Hey, everyone! My name is Q’Zion, and welcome to my blog! Since school is back in session for most of us, there might be less time within our day for us to sit back and relax. But the thing is, we shouldn’t put the priority of getting some rest on the back burner.

August 15th is National Relaxation Day, and that means that today is an opportunity for us to find different ways to unwind, even throughout busy weeks. I have created a list of 20 simple tips to promote relaxation in honor of this day of tranquility. Let’s get this party started!

1. Stop and smell the roses . . . literally: Plants are known to be very beneficial for our lungs and decrease symptoms of stress and anxiety. Perfect for any nature lover trying to relax.

2. Begin journaling: Writing about how you are feeling, the best part of each day, or even what you’re grateful for, can be a great way to unwind within just a few minutes of your day.

3. Read a book: On those late-summer days where it’s too rainy to go outside, there’s very few things that are more satisfying than snuggling up on the couch with a book in your hand.

4. Drink something warm (green tea, hot cocoa, latte, etc.): When it comes to relaxation, anything that involves a warm temperature has a soothing affect on both our bodies and minds. But sipping on a toasty beverage is definitely one of the most relaxing of them all.

5. Spend some time with your pet(s): Nobody can deny that our animal babies are always there when we need some companionship.

6. Try a face mask: Skin care is a great option for those who want to ‘feel the zen’ and touch up their pores. A face mask is a wonderful way to unwind just before bedtime.

7. Do some house cleaning: For those of us who can’t stand to see anything out of place, putting in some extra work to keep your house spick and span couldn’t be more gratifying.

8. Take a nap: I mean, do we really need an explanation, here?

9. Take a warm bath: Again, heat and relaxation are a match made in heaven. Keep in mind that if you aren’t into baths, a hot shower may also do a trick to help you relax.

10. Watch some TV: A 30-minute family sitcom or a little nostalgia with a show that you loved during your childhood is sure to make any day a little more lighthearted.

11. Do something creative: There’s something about taking simple things and making them into something beautiful that’s so rewarding. That makes it a perfect option for anyone with some time on their hands.

12. Get some exercise: While this may seem a little counter-productive, studies have shown that exercising is not only beneficial to our mood, but it also helps reduce depression and anxiety, therefore making it easier to relax. Cool right?

13. Think of who and what makes you the happiest: I mean, it’s pretty hard not to be relaxed when thinking about the support of the people who we love the most.

14. Just breathe: Sometimes all we need to wind down is to take a few deep breaths. Each time, breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Sure, it’s a simple technique. But it’s probably also one of the most effective methods on this list.

15. Get busy in the kitchen: Perhaps you are a person who enjoys making dinner for your family, or you’d like to learn a recipe that you’ve been eying. Considering that cooking can be relaxing for some people, now might be a good time to get busy. Just make sure that if you’re not an adult, you cook with the attendance and permission of a parent or legal guardian.

16. Do some light stretching: For those of you who are looking for ways to relax on the go, stretching is an instant way to remove some tension from your muscles and improve your blood flow, therefore making it much easier to ‘take a chill pill.’

17. Go bird watching: I think that birds–especially the ones in our backyards–are some of the most fascinating animals to watch. And if you have nothing else on your to-do list, bird watching is a great way to take your mind off of triggers of anxiety or stress. And what makes this even better is that you can make bird watching a fun summer outing by attending an event with your family or close friends.

18. Know your limit: Or in other words, when you feel that your mind or body needs a break, try to remove yourself from the situation and take a few minutes to recharge.

19. Ask for a hug: You know, most of us has that one person who’s hug always hits the right spot, even if we don’t have a furry friend to snuggle with. Hugs even release a ‘calm chemical’ called oxytocin in our brain, which helps us feel more at peace.

20. Do something that helps you relax: There’s one person in this world who knows what makes you calm–besides God, of course–and that person is you. Try thinking of things that make you feel happy and relaxed. Then, schedule time throughout you day for you to do what comes to mind.

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Writing these tips to help us relax was really fun to do! Hopefully, you found a few suggestions here that will help you incorporate a few minutes of peace and quiet into your day. After all, there’s nothing like the boost of energy that we feel after a little bit of relaxation.

What are some of the fun and simple things that you do daily to relax? Also, which tip on this list did you find the most helpful? I would love to see your responses down below in the comments!

Have a fantabulous rest of your day or night, everybody! God bless you all and I will catch you later! Peace in!