50 WAYS TO RELAX

1. Breathe in hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat this five times.

2. Stretching - Practice simple stretches such as the "neck stretch": stretch your neck by gently rolling your head in a half-circle, starting at one side, then dropping your chin to your chest, then to the other side.

3. Exercise Find a form of exercise you will enjoy yoga and tai chi are great for relaxation.

4. Take a Bath - Ask household members to allow you at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time, wonderfully fragranced with essential oils or bubble bath etc..

5. Eat Well - Find out if your diet is well bAlanced and take steps to eat healthy lots of green vegetables, and generally water rich vegetables helps with our health and vitality.

6. Talk - Take the time to talk with a friend or family member. Express feelings you might have been holding in. Listen carefully to your significant other.

7. Go to a comedy club.

8. Watch a funny movie.

9. Rent a funny video.

10. Spend time with someone who makes you laugh.

11. Cry - Crying can be as good a release as laughing.

12. A good book is a great escape.

13. Do something you love - When you enjoy yourself, you relax your emotions.

14. Become an expert in something.

15. Relax at a spa.

16. Go swimming.

17. Take a stroll through the park or just around the neighbourhood.

18. Daydream.

19. Do a crossword or puzzle.

20. Cook something different.

21. Watch the sun go down/come up.

22. Take up meditation.

23. Schedule in relaxation time every day This could be for as little as 30minutes a day or one hour away from the office during lunch time.

24. Take time out to play, laugh and have fun.

25. Get a massage from a partner, friend, family or salon.

26. Put your favourite music on and dance around.

27. Sing.

28. Go for a nice relaxing drive down a scenic road/lane.

29. Draw a picture.

30. Do some light gardening.

31. Sit quietly.

32. Be nice to yourself.

33. Phone a family member or friend.

34. Talk to the children or pets.

35. Visit a planetarium.

36. Visit an art gallery.

37. Watch your favourite film (again).

38. Give yourself a pedicure.

39. Take a short power nap (c.30 minutes).

40. Avoid stimulants (Tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and chocolate they all contain caffeine and can make you `hyper).

41. Sit in a favourite location and stare out at the view.

42. Burn your favourite essential oil/incense stick; sit, relax and take it in.

43. Take a stroll in the sand, on a beach.

44. Go to your favourite restaurant and have a great meal.

45. Take some time to stare at the mountains.

46. Be mesmerised by a beautiful stream.

47. Make love.

48. Take a holiday.

49. Sleep.

50. In addition to the above, create your own list