What do you do to relax?

[Beren One-Hand]

What do you do to relax?  For me it usually involves reading a book, because I love to read.  I might be by myself or with my wife.  Often times this involves throwing in a dvd for us to watch.  Drinking coffee or tea during these times is a must.  And man if I could only find some mead.  Mead would be part of my relaxation too.  Believe it or not, being on the computer and doing the things I do on here, like MET also are included in my relaxation times.

[Wolfchild]

Relaxation is the first thing I consider when I get in from college, or have done something that has occupied a lot of time, such as a painting or piece of writing. Anything else, and I don't feel like I've earned it. Firstly, if the radio isn't on already, it goes on, and even if you're home alone you feel as if there is a friend there. With parents full time working, and a sister in her second year of college, that happens quite frequently. If I want music to be a little more personal, then when my sister does get home we'll share a piece of music on the Mp3 speakers, but after that she goes upstairs to her computer, and it's Radio 1 again. Then, the kettle. I know I drink way too much tea anyway, but that cup when you get in peps you up just enough to be chilled and awake at the same time. Whilst having all these home luxuries, I browse a few forums before just embracing the joys of a cushioned chair, and being somewhere where I don't have to lean over for hours painting, drawing, doodling, etc, just to 'do my back in', i.e art school. I love it there, but my spine doesn't.

As I feel happier with the company of my family, when mum and dad get in, we all get the wine/beer/ale out watch a bit of telly whilst one of us makes dinner. In the process of all this happening, newspapers are read and the various aspects of our days are discussed, and tea sort of ebbs into the evening. This is my sanity, my relaxation.

[Lairënuriel]

Wow Wolfchild - I wasn't that grounded when I was in University!!!
I hope my girls are more like you when they get older!!!

How do I relax?
I get up at 4 am (before anyone else in my house), put on music, meditate about 10 - 15 minutes (they are days where my husband and children find me back to sleep on the floor) and then about an hour of yoga.  Auyurvedic oils, shower, and then TEA.

In the middle of the day I go for a long walk (I love it lately when the weather is really crisp).

At the end of the day I read to relax.

[Insane_Monky]

Nice topic idea Beren!

Hmmm, I have very many different forms of relaxation. One of my favorites is just to be at home by myself with a glass of seltzer water or tea and check out my favorite foums.

Before a basketabll match I'll exercise a little, then settle down with a movie I've watched a couple times so my mind doesn't focus on the plot and just clear my mind of stressful thoughts.

Before a play, skit or the likewise my form of relaxation is not relaxing. I find that if you have your adrenaline going at those times than it is helpful (most people do it opposite, adrenaline for sports and relaxation for stages).

Before school (15 minute ride there  ) I listen to my MP3 player, and just lay my head back. I usually listen to Radiohead, or The Flaming Lips. But when I feel like being pumped I'll listen to Scooter, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or The Chemical Brothers.

Often on the weekend ralaxation means staying up late, playing video-games, eating pizza and watching movies.

Tonight however, my form of relaxation is coming here to MET and sipping glass of seltzer water.

[HeruMorna]

At most times, I just engage in a few simple breathing exercises to relax when tense.

During Arsenal matches though, nothing short of complete nicotine poisoning will allow my nerves to settle until we take a 2 goal lead.

[Pulsifer]

I withdraw to my apartment, make myself a journalist-style cup of coffee (which actually has caused the death of several, lesser mortals), stroll into the bedroom in my bathrobe, flatten myself on the bed, turn the amp up comfortably high, heap a pile of duvets over me and turn on the Counting Crows live album.

Either that, or two-four beers and a smoke.

[Andúnië]

Sometimes I like to read, sketch, or play something soothing on the piano. Other times, if I'm too lazy (which is most of the time), I go online and visit my favorite communities, like MET. When I really need to relieve stress, I tend to pace and walk around in circles.