I suggest taking a long hot bubble bath with some of your favorite music in the background. This will relax your body, one of the two components necessary to relax completely. You also have to relax your mind, which can be far harder depending on what's troubling you. I think you have a good start by coming on this website, answer questions that other people have, focus your energy on helping someone else solve a problem instead of focusing on your own. Try watching a favorite movie or TV show to "escape" from thinking. If any of these suggestions don't do it for you, try going out with a close friend. Sometimes getting away from yourself is necessary so going out with a friend, even if its just for Starbucks, for a little while can center your focus on her life or gossip or anything else you guys might talk about. According to Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus and other books alike, women are emotional creatures (versus men that are solution oriented) that feel comforted by expressing themselves to another person. This may be what you need. Try talking to a friend, ranting even (screaming at the top of your lungs if its necessary! ), about what's bothering you, a friend will be compassionate and understanding and offer you the response that your looking for. Even if she says nothing, sometimes it just feels good to get troubles off of our chest. Hope this helps some, and I hope you feel better!
Winding down is easy, I spent time with my girl. I've got enough friends that only want to talk business and god knows that I tend to think way too much about it and I love the fact that I can truly tune it out around her. Call me crazy but I find comfort and unwind by simply listening to her because she doesn't want me to solve any issues which is a nice change of pace from the business.
As for complete relaxation, I just need some quiet time once in a while. I can recharge my batteries by simply lying down in a dark cool place and closing my eyes while listen music with a ear buds. Couple of hours later I am good to go again for a few weeks.
Have you thought of perhaps taking up some dance classes? Maybe learn a nice classic dance or even something more exotic and passionate such as the Tango. I've know a few to also take up painting although it isn't my own forte. If you truly want to be able to let go of the stress then just go to your friends with kids and play with them. Their endless energy and carefree attitude is contagious and in no time you'll forget about your worries in life even if it is just for a little bit.
Here's a few suggestions: Get you a cup of hot tea/wine, turn the lights down low and listen to slow melodic music. Go play golf with a friend or two, but play just to have fun. Have your loved one give you a deep sensuous massage. Go to one of those day spas. Go to www. Girlsaskguys. Com and have fun!
PLAYSTATION! Nothing better than blowing up stuff or racing a car into a crash wall. winds me down in a hurry.
Watching funny shows also works. It can be anything from The Three Stooges to silly Japanimations. A laugh works out well too.
A good walk outside is another good one for me. If I'm really that stressed out, getting some fresh air helps clear my head, especially if it is cold outside.
Sometimes all I really have to do is go home, close the curtains, lock the door and unplug the phone and pretty soon I am off into my own little imaginary world. I have the kind of imagination where in moments, I'm flying and X-wing fighter against the Imperial Empire while Darth Vader is chasing me!
Helps to be easily self-entertaining...
Finally, this last one ONLY applies to my kind: single older men. When all else fails and I have some extra money, I hire an escort. Nothing better than the passion and cuddling of a pretty woman(abeid at a cost). Even if she really does not give me "Full Service", everything else will do.
Anything you like to do would be fine to help you relax also hot showers ice cream movies music and stuff like that helps a lot because they distract you and focus your mind in something else but you can also try exercise sports and anything else that distracts you so all of this stuff would be fine
as for me falling asleep in a hot long bath with music works perfect along with a massage and sex after I wake up (caution sleeping in the bath may be dangerous so if you are not sure don't try it and electronics in the tub are very dangerous too lol so be careful)
When I've had a crappy day and want to escape I do something spontaneous, with in reasons of course. For instance, Friday two weeks ago is perfect example. Crappy day at work so I decided to get off an hour early. Called my girlfriends and went to the bank for an early weekend! The one rule, NO technology or drama. No phones, lap tops, boy problems, school work, sob stories, NONE! It was all about us and I loved it. Spa weekend anyone?
Going shopping with your best friend always cures every problem it seems like. Or if you want to hang out with yourself, obviously you can still go shopping, but after a stressful day with yourself I don't recommend shopping by yourself. Hang out with your friends, roll down the windows and just go. Get on the highway, that's what I do at least. :)
A bath and music always does it for me and then a night tucked into bed watching dvds and my phones turned off and no computer just 100% me and relaxation