Top 5 Ways to Unwind

I don’t know about you, but my anxiety can pop by at the drop of a hat. For me, knowing how to relax and unwind is so important. Just like people tell you to find the kind of exercise that works for you, you should also find the type of relaxation that works for you. I’m pretty introverted and love silence, so a lot of the ways I unwind are solitary. You might find you’re the same way or you might find your favorite way to unwind is by grabbing coffee with a friend.

• Read, read, read. I love getting lost in another world, especially when reality becomes a bit overwhelming. I’m an avid reader. Sometimes, I like reading non-fiction essays (I’m a total Roxane Gay fan). Other times, I enjoy mysteries, thrillers, and contemporaries. When in doubt, I always opt for a Harry Potter novel (I’m also a total nerd).
• Bath bombs are amazing. I’m obsessed with bath bombs. Josh got me a lovely Valentine’s Day gift from Lush that had several of their best bath bombs. I also really enjoy their bath bars, which make for a great bubble bath. I usually opt for something with a fresh scent and where I can leave the bath feeling tingly and relaxed.
• Knitting. I picked up knitting again last year. It’s amazing how much memory your muscles hold! Knitting is a fairly simple hobby with a huge pay off. Not only do you get to wear the item afterwards, there’s something about the rhythmic motions that help with releasing tension. If you need some project ideas, the knitting section has plenty!
• Puzzles. When I was a kid, my grandfather used to get these jumbo puzzles. Every day after school, we’d add a little more to it. Nowadays, I don’t necessarily have the space for a big puzzle, but I do keep some games on my phone when I want to work my brain a little. My favorites are Mahjong and Sudoku.
• Writing. I’ve kept a journal since I was 10 years old. They contain everything from heartaches to doodles to to-do lists. They include my favorite quotes and lots of brainstorming. Even when I don’t know what to write in it, I begin doodling and it eventually leads to something. It’s been the best tool for me when I need to release some emotion.

There’s plenty other ways out there to unwind, but that’s all for now! Let me know if you try any of these out 🙂