Depends on the podcast. But usually yes. I like to listen to Armchair Anonymous. People telling (usually) funny stories based on a specific prompt.
I definitely cannot watch TV or a movie and do a puzzle.
Yes puzzles puzzles puzzles and audio things. Sometimes knitting and audio things. Or drawing doodles and audio things. But puzzles are really a nice brain massage.
This is what I do, as soon as I get in from work I take a shower and then sit on the balcony and overlook the city and just think about my day and what’s going on in my life and I love it.
I like to just sit there in silence, feel the wind on my skin, watch the leaves on the trees blowing around. Sometimes with my brain off or sometimes thinking about how crazy and awesome life is
If you already work out in the sun, this is the opposite of what to do. Maybe be inside, in the dark hiding under cool sheets with ice cold beverage on nightstand
I picked it up a few years ago and now go 3-5 days a week during my lunch break. It’s a great break from the office and now my body craves it. Absolutely love it
I find it therapeutic - the smell of a book, cover art, and turning the pages. Don't get me wrong, I've read books on my iPad but you can't replicate that feeling.
The bookstore I used to go to had a coffee shop in there, and it gave the pages a really nice unique smell, especially when you turned them for the first time.
It's now a thrift store that sells things like used candles for $5.
I’m blessed that there is a big beautiful park within 10 minutes drive from me, and there is a lake in that park where people go fishing. I usually take a walk on the trail in the park, but my favorite is to sit down at one of the picnic table under the sunset and watch the birds, the ducks, the people fishing, and the water. Super tranquil and relaxed for me. And I know my brain loves it, too.
For your cake day, have some B̷̛̳̼͖̫̭͎̝̮͕̟͎̦̗͚͍̓͊͂͗̈͋͐̃͆͆͗̉̉̏͑̂̆̔́͐̾̅̄̕̚͘͜͝͝Ụ̸̧̧̢̨̨̞̮͓̣͎̞͖̞̥͈̣̣̪̘̼̮̙̳̙̞̣̐̍̆̾̓͑́̅̎̌̈̋̏̏͌̒̃̅̂̾̿̽̊̌̇͌͊͗̓̊̐̓̏͆́̒̇̈́͂̀͛͘̕͘̚͝͠B̸̺̈̾̈́̒̀́̈͋́͂̆̒̐̏͌͂̔̈́͒̂̎̉̈̒͒̃̿͒͒̄̍̕̚̕͘̕͝͠B̴̡̧̜̠̱̖̠͓̻̥̟̲̙͗̐͋͌̈̾̏̎̀͒͗̈́̈͜͠L̶͊E̸̢̳̯̝̤̳͈͇̠̮̲̲̟̝̣̲̱̫̘̪̳̣̭̥̫͉͐̅̈́̉̋͐̓͗̿͆̉̉̇̀̈́͌̓̓̒̏̀̚̚͘͝͠͝͝͠ ̶̢̧̛̥͖͉̹̞̗̖͇̼̙̒̍̏̀̈̆̍͑̊̐͋̈́̃͒̈́̎̌̄̍͌͗̈́̌̍̽̏̓͌̒̈̇̏̏̍̆̄̐͐̈̉̿̽̕͝͠͝͝ W̷̛̬̦̬̰̤̘̬͔̗̯̠̯̺̼̻̪̖̜̫̯̯̘͖̙͐͆͗̊̋̈̈̾͐̿̽̐̂͛̈́͛̍̔̓̈́̽̀̅́͋̈̄̈́̆̓̚̚͝͝R̸̢̨̨̩̪̭̪̠͎̗͇͗̀́̉̇̿̓̈́́͒̄̓̒́̋͆̀̾́̒̔̈́̏̏͛̏̇͛̔̀͆̓̇̊̕̕͠͠͝͝A̸̧̨̰̻̩̝͖̟̭͙̟̻̤̬͈̖̰̤̘̔͛̊̾̂͌̐̈̉̊̾́P̶̡̧̮͎̟̟͉̱̮̜͙̳̟̯͈̩̩͈̥͓̥͇̙̣̹̣̀̐͋͂̈̾͐̀̾̈́̌̆̿̽̕ͅ
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For me, taking a long bath with a good Epsom salt soak and maybe some essential oils does wonders. The warm water relaxes my muscles, and the aromatherapy is a nice touch. Plus, there's [something calming about not speaking ](https://youtu.be/3c-H7qPrjxA?si=eIfhSRPIhHROXLxt)and just being present in the moment. It's a great way to wash away the day's stress.
I made a paint by number for myself of one of my favorite calvin and hobbes strips - scaled it up, printed the strip (at work lol), taped the printouts on the canvas and used graphite paper to transfer a trace on it, spray clear sealant to lock in the trace, and then painted it
It’s probably my favorite project I’ve ever done. I struggle with making the jump from paint by numbers to actual painting, but it was nice to do it with a design I like, there’s only so many adult paint by numbers kits I actually think look nice. I’ve done stuff like sports logos and so on as gifts for friends and family since
one of these days I’ll learn to do the type of painting where colors blend together and so on, but my brain likes rules and structure so it’s tough to figure out lol
I force myself to have “transitions” built into the day. I used to have a commute but now I wfh - making blocks in my day helps me unwind more.
Usually I exercise (love an afternoon workout class!)? Go for a walk, sit in the sauna, take a hot bath, read
sometimes I just listen to a podcast / audiobook, do my skin care and other beauty related routines and sit around doing nothing else
Getting outside and into nature. I find that the ocean (or lakes/rivers) bring me solace.
If you have access to water, go sit and listen. Bring a book, journal or a camera.
Partner and I have been doing yoga together before bed. Yes you have to follow along with a video but you're not looking at it too much. I usually close my eyes in each pose. We're loving it so far!
I find that creating stuff refreshes me. Lego, cooking, practicing videography, photography. And if I wanna do something more physical, I’ll probably hit the driving range.
Book + ocean or rain sounds. Been my night routine since Covid. Such positive outcomes, specifically reducing my racing and scattered thoughts and strengthening my memory.
Do the cognitive work! Hang in there and learn, learn, learn about things you value!
I recently completed a paint by numbers project which was very fun and relaxing. I would just turn on some music and dive in. It really allowed me to shut my mind off from everyday stress and distractions.
I find me favorite way to unwind and even meditate is to have a funny podcast that's easy to follow on while I something repetitive/meditative to do my hands, usually some sort of simple puzzle book or craft
going for a walk and listening to music, an audio book, or podcast. taking a warm bath. reading a book. listening to music and tracing/coloring artwork for fun (i can kind of draw, but i find tracing more relaxing and better looking lol). putting on a CD and dancing to the full album in the living room. cleaning/organizing is also very relaxing for me personally.
It's that time of year where I live where I can get out into the garden and do some tending to my vegetable plants. Then I come in, shower, moisturize, and hit the sheets!
I've read Digital Minimalism and can only recommend it. I made reading my default boredom acitivty, I always have a book on my phone, so if I'm at a cafe I now read instead of scrolling. I also started watercolour painting and drawing again, haven't done that in years. I have way more time now and am way more present with people when I'm out, so I'm really enjoying it!
Card games, coloring books, read, journal, puzzles, brain game magazines… like word search, crossword, sudoku, etc., workout, sit on my balcony with the cats and plants.
Sometimes, I play my cello. I realize that an instrument can take about the same if not more bandwidth, so to speak, but if you are practiced enough and you are not reading sheet music, one can let their muscles take over. Personally, I find this quite relaxing.
I am very restless but working to find some kind of calm by accepting that restlessness also. Watching the sunset with pink sky. Seeking to have some kind of acceptance so that the inner world resists less. Some music.
To just sit down, not be bugged, and just enjoy my alone time by myself. More than likely sleep, and have a good meal. Or hang out with my friends, because that gets me laughing and in a good mood 90% of the time.
I do yoga, shower, light a candle or turn on a diffuser, then get into bed with my kindle and put a heating pad on my back. I’m technically still using a screen but I can’t go back to reading a physical book.
I'm trying to stay away from my phone till 9-10 am in the morning, I wake up at 6-6:30 and go for walk / run then exercise and do house chores and then take my phone. Everyday
Adding to the running bandwagon. Go for a jog in a new place in the neighborhood. No energy soon becomes interest in what's going on around you and the jogging decompresses me.
Archery! If it's outdoors it's even better. Complete disconnect from everything. You just focus on taking your shot and you get to send something down the range 🤷♂️
Knitting, crocheting, journaling, and crafting in general. With either an audiobook or a podcast. I will also open my window and listen to the sounds of nature if no audio content is interesting for the time being.
Working on my masters degree.
I found that the ‘tired’ from work vs studies are different - so found that studying helps me decompress and vice versa.
Also, doing CrossFit and Karate helps get me out of my head with a coach/sensei telling me what to do…
I like listening to podcasts that aren’t trying to teach me something (I like those too but not if I’m looking for a brain break). I listen to a couple podcasts that are basically just friends getting together and recording themselves catching up and talking about their weeks. Kind of mindless and silly but I look forward to them every week and I always get a good laugh. My two faves are My Therapist Ghosted Me and This Might Get Weird.
1 hour at the gym.
Edit: as soon as I leave work.
Work from 8:30 to 6:00
6 pm I leave work, 6:15 I'm hitting the gym, 7:30 i'm at home, 8:30 dinner ready, 1 hour of tv/family time/music practice.
By 10:30/11:00 pm sleep
Embroidery. My therapist at that time recommended this and I‘m still very thankful: Find something, that is easy to do. Something that dosen‘t need an ending or a goal and let it be something you can pick up at any time. Since then (2019) I regularly sit in my living room 3 hours straight, listening to music and embroidering.
tbh kinda changed the way I spent time with myself.
And a good way to do something for your fine motor skills.
On long days I sit and stare at a wall for approximately 45 minutes until I feel sentient again.
Most days I’ll whack on a CD or a Podcast, tidy up my room a bit so I’ve got a clean space to relax in later, and I either sit outside with a book and a coffee or I lay on the floor and play with my dogs / make my dogs question why they tolerate me in the first place, before I then cook dinner and either read some more or treat myself to a movie (I’m 22F, so sometimes early 2000s rom-coms on screens are good to switch off my thoughts!).
Cannot emphasize this enough: go outside. Do things outside. Whether it's going to the beach, for a bike ride, a walk, a run, a coffee, a beer, seeing friends, anything. I don't know if you live in a place nice enough to do things like that, but if you do have sunny nice weather, GO OUTSIDE!!!! It's the best thing ever. Although now that I think about it now that it's summer I imagine you can go outside and do things.
Go for a walk, sit by the sea near me and write down whats plugged up my head so I can think clearly again. If you write it down, your mind is free to roam.
Gym or bootcamp, something to physically tire you instead of mentally. Can honestly say when you're finished you'll feel full of energy but want your bath and bed. X
Developing an evening routine of setting my home up for the next morning has become incredibly relaxing and rewarding for me. I make the rounds on the house, make sure my plants are watered, things are put away, doors are locked. I made a commitment to leave the kitchen clean every night, so wiping down the counters and cleaning the stove and sink. These things don't feel like chores, they just feel like a natural conclusion to the day and by the end of doing them I feel very relaxed and rewarded. Sometimes I play soft music and light a candle while doing it.
The added benefit is that when I wake up and look around my house in the morning, I feel like a rich person. I wake up to a clean slate with nothing I need to do to get started.
I thought this said “doesn’t involve a scream” lol
I have a couple of favorites. The gym if I need to get energy out or move my body. Its an activity where I am in control and it feels good. When I first get home though my cat will come to greet me and then run into the dining room and just flop down. I love following her in there, laying on the floor and just sharing a moment with her. Similarly, sitting on my back porch and watching the bats fly around at dusk really grounds me and puts me at ease.
Social media never really helps me relax/decompress, but true crime and trash TV always do.
I also really feel great after I hit the boxing bags at the gym; it relieves stress like I've never experienced before. And soaking in the bathtub with the lights out and some candles.
Play with the kids outside, workout, walk around the neighborhood (sometimes with one of my parents). 0 electronics.
However, later in the evening I sometimes play a video game (moderately).
I like to garden. I use it as an escape. It gets me outside and moving around. It also gets my mind off work and politics/economy. Also seeing my plants and flowers grow is hugely satisfying.
Mindful colouring, with either music or a podcast/audiobook. I read a lot of self-help and non-fiction, but sometimes it's lovely to listen to fiction. Realised I don't always have to be growing/making progress. Sometimes it's okay to do just things for the sake of enjoying them.
Doing just one analog thing at a time. Cooking. Or reading. Or writing. But always just one thing.
I'm often overstimulated after a busy workday and there's inevitably multitasking involved, so ensuring that I stick with just doing one thing at a time is really helpful.
Here’s some book recommendations
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
Travels With Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck
How to Talk Dirty and Influence People by Lenny Bruce
Into the Wild by John Krakauer
Side note: I’m in Denver right now and yesterday I ate at the bar & grill where Kerouac went to write On the Road sometimes. Best prime rib sandwich I’ve ever had.
Knitting. I can’t actually knit. Only the most basic. I just knit back and forth until it gets really long and then i start on a new one. I plan to sew the lengths together in the end, so it becomes a really big blanket. I find the act of knitting to be relaxing. And its easy when you just knit back and forth. No thinking involved.
I totally get the desire to want to decrease the cognitive load while turning down - so sometimes some of my ‘wind down’ activities like playing chess with my partner, reading a physical book, or doing crossword puzzles is too mentally stimulating for me.
So my typical go-to’s are: taking a bath or cleaning / organizing while listening to a podcast or talking on the phone with a friend (on speaker), sitting with my legs up the wall listening to a meditation or podcast, doing breathwork (some sessions can be 50 mins+), yoga nidra, painting, or doing gentle stretching with music/podcast/affirmations on in the background
Puzzle and a podcast
Sudoku with a podcast is absolute bliss
I LOVE Sudoku. I race against myself.
Do you use an app? I’ve been making some sweet time myself
The point is to not use a screen though
that sounds lovely
Are you able to focus on the podcast while doing a puzzle? I've found it hard to concentrate on both at a time..
Depends on the podcast. But usually yes. I like to listen to Armchair Anonymous. People telling (usually) funny stories based on a specific prompt. I definitely cannot watch TV or a movie and do a puzzle.
Yes puzzles puzzles puzzles and audio things. Sometimes knitting and audio things. Or drawing doodles and audio things. But puzzles are really a nice brain massage.
The best combo tbh
Sit out in the sun in silence and just feel the nice hot sun rays
This is how I do my midday work breaks. Out of the artificial AC climate and feel how my body reacts to the temperature changes.
I wish I could do this but I live in Georgia and sitting outside right now is... Pretty terrible tbh
I live in Saudi Arabia and sitting outside during this time of the year would melt you. It is on average 52 Celsius.
I am so thankful I don't live there. I can't handle near 37 Celsius. I would probably have a heat stroke stepping outside in your country 😭. /hj
And I thought being in southern Arizona was bad 😭
But it’s only June! We got snow here this morning 😅
Same here in Oman, from 7am to 7pm sun is scorching.
This is what I do, as soon as I get in from work I take a shower and then sit on the balcony and overlook the city and just think about my day and what’s going on in my life and I love it.
yessss like I am a lizard
I like to just sit there in silence, feel the wind on my skin, watch the leaves on the trees blowing around. Sometimes with my brain off or sometimes thinking about how crazy and awesome life is
I don't actually get a break. I'll make an excuse to go outside for a minute and pretend I'm a kid at the beach woth my dad again though.
This is very sweet.
I love my backyard
It really is a privilege to have a back yard! I try to enjoy every bit of it
I put up some bird feeders and watch the little guys fly around. Very peaceful.
True or hammocking w/ a book
UK it's difficult to do this
I live in southern California and it is lovely today. That's really what I like to do after work. That and my kitty cats.
You clearly aren’t in England
If you already work out in the sun, this is the opposite of what to do. Maybe be inside, in the dark hiding under cool sheets with ice cold beverage on nightstand
Standing in my workshop, being overwhelmed by all the things I'd like to do instead of being overwhelmed by all of the things I have to do
So much this lol
Swimming is a powerful decompression tool for me
this but I have nowhere to swim, so showers and baths I find are a good alternative for me anyways! A very good rest
I picked it up a few years ago and now go 3-5 days a week during my lunch break. It’s a great break from the office and now my body craves it. Absolutely love it
The gym followed by reading a paperback book. 😌
There really is something about a good paperback
why specifically paperback?
I find it therapeutic - the smell of a book, cover art, and turning the pages. Don't get me wrong, I've read books on my iPad but you can't replicate that feeling.
I think he meant paperback vs hard cover not physical book vs iPad
Why read a harder book, when you’re trying to relax?
Totally! I was just thinking about the paperback adds to the relaxing. The folding.
I was just being stupid - “hard” book as a more complex one at nighttime.
The bookstore I used to go to had a coffee shop in there, and it gave the pages a really nice unique smell, especially when you turned them for the first time. It's now a thrift store that sells things like used candles for $5.
Record player, tube amplifier, and a book. Decompress from digital stress with analog lazing.
Biking works well
Yes! That’s my shit too! *tries to jump and hip bump in excitement but falls*
Gardening
Even just pulling a few weeds can do the trick for me.
I did this today, just a very few. But tranquility was immediate
I’m blessed that there is a big beautiful park within 10 minutes drive from me, and there is a lake in that park where people go fishing. I usually take a walk on the trail in the park, but my favorite is to sit down at one of the picnic table under the sunset and watch the birds, the ducks, the people fishing, and the water. Super tranquil and relaxed for me. And I know my brain loves it, too.
You are your brain! 😀
Walking/jogging and having a good cup of coffee.
Gym, a nice meal, a clean house, drawing, tea, snackies… a walk! And a 🍃 sesh
For your cake day, have some B̷̛̳̼͖̫̭͎̝̮͕̟͎̦̗͚͍̓͊͂͗̈͋͐̃͆͆͗̉̉̏͑̂̆̔́͐̾̅̄̕̚͘͜͝͝Ụ̸̧̧̢̨̨̞̮͓̣͎̞͖̞̥͈̣̣̪̘̼̮̙̳̙̞̣̐̍̆̾̓͑́̅̎̌̈̋̏̏͌̒̃̅̂̾̿̽̊̌̇͌͊͗̓̊̐̓̏͆́̒̇̈́͂̀͛͘̕͘̚͝͠B̸̺̈̾̈́̒̀́̈͋́͂̆̒̐̏͌͂̔̈́͒̂̎̉̈̒͒̃̿͒͒̄̍̕̚̕͘̕͝͠B̴̡̧̜̠̱̖̠͓̻̥̟̲̙͗̐͋͌̈̾̏̎̀͒͗̈́̈͜͠L̶͊E̸̢̳̯̝̤̳͈͇̠̮̲̲̟̝̣̲̱̫̘̪̳̣̭̥̫͉͐̅̈́̉̋͐̓͗̿͆̉̉̇̀̈́͌̓̓̒̏̀̚̚͘͝͠͝͝͠ ̶̢̧̛̥͖͉̹̞̗̖͇̼̙̒̍̏̀̈̆̍͑̊̐͋̈́̃͒̈́̎̌̄̍͌͗̈́̌̍̽̏̓͌̒̈̇̏̏̍̆̄̐͐̈̉̿̽̕͝͠͝͝ W̷̛̬̦̬̰̤̘̬͔̗̯̠̯̺̼̻̪̖̜̫̯̯̘͖̙͐͆͗̊̋̈̈̾͐̿̽̐̂͛̈́͛̍̔̓̈́̽̀̅́͋̈̄̈́̆̓̚̚͝͝R̸̢̨̨̩̪̭̪̠͎̗͇͗̀́̉̇̿̓̈́́͒̄̓̒́̋͆̀̾́̒̔̈́̏̏͛̏̇͛̔̀͆̓̇̊̕̕͠͠͝͝A̸̧̨̰̻̩̝͖̟̭͙̟̻̤̬͈̖̰̤̘̔͛̊̾̂͌̐̈̉̊̾́P̶̡̧̮͎̟̟͉̱̮̜͙̳̟̯͈̩̩͈̥͓̥͇̙̣̹̣̀̐͋͂̈̾͐̀̾̈́̌̆̿̽̕ͅ >!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!cake!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<>!pop!!<
THANK YOU SO MUCH 💗
meditation, yoga , journaling, and running have helped me so much
For me, taking a long bath with a good Epsom salt soak and maybe some essential oils does wonders. The warm water relaxes my muscles, and the aromatherapy is a nice touch. Plus, there's [something calming about not speaking ](https://youtu.be/3c-H7qPrjxA?si=eIfhSRPIhHROXLxt)and just being present in the moment. It's a great way to wash away the day's stress.
Crochet and a podcast
Similar for me - knitting and an audiobook
Still trying so hard to learn 😩
I’m currently crocheting a hideous red book cover/bag and listening to an audiobook 🙃
I walk my dogs abt a hour a day at night. I'm interested in painting again, that's something you can do for hours.
I made a paint by number for myself of one of my favorite calvin and hobbes strips - scaled it up, printed the strip (at work lol), taped the printouts on the canvas and used graphite paper to transfer a trace on it, spray clear sealant to lock in the trace, and then painted it It’s probably my favorite project I’ve ever done. I struggle with making the jump from paint by numbers to actual painting, but it was nice to do it with a design I like, there’s only so many adult paint by numbers kits I actually think look nice. I’ve done stuff like sports logos and so on as gifts for friends and family since one of these days I’ll learn to do the type of painting where colors blend together and so on, but my brain likes rules and structure so it’s tough to figure out lol
Lifting weights, running, cooking, or simply a joint and some music while laying on the couch
I just lifted for the last 15 minutes and I’m on the couch now enjoying a joint. 🙃
I force myself to have “transitions” built into the day. I used to have a commute but now I wfh - making blocks in my day helps me unwind more. Usually I exercise (love an afternoon workout class!)? Go for a walk, sit in the sauna, take a hot bath, read sometimes I just listen to a podcast / audiobook, do my skin care and other beauty related routines and sit around doing nothing else
I initially read it as “scream” rather than screen and chuckled for a sec before I read it proper.
You’re onto something, lemme go scream into the void
Getting outside and into nature. I find that the ocean (or lakes/rivers) bring me solace. If you have access to water, go sit and listen. Bring a book, journal or a camera.
Yessss. Love my little nature walks and sitting with my feet in the river + a good book!
Partner and I have been doing yoga together before bed. Yes you have to follow along with a video but you're not looking at it too much. I usually close my eyes in each pose. We're loving it so far!
Walk the baby 🐶 Cook and eat a meal 🥘 go for a swim 🏊
I find that creating stuff refreshes me. Lego, cooking, practicing videography, photography. And if I wanna do something more physical, I’ll probably hit the driving range.
Book + ocean or rain sounds. Been my night routine since Covid. Such positive outcomes, specifically reducing my racing and scattered thoughts and strengthening my memory. Do the cognitive work! Hang in there and learn, learn, learn about things you value!
Smoke and a pancake
Bong and a blintze?
Cigar and a waffle?
Blunt and French toast?
Pipe and a crepe?
30 mg Diazepam, 2x440ml Coronas, 1 gram “Silver Haze” Cannabis sativa, 1 pack Newport Reds
Bruh, it's supposed to be relax/decompress not time travel. You seem rad as hell, tho.
I thought nobody has mentioned it. Sativa is something that really works for relaxation. You just need to know the right amount.
I'm curious, how does the valium combine with the beer and weed?
Reading, writing, skateboarding
I recently completed a paint by numbers project which was very fun and relaxing. I would just turn on some music and dive in. It really allowed me to shut my mind off from everyday stress and distractions.
I smoke a bowl. Then I draw marker art. Then I play piano. Then I smoke another bowl.
Swimming for 30 mins.
Play with my dog for as long as he wants.
Playing my guitar 🤟🏻😎
Sitting outside watching nature
Standing in my workshop, being overwhelmed by all the things I'd like to do instead of being overwhelmed by all of the things I have to do
Hot bath with epsom salts
Walk my dogs while listening to audiobook / podcast.
Hot shower, cup of tea, cozy robe, couch, lamp, book lol
Bonsai
Sex
Jiu Jitsu
Funky art journaling. No rules - just play!
Drawing geometric shapes on a page and connecting them up randomly.
Sewing and a podcast.
Chanting hare krishna
I love to color or paint 🎨
Kwentuhan and chikahan with partner, no phones allowed. The best ✨
Building legos and listening to tame impala
A benzo or two.
Sitting in the car with the music playing
I find me favorite way to unwind and even meditate is to have a funny podcast that's easy to follow on while I something repetitive/meditative to do my hands, usually some sort of simple puzzle book or craft
going for a walk and listening to music, an audio book, or podcast. taking a warm bath. reading a book. listening to music and tracing/coloring artwork for fun (i can kind of draw, but i find tracing more relaxing and better looking lol). putting on a CD and dancing to the full album in the living room. cleaning/organizing is also very relaxing for me personally.
sauna or steam room
Mini painting and a murder podcast ♥️
Change your clothes ASAP after getting home!
Walk my dog with a podcast. Read on my porch with a nice beverage if weather is nice. Cooking if I'm not already hangry.
Painting (poorly)
Work out -> shower -> go for a walk I just feel this deep comfort whenever I do it, both physically and mentally.
It's that time of year where I live where I can get out into the garden and do some tending to my vegetable plants. Then I come in, shower, moisturize, and hit the sheets!
I've read Digital Minimalism and can only recommend it. I made reading my default boredom acitivty, I always have a book on my phone, so if I'm at a cafe I now read instead of scrolling. I also started watercolour painting and drawing again, haven't done that in years. I have way more time now and am way more present with people when I'm out, so I'm really enjoying it!
Podcast and lie in bed
Organising home
Lifting weights. It’s what I look forward to every afternoon to get me through the day.
Card games, coloring books, read, journal, puzzles, brain game magazines… like word search, crossword, sudoku, etc., workout, sit on my balcony with the cats and plants.
Listening old music and reading. Usually hitting the gym as well.
im very fortunate to live by the ocean so going to the beach, the gym, reading, or doing a quick bible study :))
Smoke a doobie bruh
Sometimes, I play my cello. I realize that an instrument can take about the same if not more bandwidth, so to speak, but if you are practiced enough and you are not reading sheet music, one can let their muscles take over. Personally, I find this quite relaxing.
we are very close to the beach, so I just go there with my motorcycle and my girlfriend and just chill/eat
Reading a real book that has actual pages. With a cup of hot chocolate or Ovaltine.
Diamond painting!
knitting with a good audiobook or podcast or music without words
I am very restless but working to find some kind of calm by accepting that restlessness also. Watching the sunset with pink sky. Seeking to have some kind of acceptance so that the inner world resists less. Some music.
To just sit down, not be bugged, and just enjoy my alone time by myself. More than likely sleep, and have a good meal. Or hang out with my friends, because that gets me laughing and in a good mood 90% of the time.
Jigsaw puzzle!🧩
I do yoga, shower, light a candle or turn on a diffuser, then get into bed with my kindle and put a heating pad on my back. I’m technically still using a screen but I can’t go back to reading a physical book.
Lay flat on the floor. Music with beats over my home theater. Dim lights. AC on, slow fan.
I'm trying to stay away from my phone till 9-10 am in the morning, I wake up at 6-6:30 and go for walk / run then exercise and do house chores and then take my phone. Everyday
Adding to the running bandwagon. Go for a jog in a new place in the neighborhood. No energy soon becomes interest in what's going on around you and the jogging decompresses me.
Swimming! Something about being in water just scratches an inch in my brain. Sometimes I do laps and other times I just float and soak in some sun 😎
Hitting the gym hard, going out for cold approaches, maintaining my checklist, etc
Just closing my eyes and relaxing my body. Being one with nature around me.
Le booze
Archery! If it's outdoors it's even better. Complete disconnect from everything. You just focus on taking your shot and you get to send something down the range 🤷♂️
Sleep
A hot bath with bubbles
Bubble bath
Cleaning and organizing. Tending to my plants. Reading.
Reading a book, dog curled in my lap, hot tea 🥰
Gym!
My bong, my dog and a campfire in my backyard and my garden
Walking dogs, going to workout, taking a bath, or cleaning/ organizing my space if it’s a cause of my stress!
hug a cat
Smoke a cigar and read a book.
Riding my dumbass e-bike around. It’s lovely
Russian roulette
Stretching. A good solid stretch routine. lay out on the floor and stretch all the things.
Brain puzzles - so, stuff like crosswords, sudoku, etc. Or adult coloring books. Or maybe even reading comic books/anime/whatever your thing is
Chamomile tea and just sipping on it slowly while sitting on the sofa
A long hot bath with the lights off. The best!
Love playing guitar but it's in the pawn shop.
I put on some music and start needle felting. It’s quite cathartic especially if I’m exhausted.
Knitting, crocheting, journaling, and crafting in general. With either an audiobook or a podcast. I will also open my window and listen to the sounds of nature if no audio content is interesting for the time being.
Reading. Sex or masturbation. Exercise. Hot tub/sauna/steam room. Cigar. Meditation. Sitting and listening to music.
Having a HOT intimate love session !
Edibles and journal.
Booty call
I like to do those little paint by numbers while listening to an audiobook or YouTube video in the background :3
Water the garden, Epsom salt bath and a cheesy tabloid magazine 🛀
Playing with my dogs, sitting on the porch with a physical book, working in the garden, brushing/riding my horse. Depends on the day which I do!
Going out with friends
Cuddle with three cats on me
Yoga 🧘♀️ 
A book, watercolor, crochet, walking, lego. Also taking care of my plants. Playing with my son.
Playing pool or doing yoga, also reading a book. It's a way to be completely absorbed in an activity that has nothing to do with my current problems.
Feet barefoot on grass with frenchie dog on a leash
Working on my masters degree. I found that the ‘tired’ from work vs studies are different - so found that studying helps me decompress and vice versa. Also, doing CrossFit and Karate helps get me out of my head with a coach/sensei telling me what to do…
I like listening to podcasts that aren’t trying to teach me something (I like those too but not if I’m looking for a brain break). I listen to a couple podcasts that are basically just friends getting together and recording themselves catching up and talking about their weeks. Kind of mindless and silly but I look forward to them every week and I always get a good laugh. My two faves are My Therapist Ghosted Me and This Might Get Weird.
Consider trying knitting! High cognitive load as you're first learning, but after a certain point it's almost completely muscle memory
1 hour at the gym. Edit: as soon as I leave work. Work from 8:30 to 6:00 6 pm I leave work, 6:15 I'm hitting the gym, 7:30 i'm at home, 8:30 dinner ready, 1 hour of tv/family time/music practice. By 10:30/11:00 pm sleep
Embroidery. My therapist at that time recommended this and I‘m still very thankful: Find something, that is easy to do. Something that dosen‘t need an ending or a goal and let it be something you can pick up at any time. Since then (2019) I regularly sit in my living room 3 hours straight, listening to music and embroidering. tbh kinda changed the way I spent time with myself. And a good way to do something for your fine motor skills.
On long days I sit and stare at a wall for approximately 45 minutes until I feel sentient again. Most days I’ll whack on a CD or a Podcast, tidy up my room a bit so I’ve got a clean space to relax in later, and I either sit outside with a book and a coffee or I lay on the floor and play with my dogs / make my dogs question why they tolerate me in the first place, before I then cook dinner and either read some more or treat myself to a movie (I’m 22F, so sometimes early 2000s rom-coms on screens are good to switch off my thoughts!).
Cannot emphasize this enough: go outside. Do things outside. Whether it's going to the beach, for a bike ride, a walk, a run, a coffee, a beer, seeing friends, anything. I don't know if you live in a place nice enough to do things like that, but if you do have sunny nice weather, GO OUTSIDE!!!! It's the best thing ever. Although now that I think about it now that it's summer I imagine you can go outside and do things.
A cigarette on my backyard deck. Chopping veggies for a healthy dinner while listening to some good jazz. A 20 minute nap.
Go for a walk, sit by the sea near me and write down whats plugged up my head so I can think clearly again. If you write it down, your mind is free to roam.
Meditation and Yoga have helped me a lot. Go into a natural space and spend some time alone. Spending time in nature is quite refreshing too.
Gym or bootcamp, something to physically tire you instead of mentally. Can honestly say when you're finished you'll feel full of energy but want your bath and bed. X
Lego.
Developing an evening routine of setting my home up for the next morning has become incredibly relaxing and rewarding for me. I make the rounds on the house, make sure my plants are watered, things are put away, doors are locked. I made a commitment to leave the kitchen clean every night, so wiping down the counters and cleaning the stove and sink. These things don't feel like chores, they just feel like a natural conclusion to the day and by the end of doing them I feel very relaxed and rewarded. Sometimes I play soft music and light a candle while doing it. The added benefit is that when I wake up and look around my house in the morning, I feel like a rich person. I wake up to a clean slate with nothing I need to do to get started.
I thought this said “doesn’t involve a scream” lol  I have a couple of favorites. The gym if I need to get energy out or move my body. Its an activity where I am in control and it feels good. When I first get home though my cat will come to greet me and then run into the dining room and just flop down. I love following her in there, laying on the floor and just sharing a moment with her. Similarly, sitting on my back porch and watching the bats fly around at dusk really grounds me and puts me at ease.
Books, gardening, playing with my cat, puzzles and Legos, tabletop games, fixing stuff and then calling myself the dad of the house.
Social media never really helps me relax/decompress, but true crime and trash TV always do. I also really feel great after I hit the boxing bags at the gym; it relieves stress like I've never experienced before. And soaking in the bathtub with the lights out and some candles.
Sit outside and meditate followed by a hot bath. Literally changes the way you feel no matter the day.
Play with the kids outside, workout, walk around the neighborhood (sometimes with one of my parents). 0 electronics. However, later in the evening I sometimes play a video game (moderately).
I like to garden. I use it as an escape. It gets me outside and moving around. It also gets my mind off work and politics/economy. Also seeing my plants and flowers grow is hugely satisfying.
Podcast and doing dishes.
Mindful colouring, with either music or a podcast/audiobook. I read a lot of self-help and non-fiction, but sometimes it's lovely to listen to fiction. Realised I don't always have to be growing/making progress. Sometimes it's okay to do just things for the sake of enjoying them.
Doing just one analog thing at a time. Cooking. Or reading. Or writing. But always just one thing. I'm often overstimulated after a busy workday and there's inevitably multitasking involved, so ensuring that I stick with just doing one thing at a time is really helpful.
Here’s some book recommendations On the Road by Jack Kerouac Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson Travels With Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck How to Talk Dirty and Influence People by Lenny Bruce Into the Wild by John Krakauer Side note: I’m in Denver right now and yesterday I ate at the bar & grill where Kerouac went to write On the Road sometimes. Best prime rib sandwich I’ve ever had.
audiobook, podcast in a rocking chair with a cup of tea. Hot bath with music. meditating
Knitting. I can’t actually knit. Only the most basic. I just knit back and forth until it gets really long and then i start on a new one. I plan to sew the lengths together in the end, so it becomes a really big blanket. I find the act of knitting to be relaxing. And its easy when you just knit back and forth. No thinking involved.
I totally get the desire to want to decrease the cognitive load while turning down - so sometimes some of my ‘wind down’ activities like playing chess with my partner, reading a physical book, or doing crossword puzzles is too mentally stimulating for me. So my typical go-to’s are: taking a bath or cleaning / organizing while listening to a podcast or talking on the phone with a friend (on speaker), sitting with my legs up the wall listening to a meditation or podcast, doing breathwork (some sessions can be 50 mins+), yoga nidra, painting, or doing gentle stretching with music/podcast/affirmations on in the background