4 Relaxing Recreational Activities

We know life can speed by in a blur, and without relaxing breaks and fun interludes, you’ll soon burn out. We’ve got a few ideas that’ll help you relieve that stress and make sure you enjoy your time off.

Massage

There are many benefits to a good massage, and you should consider having one on your next day off. The most noticeable, immediate effects you’ll feel after a massage are the feelings of deep relaxation and calm.

Other benefits you’ll notice include increased blood circulation, reduced muscle tension, and stimulation of the lymphatic system. The areas that you have massaged generally benefit from increased joint flexibility. If you have a bruise or tender area, your recovery will be quicker, thanks to improved blood flow.

Lastly, a massage can improve your mental alertness and reduce feelings of anxiety and melancholy.

Growing a Garden

Aside from being a fabulously relaxing hobby, gardening can also improve your health through diet and cooking. It’s a great stimulant for your body and mind, and seeing your garden grow from seeds or cuttings is very rewarding.

Gardening gets you outside and into the sunlight. The sunshine helps your body wake up in the morning, as well as being essential for vitamin D production, required for the absorption of calcium in your body and essential for growth.

As you’re keeping in touch with nature, your brain will release endorphins, which make you feel good. It will also help to decrease your blood pressure.

Marijuana

While not a conventional method of relaxation or recreation, smoking cannabis is a great way to unwind from daily life. But you should first check if it’s legal or limited to medical use in your jurisdiction.

Studies on consciousness and cognition have shown that those who smoked marijuana scored higher on creativity tests than non-smokers and displayed increased cognitive abilities.

The intake of this substance can also enhance your senses of sight, taste, and hearing. You’ll also gain a temporarily increased appetite to complement the enhanced sense of taste.

Medically, cannabis can provide welcome relief from the side effects of chemotherapy. Some say it can also reduce the burden of chronic pain, headaches, and migraines.

Even though marijuana itself is a psychoactive substance, it can be a stepping stone to recovery from more harmful drugs such as alcohol and heroin.

Why not order seeds to grow your own at home. That’ll give you the double benefit of gardening and cannabis use but check first to see if it is legal in your state.

Picnic

We know that being in nature is a great way to relax and recenter yourself. It’s another activity that gets you out into the sunlight. Fresh air is fantastic for your wellbeing, and picnics taken in parks are often surrounded by beautiful trees.

Going on a picnic also gives you ample time for self-reflection. If you feel lost or confused, sitting alone on a soft blanket in a meadow, surrounded by nature, can often help you recover your peace of mind.

During your picnic, you can enjoy other activities such as listening to music, playing sports, or practicing yoga. When you’re done or want to take a break, simply lay back and enjoy the birdsong and the sound of the wind in the trees.

Take Things Slow

Relaxation is a skill that is often neglected by many. Take your time to ease into an activity, inhale deeply, and enjoy yourself. We should all spend more time exploring our thoughts in a peaceful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

This is what leisure time was intended for. Make sure you don’t let all the beauty and pleasure in your life pass you by.