Relaxation is vital to give your mind and body a timeout after a tiring week. Whether you want to get a massage, go to a coffee shop, or go on an out-of-town vacation, everyone has a different version of relaxation. Being outside, not thinking about work, can actually do wonders to your mind. Your mind deserves to take a break from the stressful week to be able to function normally again.
There are varying levels of relaxation depending on the gravity of the stress that you’re in. The stress might require a trip abroad, a shop-til-you-drop shopping, or other outrageous modes of relaxation you might think of. Nevertheless, here are good places to go to if you are seeking relaxation:
Coffee Shops
Coffee shops nowadays have become a study or work spot for students and workers. The ambiance of coffee shops provides relaxation to many, so people opt to study or work in coffee shops. If you’re looking for a place to relax, you can invite a friend or two for a cup of coffee in a local cafe like Beans & Brews. The coffee shop also provides delicious desserts to pair with your warm beverage.
Just be mindful of other customers because if the coffee shop is packed, you have to leave immediately after consuming your drink and desserts. Pick a coffee shop that you can stay at afterward for hours at most. Be considerate of other customers.
The Beach
The beach is the number one choice of people when they want to relax. The seawater and the wind bring a relaxing effect for people who wish to unwind. The people can take a dip, sunbathe, read a book, or simply sit or lounge on a picnic blanket by the beach. You can go to the beach for relaxation on the weekend by yourself or with a friend.
The beach can take your mind off things. All work or school-related stuff is out the window once you bask in the beach ambiance. Consider this as an affordable form of relaxation if you are feeling stressed next time.
A Local or International Place
Going on a local or an international trip is exhilarating because you don’t know what to expect. The culture, the people, and the place itself is unique and unfamiliar, and that’s what makes a trip exciting. There are a lot of things to experience and foods to try. Going on a trip can help you grow, increase your confidence, and build resilience because you are willing to try things you have never tried before.
The foreign experience is enough to push you out of your comfort zone. You’ll come home bolder and more confident because you didn’t know you were capable of doing such things. Hence, travel often if you have the means to do so.
Hiking Trails
Hiking is a good exercise, and it takes your mind off things, too. It allows you to think while you get immersed in nature. You’ll take a break from the bustling noise of the city. Go to your nearest hiking trail and bring a friend to hike with you. Never go on a hike alone because accidents might happen, and there will be no one to help you.
Familiarize yourself with the hiking trails in your area, and wear protective clothing against poisonous plants or other environmental factors. Don’t hike if the weather is bad because it might increase the chances of landslides. It also helps if your friend is familiar with said hiking trail.
People often have the concept that you have to be constantly working to be deemed hardworking. This is not true as a person cannot function normally if they do not rest in between. You have to draw the line between work and life. They should not overlap because you deserve to have a life outside work. Work should not define your life because, as harsh as it sounds, your company will replace you if you end up dead due to no rest. So take care of your body and allocate a proper day of rest.
Turn off your work notifications on the weekend so you can have the absolute me time. You won’t be anxious about not responding to that email if you turn it all off. Work-related stuff can wait until Monday because the two days are allocated for your relaxation. You deserve that relaxation after a week of non-stop work. You shouldn’t feel guilty about resting because your body and mind need it. Think about this the next time when you feel the need to check your emails on the weekend.