Simple Things You Can Do To Relax

I don't know about you, but I have a very hard time relaxing. I can't understand why it is, but I have been this way since I was a kid. If you are a mom with a lot on your plate, you might also have a hard time trying to relax. I have tried pretty much everything I have read about or researched online, and only a handful of things seem to do the trick for me. Check out my list below. 

Gardening & Houseplant Care

Gardening has really been a great activity that helps to calm my mind, while giving my body a great workout. Even the act of repotting a plant gives me such a sense of peace and enjoyment. I have about 30 houseplants all over my home. Each day I start by checking the leaves, and watering and spritzing as as needed. It's really such a peaceful way to start my day. 

Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

While this might seem like an old lady type of activity, it is actually very relaxing. I keep a card table set up in my living area that we keep for doing puzzles or playing board or card games. Sometimes other family members will join in to do a puzzle together and it's a great time for casual conversation and a lot of laughs. 

Playing Solitaire and other Online Games

I have been playing solitaire on my laptop for several years now. I don't know what it is, but I feel so relaxed and at peace while I am playing. Sometimes I play while streaming one of my favorite comfort shows on Hulu or Netflix. I like challenging myself to try and beat my best score. Solitaire is like a brain bender and brain break all in one. I can say that I definitely get a lot of enjoyment out of a classic game of solitaire. I always find myself saying, "Just one more game!"

I recently discovered another fun online game that involves finding hidden objects in a garden. It's right up my alley! 

Doing House Chores

Yeah, I know it might sound crazy, but cleaning and laundry work so well to calm my nerves. There is a a lot of satisfaction (at least for me) in folding and putting away a fresh load of laundry, hand-washing a sink full of dishes, or even bleaching down my kitchen countertops at night. Who doesn't appreciate a fresh-smelling home? 

Getting Outdoors

Sometimes a little sunshine and fresh air does the trick. Whether I am lounging on my back porch or taking a drive with the sunroof open and the windows down, being outside can definitely relax me. It's even better when the weather is more fall-like. I could sit outside for hours and do some birdwatching or just listen to the sounds of nature all around me. My favorite outdoor space outside of my own back yard is definitely the beach. How can you not be relaxed by the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore while breathing in that delicious salty air? Ahh! 

Now that I have shared some tips on how I relax, I want to hear from you. What do you do to relax?