5 Cheapish Ways To Relax, Reboot, and Restore Your Sanity

It’s the unofficial last week of summer (tehnocratis know we have until September 22 – but just try to tell your boss that). So I’ve been thinking a lot about what it really means to relax. The experience seems so transient. I get a massage and, without missing a beat, something spikes my stress back up – a sweltering subway ride, a flaky friend, or deciding what to make for dinner.

Part of the culprit I think is that we treat relaxing like any other activity. When, in fact, I think by definition it is the absence of activity. Therefore, trying to relax is more of an oxymoron than we care to admit.

What is a stressed out over-achiever to do? Instead of trying to relax, try to let your whimsy run wild. Consider what your brain does when you sleep. It doesn’t power off. It explores. You already know how to do this.

So in the spirit of giving you more time to relax, we’ll keep this week’s moment light and offer some of my personal favorite ways to creatively rest.

Paint 

If you think this suggestion is not for you, then it most surely is. Einstein called it combinatory play, which essentially translates to opening up a blocked mental channel by dabbling in another.  And if you’re daunted by a blank page, guess how to make it not blank…

But what if you screw up? Grab another page, cardboard box, old magazine, newspaper, or junk mail to paint on…the world is an endless canvas.

Gaze At Clouds

We all live under the sky. Set a timer for 20 minutes and look up at the clouds. What shapes, objects, and scenes are being played out? Imagine a story made just for you. What would the message be? Look and listen for it.

Color

I am guilty of spending a few bucks on “mind healing” coloring books. The benefit as far as I can tell is having a structured simple task to occupy the mind. Did it work? No idea. But I do know that I grew tired of coloring within the lines, which is an interesting headspace for those saddled with external pressure to perform, succeed, or deliver.

For even more savings, print these free coloring pages.

Watch Dangal on Netflix

Be transported to the world of wrestling…in India. Inspired by the true story of India’s first female wrestler to win an international gold medal, it’s a story that is both honest about existing gender biases and heartwarming about the future.

Cook From Scratch

Living in an age of convenience where everything (including mentorship!) is available at the click of a button has many advantages. However, I still find a deep satisfaction in doing something myself – good, bad, or ugly. Sometimes all three at once.

So make a trek to a farmers market or support a local co-op to pull together your next meal. For planner types, research a recipe online before you go. And if everything that comes up is too complicated, take my trick and append “easy” to the end of your online search words.

Most importantly, give yourself permission to have no agenda and do what your heart desires before heading back to work after the aptly named Labor Day. And, as always, if you’re unsure – all the mentors here will give you permission to do the same and then some…

“The most successful people are those who do all year long what they would otherwise do on their summer vacation.”

-Mark Twain