that leads to less stress and greater creativity.

Sketch a doodle

Sketch a doodle
Getty Images

You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy sketching, doodling, painting, or some other artistic endeavour. One of the main reasons people enjoy it so much is that creating art is innately relaxing, according to a study published in The American Journal of Public Health.

Play a sport

Play a sport
Shutterstock

While some people prefer a solitary run or hike, many people love to relax with others. Playing a group sport, like tennis or a neighbourhood basketball game, can be a great way to get some happy endorphins flowing and have some fun social time.

Make some music

Make some music
Getty Images

Do you play the piano? Have a violin sitting in your cupboard? Love the harmonica? Every person has the capacity to make some kind of music. Even if you’re no Mozart or Itzhak Perlman, you can still find a great deal of satisfaction and relaxation in playing your own music. For example, playing the piano changes the way the brain works, helping even amateur pianists become better at tuning out distracting stimuli and helping them to relax, according to a study published in PNAS.

Check out the worlds best hotels for music lovers here.

Listen to a podcast

Listen to a podcast
Getty Images

Podcasts are a huge trend right now, and while some shows (think true crime) may keep you up at night, others are designed to help you relax. Look for a podcast focused on meditation, music, learning, or even bedtime stories to help you find your chill.

 

Never miss a deal again - sign up now!

Connect with us: