How Do You Relax? I am too Uptight

[Speculator]

First, get a full physical to rule out any underlying conditions which may be affecting you. Then after asking your doctor, I would start an exercise program of some sort. Additionally, relaxation techniques may also be helpful (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://files.nccih.nih.gov/s3fs-public/Relaxation_Techniques_05-31-2016.pdf ) Good luck!

 

[Sue J]

I've been enjoying word puzzles. I do a couple of the Quordle options (Classic and Sequence) and then a bunch of the New York Times puzzles - Wordle, Mini Crossword, Connections, Strands and Spelling Bee. I've even subscribed for a year and now I HAVE TO FINISH the SPELLING BEE! This might be stressful to some people but I find doing the puzzles very relaxing. Sometimes I even do a Sudoku. Once in a while I'll tackle the full size crossword.

I also like to read on the Kindle.

 

[Sorcerer]

When you say unwind...is this something you would like to do at the end of the day? All day? Besides exercise, weight lifting, aerobics, walking...get offline and read a book.

 

[Koolau]

Prayer

 

[NeilDH]

I ride my bike (arguably to a fault) and hike. But one great thing for me about FIREing is just the ability to sit for some minutes, especially after the exercise or in the mornings. And especially outside. On the deck, listen and watch the birds.

Before FIRE, I'd do my relaxing activity and would have to rush off to do whatever task. Not rushing is such a blessing.

 

[mystang52]

As others mentioned, exercise would be a big help. If exertion seems intimidating, "exercise" does not have to mean exertion. An extended walk in a park can help. If you have access to an indoor pool, such as a local Y, easy swimming is great. Yoga, as well.

 

[Dash man]

Prayer, Eucharistic adoration, watching and listening to the ocean, cruises, and helping others in need.

 

[freedomatlast]

Biking and hiking in nature does it for me. Any kind of physical activity indoors also works when the weather isn't cooperating.

 

[CoAndy]

Intense exercise really helps me. It's good to exhaust the body and mind. I do CrossFit classes 4-5 times a week, and I sleep so much better on those days. I also read quite a bit at night.

 

[wrigley]

Lots of cannabis shops around!

 

[Markola]

+1. Maybe try taking up smoking and drinking?

 

[big-papa]

Cycling with one of my spotify playlists going...

 

[RetiredHappy]

+1. Maybe try taking up smoking and drinking?

You must be joking.

 

[easysurfer]

Does piddling around doing nothing count? If so, I'm pretty good at that .

 

[ArmchairMillionaire]

What do you do to relax?

I stay away from stuff-with-screens technology, other than my laptop computer. I don't do Farcebook, Insta-brag, or TikTok. I don't send or receive text messages.

I walk on the treadmill in the basement every morning. I read actual paper books before bed every night.

In the summers, I'll take my 1979 El Camino or DWs 1977 MGB out for a cruise. Once a week I mow the lawn with a push-mower.

In the winter I shovel a lot of snow and even use a snowblower if it gets to be too much.

Sometimes I'll even go on early-retirement.org and post an answer to somebody's question.

Of course, YMMV.

 

[Koolau]

I have a few Youtube sites I'll mindlessly watch to "escape."

 

[djhep6]

It sounds like you've found some great "flow" activities already! Drawing and playing an instrument are fantastic because they engage both the hands and the brain, which really helps in blocking out that physical tension.

 

[marko]

Two Marts at family cocktail hour and a good Scotch after dinner.

 

[1242Vintage]

A good hard workout or even better a running or bike race always makes most of my life stresses and anxieties go away … at least for a little while.

 

[iloveyoga]

It has been mentioned before, but yoga along with breath work and meditation. I almost always feel better after some yoga and there are many good on line classes. My favorite teacher does chair yoga classes that are accessible to many physical levels. I also agree with exercise and getting outside whenever I can.

 

[Mark2024]

I drink! A 750 ml bottle of bourbon would make me so relaxed that I could not even walk straight.

 

[Cassius King]

Music. Listening to music relaxes me. A good beer, or pour of bourbon and music, all good.

 

[RetiredHappy]

I drink! A 750 ml bottle of bourbon would make me so relaxed that I could not even walk straight.

Or maybe never walk or breathe again.

 

[Cassius King]

I would also add hanging with friends. Any time with my friends is a guaranteed good time and lots of laughter. That's the best medicine against stress.

 

[Amethyst]

I try to figure out what's bugging me (usually it's glaringly obvious) and work up a plan to get rid of it.