How to Relax

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Feeling stressed out is totally normal, but being stressed all the time isn’t great for your health. Knowing how to relax is vital for ensuring your well-being, and it can restore the passion and joy in your life. If you aren’t sure how exactly you can relax, read through this list of helpful tips to get you started on the right track.

1

Get out into nature.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take a walk around the block, head to a local park, or go hiking on a new trail. Listen to the sounds of the wildlife and take in the beauty that’s all around you. [1]
    • Treat your time out in nature as more of a wander than a walk. Let yourself go anywhere you want to without a destination in mind for the ultimate relaxation technique.
    2. Advertisement
2

Take a warm bath.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Draw up a warm bath and add some scented soap or bath salts. Play some soothing music and light a few candles, then lean back and enjoy your tub. [2]
    • Taking a bath is a great way to get some alone time (especially if you have kids). You can soak and relax for as long as you need to (or as long as you have time to).
3

Make a relaxing drink.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Herbal tea or a warm cup of milk with honey in it can really calm you down and help you relax. Drinking a calming drink in the evening can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. [3]
    • Caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda can elevate your anxiety levels. If you’re already feeling stressed, don’t add caffeine into the mix.
    2. Advertisement
4

Spend time with your pet.

PDF download Download Article
  1. They’ll love it and so will you! You could even chat with your pet about your day or talk to them about the stress and anxiety you’ve been feeling. Even though they can’t talk back, you’ll probably feel a whole lot better afterwards. [4]
    • If you don't have a pet, ask a friend if you can spend time with theirs.
    • Many cities also now have cat cafes where you can go and hang out with cats for a small fee.
5

Do something creative.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You could paint, draw, take pictures, do makeup, embroider, bake something, or play an instrument. Try not to focus on the finished product, and instead just enjoy the process. [5]
    • If you want to dive into something new but you aren’t sure where to start, try looking up a tutorial online for some guidance.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 133 wikiHow readers what their go-to stress-relieving activity is, and 60% of them said, doing something I enjoy, like reading a favorite book or watching a funny video. [Take Poll] So, those are a few other options for stress-relievers.
    2. Advertisement
6

Do some yoga.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Shavasana, or corpse pose, is a particularly relaxing pose. Lie on your back with your legs spread and your arms at your side. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing as you lie there. Try to do some yoga every morning to lower your stress levels. [6]
    • If you’ve never done yoga before, look up a beginner’s video online to follow along with.
7

Practice meditation.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sit down in a comfortable position and try to think about absolutely nothing. Focus on your breathing, how your body feels, and whether or not your muscles are tense. Try to meditate for 5 to 10 minutes every day to lower your stress levels overall. [7]
    • If you’re having trouble, look up a guided meditation video on YouTube to practice with.
    2. Advertisement
8

Practice mindfulness.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you catch yourself worrying about something that happened in the past or what might happen in the future, challenge those thoughts. Try to really focus on what you’re doing in this exact moment, even if it’s something mundane. Make yourself be present to melt away stress and become more relaxed over time. [8]
    • If you’re having trouble being mindful, think about what you can sense around you. What do the clothes feel like on your body? What can you hear right now? What are you looking at?
9

Disconnect from technology.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you feel like you’re getting overwhelmed, turn off your electronics for at least 1 hour. During that time, you can head out into nature, read a good book, or spend time with your friends. When you feel a little more relaxed, feel free to fire up your computer again.
    • It’s also a good idea to take a break from social media specifically. Constantly scrolling through your socials can really up your stress and anxiety levels.
    2. Advertisement
10

Write in a journal.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Set aside 5 or 10 minutes every day to jot down a few things in your journal. You could write about your feelings, what you did that day, or what you’re looking forward to in the future. Putting your thoughts down on paper can help you work through them faster than if you keep them bottled up. [9]
    • Make sure you keep your journal in a private place where no one else can find it. If you have pesky siblings, try putting a lock on your journal to keep them out.
    • You could also use a journal to keep a gratitude list and remind yourself of what you’re thankful for.
11

Try aromatherapy.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you’re feeling stressed, mix a few drops of an essential oil and water and put it into a diffuser. Turn the diffuser on and take deep, relaxing breaths, focusing on the scent. Keep doing your deep breathing until the scent runs out or you feel calmer. [10]
    • If you don’t have a diffuser, put a few drops of an essential oil into a bowl of hot water. Then, breathe the steam in deeply.
    • Lavender oil, chamomile oil, sage oil, and rose oil are all good scents for relaxation.
    • Always dilute your essential oils, as they can be harmful in concentrated doses.
    2. Advertisement
12

Take a quick break if you're short on time.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re at work or school, try taking a 5 to 10 minute break to stretch, walk around, or even read a fun book. Doing this every 2 to 3 hours will help calm your thoughts and give your brain some time to rest. [11]
    • This is especially important during long study sessions or when you’re pulling all nighters. Giving your mind a break for a few minutes can help you focus longer and work harder.
13

Focus on your breathing.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sit somewhere comfortable with your back straight. Breathe in deeply through your nose, expanding your stomach, not your chest. Breathe out slowly through your mouth as you count down from 5. [12]
    • Try doing this 5 to 10 times until you feel yourself start to relax.
    • This is a great technique to use when you’re feeling anxious or overly stressed.
    2. Advertisement
14

Visualize yourself somewhere relaxing.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you feel stressed, close your eyes and picture yourself on a beach or out in nature. Use all of your senses: focus on what you can hear, touch, smell, see, and taste there. Think positive thoughts to calm your mind and relax your body. [13]
    • Your happy place can be anywhere you’d like it to be. Maybe you have fond memories of a house on the lake, or maybe you like to be in the mountains.
15

Try progressive muscle relaxation.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Start by focusing on your right foot. Squeeze all the muscles in that foot tightly and hold it for 10 seconds, then relax. Do the same thing to your left foot. Slowly work your way up your entire body, tensing and relaxing each muscle group as you go. [14]
    • When you relax your muscles, think about how loose and limp your body feels.
    2. Advertisement
16

Go to a biofeedback session.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Set up an appointment with a licensed mental health professional and go in for a session. During the procedure, a therapist will attach electrical sensors to different parts of your body that track your heart rate, your sweat glands, and your brain waves. You’ll be exposed to information like beeping and flashing lights, and your therapist will track your responses to them. [15]
    • At the end of the session, your therapist can tell you about different techniques to relax the muscles in your body that are responding to stressors. The goal of the session is to take the information you’ve learned and use it at home to relax whenever you’re feeling stressed.

Relaxation Help

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the best way to relax?
    Adam Dorsay, PsyD
    Licensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker
    Dr. Adam Dorsay is a licensed psychologist in private practice in San Jose, CA, and the co-creator of Project Reciprocity, an international program at Facebook's Headquarters, and a consultant with Digital Ocean’s Safety Team. He specializes in assisting high-achieving adults with relationship issues, stress reduction, anxiety, and attaining more happiness in their lives. In 2016 he gave a well-watched TEDx talk about men and emotions. Dr. Dorsay has a M.A. in Counseling from Santa Clara University and received his doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2008.
    Adam Dorsay, PsyD
    Licensed Psychologist & TEDx Speaker
    Expert Answer
    It really depends on what you like to do in your spare time and who you are as a person. There is no universal "best way" to relax. Some people really enjoy meditating or doing yoga. Other people like to take a long bath with a good book. It really depends on what you like to do.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 10
  • Question
    How can I stop panicking at night?
    Sydney Axelrod
    Certified Life Coach
    Sydney Axelrod is a certified life coach and the owner of Sydney Axelrod LLC, a life coaching business focused on professional and personal development. Through one-on-one coaching, digital courses, and group workshops, Sydney works with clients to discover their purpose, navigate life transitions, and set and accomplish goals. Sydney has over 1,000 hours of relevant coaching certifications and holds a BBA in Marketing and Finance from Emory University.
    Sydney Axelrod
    Certified Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    If you're actively panicking at night, it probably means you're getting burned out by whatever's going on during the day. Try cutting your daily schedule down a bit and set aside more time for rest.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 12
  • Question
    Typical "relaxing" activities aren't actually relaxing for me. Is there something wrong with me?
    Leah Morris
    Life Coach
    Leah Morris is a Life and Relationship Transition coach and the owner of Life Remade, a holistic personal coaching service. With over three years as a professional coach, she specializes in guiding people as they move through both short-term and long-term life transitions. Leah holds a BA in Organizational Communication from California State University, Chico and is a certified Transformational Life Coach through the Southwest Institute for Healing Arts.
    Leah Morris
    Life Coach
    Expert Answer
    Relaxing is different for everyone. Part of it is related to whether you're an introvert or an extrovert. Introverts are going to be more focused on having that alone time to be with themselves as a way to refuel and re-energize. Extroverts re-energize with people. They find more energy and fuel in interacting and doing social things and talking through things. You really just want to focus on how your body is feeling.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Reader Videos

      Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • After stressful interactions, make a point to engage in self-care like taking a walk or luxuriating in a candlelit bath before bed. You’ll sleep better.
      • Schedule relaxing activities like baths or nature walks on your calendar to ensure you make time for them, just as you would any important appointment.
      • Invest in items like essential oil diffusers, adult coloring books, journals, or craft supplies to have relaxing tools available when you need them.
      • Set phone alerts reminding you to take brief meditation or breathing breaks throughout the hectic workday. Short resets refresh your mind.
      • Create a designated relaxation space in your home with comfy seating, blankets, soothing music, books, and your favorite snacks on hand.
      • Tell friends and family about your commitment to reducing stress through relaxation techniques so they understand when you unplug.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Relieve Stress
      How to
      Relax After a Long Day
      How to
      Relax Your Mind
      How to
      Enter Alpha State of Mind
      How to
      Relax Your Sternocleidomastoid
      How to
      Do Palming Properly
      16 Ways to Relax & Unwind Over the Weekend
      How to
      Clear Negative Energy
      How to
      Zone Out
      How to
      Spin a Fidget Spinner
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/10-ways-to-relax-in-nature-and-stress-less
      2. ↑ Leah Morris. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 19 June 2020.
      3. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/relaxation/relaxation-tips/
      6. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8133-stress-10-ways-to-ease-stress
      8. ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress
      9. ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2209
      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
      2. ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/
      3. ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-manage-and-reduce-stress
      5. ↑ https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2021/03/how-to-take-care-of-yourself-when-youre-feeling-overwhelmed/
      6. ↑ https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/biofeedback
      7. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513238/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to relax in the moment, start by inhaling for 5 seconds, holding your breath for 5 seconds, and then exhaling for 5 seconds. Repeat this practice for a whole minute, since focusing on your breathing will often help you feel more calm. However, if breathing isn't working, try lying down in a quiet, dark place and closing your eyes. Then, listen to your favorite music or put on some light background music. Take this time to think about something other that what's stressing you out, since getting some space from the problem is often the best way to relax. If none of this is helping, try going for a walk outside without bringing any technology, since your phone or computer can be stressing you out even if you don't realize it! If you want to know more ways to feel relaxed, such as how to practice meditation or avoid getting stressed, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,251,821 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • May Powell

        May 21, 2017

        "Reading this article kinda indirectly applied some of the passive tips, such as thinking alternatively, whilst also ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement