6 Activities to Enjoy on National Relaxation Day
With the everyday hustle and bustle of the 21st century, we think we could all use a friendly reminder to take a breather every now and then. Really, there is no better nudge than National Relaxation Day itself—which, uncoincidentally, is today!
We're no stranger to the workaholic lifestyle, but we've become more intentional about finding activities that keep us grounded. Whether you leave time to relax every day or you're trying to discover new ways to incorporate self-care into your life, here are six activities to enjoy on National Relaxation Day and beyond.
Read a Book
For years, but especially during high school, we despised reading. After reading multiple books we weren't interested in for class, we completely abandoned it. Once the lockdown began, we decided to revisit on our own terms, and we completely forgot how exciting and relaxing it can be to immerse ourselves in a novel we actually want to read.
Take the time to learn your taste in books, and you'll be reading whenever you have free time.
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A Mani-Pedi
We started regularly incorporating manicures and pedicures into our monthly routines, and it's become one of our favorite parts of self-care. There's nothing that can measure up to soaking your feet into a bowl of warm, scented water and getting a massage.
Honestly, the painting might be the most anticlimactic part, but we will never underestimate the confidence boost of having pretty and polished nails.
Also read about: How to Stop Neglecting Your Inner Child
Do a Movie Marathon
We're franchise lovers, so we always love the days we can do nothing but lie in bed and binge-watch our favorite movies. Not only is it the perfect way to give our brains a break from being in work mode, but simply watching a movie gives us the ultimate serotonin. So, break out the blankets and a bowl of popcorn, and head to your streaming service of choice.
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Lounge on the Beach
Summer is coming to a close, so take advantage of these last few warm days. The water can help relax your muscles or you can lie on your beach towel to get one more tan. Plus, the sunlight is proven to be good for your mental health!
Also read about: How to Take School Notes That'll Actually Help You Learn and Study
'Everything Shower'
You've probably heard the term "everything shower" on TikTok, and it's some we never knew we did after all these years. If you haven't gotten the scoop, an everything shower is when you wash your body and hair, shave and do other self-care activities you enjoy. We are obsessed with the feeling of being extra clean, smelling good and having a hairless body, so an everything shower can be super fun and relaxing.
Walk Through Your Local Nature Reserve
Since the pandemic began, we've incorporated walks into our weekly routines. Sometimes through our neighborhood, but the most satisfying walks are when we can take a trip to our local nature reserves. Usually, they're empty, and you get the relaxation of real nature sounds. Besides decreasing stress, walking in nature has been linked to lowered blood pressure and risk for cancer and more positive social interactions.
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Heading to college? Read HERE for all the ways to live a healthy lifestyle in your freshman dorm.