how do you relax?

Hi everyone
Just thought I'd ask what do you do to relax and unwind?what do you do to have fun? (reading, cooking, scrapbooking. trainspotting, collecting vintage beer coasters, anything really) Is there something you have always wanted to try but haven't got around to it for one reason or another?
For me, it's my art. I love drawing and painting. It's been a release and refuge for me since I was a teen. I also love to read sci fi/fanatsy books, comics and graphic novels. It is pure escapism and I can live vicariously through my favorite characters.
Something I haven't done in a loooooong time that I miss terribly is horse riding. I've been slightly obsessed with horses since I was about 3 (yes I was one of those girls with horse posters all over my walls) I've never owned a horse(still living in hope:) but family friends would let me ride theirs. for a few years now I've wanted to learn to ride sidesaddle. It's totally pointless and has no practical purpose but I'd love to give it a try one day.
As a regular stress relief I go to the gym or go for a walk along the river. even if it's only 1/2 and hour I feel a bit better.
Take care :)

Oil painting, laughing, good films, walking in the forest, gardening, more laughing, trying to meditate!!

ok.. and drinking wine on w/ends!!

Vacations. I live from one to the next. Particularly enjoy quiet beaches on small Caribbean islands. Day to day (since can't be on vacation all the time), a glass of red wine in the evening.

I have to agree with SCat!!
It is nice to talk about something different here, great idea BD
we should all try to do more of the things that we enjoy and that relax us, and even just think about those things rather than spending more time thinking about the things we don't enjoy doing / things that make us anxious!!

Just thinking about being on a Caribbean island is relaxing to me, Id swap many a long walk for that I think, lol!!

I love to go to the casino to relax! My hubby and I will be casino-bound tomorrow (Monday) and will come home on Thursday. We have been given a free hotel room for three nights.

When I'm at my favorite slot machine I think of absolutly nothing. Not a care in the world. I just love all the jingling and jangling of the machine and the excitment of winning a bit of money if I'm lucky and win! We aren't high rollers. We plaly penny machines. I've been known to score a few really good wins with just pennies and that's fun, but just playing is the key to relaxing. We spend very little money and get so much in return.

I'm enjoying reading this thread. Have fun relaxing, y'all!
Joni

I see lots of things on others list that I like, but here is one that also works well for me. I like building Military models with lots of detail...a chance to use my creative side!

 

I can mix dirt and white glue to look like mud on tank tracks and wheels. There is a method called washing where you mix a very thin color...usually a dark color with water or mineral spirits or whatever type paint or dust you use. This will highlight rivets and seams things like that.

 

I like to airbrush realistic camo patters and then make it look weathered...including using a special dust that make certain parts look rusty or another method will make the paint appear to be chipping....anywho....this works well for relaxing me and the best part is I have something to look at and enjoy for a long time.....great thread!

Travel sounds good but we haven't been away, not even for a weekend trip in almost 3 years since the anxiety started. I enjoy cars as a hobby and wood working but lost interest in both. Getting back to paying attention to the car a little again. Right now I can't relax anywhere but home so I try to keep myself busy around the yard. I can put my headphones on and mow our acre of grass and get lost in my own world for awhile! I can find many ways to relax at home, just wish I could not feel anxious away from home!

I'm wondering if you mean normal relaxation at the end of the work day or on weekends, or relaxation to counter an anxiety/panic attack?

Hi Constanlyreading
d) all of the above :)
SC is right. I was just curious what other people did to help get through the anxiety, whether it was directly dealing with an attack or what they do to keep their stress levels down/makes them feel a bit 'normal'.
I know what you mean Bronco. I wish I could enjoy going away on holidays more. I find them quite stressful. I don't drive so if i go anywhere it's via plane, train or bus and I'm prone to motion sickness. It's no fun starting a holiday felling sick :( When I do have time off I try to do little day trips into the art galleries, outlet/op shopping (my life's motto is never pay retail :), that kind of thing.

I love to fish too mae! I am a total girly-girl excpet when it comes to fishing...my dad taught me, so it is in my blood so to speak.

We now have a picture of me at about 6 months pregnant at the 'gut grinder' at Pinecrest Lake, cleaning our catch one vacation, because my husband doesn't know how!;p

This year we are going to a lake resort where they don't allow any boats with engines...so we will be driving about a half an hour to another lake, so we can rent a fishing boat for a day! Crazy, but we have to do it.:)

Happy fishing!

S.C.

My dad taught me to fish too. I have some great memories of going fishing off the breakwall at one of our favorite holiday spots. We rarely caught anything but lapping of the water and the sunshine and fresh air was very relaxing. The first time I was allowed to cast off by my self I managed to hook the seat of my pants :P you can imagine the family jokes that followed :)
Subzeromambo, that sounds divine!! any chance of the recipe?

That would be great. I live on my own so when I back it's usually if I'm making something for a group (e.g birthdays, BBQs) or things that I can freeze. it would be good to have some recipes for smaller servings.
happy baking :)