If you’re someone that struggles to relax and unwind, like me, then you’re in the right place. I’ve had a working relationship with productivity and only within the last year or so have I really be able to allow myself to relax. I used to struggle not being productive 24/7 and I’ve learned how deeply unhealthy that it.
During this process of dealing with my toxic productivity, I came to adapt my own down-time to suit me. I realized what wasn’t working quickly enough and managed to switch it up so my down-time didn’t make me feel low and miserable (which it actually did at one point!) but instead made me feel good and made the time feel worthwhile.
I spoke about glamorizing overworking here on my blog as I think the nature of toxic productivity is rife in the blogging community sometimes. Take the people who were constantly going on about starting a business or a side hustle during covid when we were all overrun with stress and anxiety and you know… trying not to die.
Although my relationship with productivity us much better, I used to struggle doing anything that wasn’t productive. So I found a way around that by ensuring I was having productive rest. Rest and self care is productive too but some people just find it harder than others.
So here are some ways to relax and unwind if you struggle with it!
Have a bath and read a book
I love doing this, even now. I find a bath is one of the best places to get a good lot of reading done. Granted, some people don’t find hot baths relaxing but for those that do, this could be a great option for you. Reading is definitely an active relaxation technique and reading has a TON of benefits on your wellness.
So combining those two make for a really great productive relaxing time, allowing you to basically kill three birds with one stone. Get clean, relax and read.
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Relax and unwind by practicing yoga
Yoga is so beneficial to me; both physically and mentally. It can even set you up to have a more productive day if you do it in the morning! Yoga is an amazing way to relax, tune in to your mind and body but also get your body moving which of course has a huge amount of benefits of its own.
Related reads:
Watch a documentary
I sometimes struggle watching films on my own – unless they’re REAAAAALLY good. I’m getting better at it but watching a film alone isn’t something I choose to do often. Documentaries on the other hand, I always have time for because I love to sit back, relax and learn something new!
Watching a documentary is a great way to relax and unwind if you struggle with it because learning something new really some benefit your intellectual self care so you know what you’re spending your time wisely.
Sort out your room or space
De-cluttering is ALWAYS productive. So if you need a break from work and find organization therapeutic, then sorting out your room, desk or space is a great way to relax and unwind! I find tidying up and sorting things out really relaxing – I just love knowing that everything is in order!
Bake something
I’m much better at cooking than I am at baking but regardless of which one your prefer to do (or which one you’re better at), spending time in the kitchen can be an INCREDIBLE way to relax and unwind whilst also feel like you’re doing something productive.
Fancy some recipes?
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Fajita Pasta Bake
- Cherry and Coconut Cupcakes
- No-Bake White Chocolate + Oreo Truffles
To me, there’s nothing nicer than spending time in the kitchen, cooking a meal from scratch, for everyone to love it. I was sent a free meal prep box during lockdown, which really reignited my love for cooking!
Related read: 10 Reasons Why I Love Gousto
Write something
Of course writing would be on this list. I am a writer. And I’ve embraced my role as a writer so much over this last year. I love writing – writing is my favourite way to express myself and I never feel un-productive when I’m writing, regarding of what I’m writing!
So get that pen and paper out. Write a new blog post, write a poem, write a song, write a letter to a lost love, write your grocery list – just write!
So tell me, how do you relax and unwind? Do you struggle to relax? If so, what do you do to combat those feelings?
