Let's Talk with Terry Ambrose
Five ways to have a happy National Relaxation Day
Back in the days when I held down a Real Job, I was used to a fast pace and stress. It was normal to burn the candle at both ends, run on empty, get caught up in the rat race—okay, you get the idea. Now that I’m gainfully unemployed, i.e., I keep thinking I need to slow down. Some days, I pull that off. Others, not so much. With that in mind, I’m wishing you a Happy National Relaxation Day! Let’s chill and enjoy this day dedicated to getting out of the fast lane and focusing on self-care.
What is National Relaxation Day?
You might expect this special day to be the brainchild of some overworked, stressed-out adult. But actually, it was founded by Sean Moeller, a fourth-grader in Michigan. Sean believed that people needed a break from their hectic lives to enjoy some downtime. His simple yet profound idea quickly gained traction, and National Relaxation Day became an annual event.
If someone had told Sean that his idea was brilliant because regular relaxation practices can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, he probably would have agreed. But, if they’d gone on about how our brains release neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which help improve mood and overall mental well-being, he probably would have glazed over and told them they needed to chill. Let’s just say taking a little time to relax is going to help you think and feel better.
Number 1: Play the jigsaw puzzle to relax!
Just in case you’re at a loss for ideas, here’s a jigsaw puzzle to help you unwind. If you play, I’d love to hear your times. Leave a comment to let me know! (And by the way, if you like this one, try my Friday Morning Post from last week, which was Discovering the magic of a starry sky at White Sands, New Mexico.
Other ways to have a happy National Relaxation Day
There are so many ways to celebrate this day. My personal favorites are:
Create a relaxing atmosphere at home
Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques
Get outdoors and connect with nature
Do a digital detox
To be honest, my favorite way to begin each day is with a digital detox. I simply leave my phone on my desk, grab my coffee, and head out to our back patio. There, I watch what’s left of the sunrise. Or, because we get so many overcast mornings) I watch the brightening of the gray skies. It’s not nearly as much fun as an awesome sunrise, but it’s still a chance to leave everything behind and simply spend a few minutes watching and listening to nature.
I hope you’ll celebrate this National Relaxation Day! Let me know in the comments what you plan to do to unwind and de-stress!
Want to know more about our author Terry Ambrose, who writes funny mysteries like the Seaside Cove B&B Mysteries? His most recent book, THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO MURDER released in late March. In this series, his amateur sleuth helps battle crime in sunny California, where shades are a necessity! Visit Terry’s WEBSITE.
And if you’re a fan of jigsaw puzzles, check out Terry’s Friday Morning Post, where you can visit a new amazing destination while you play an online jigsaw puzzle inspired by that place!
While you’re here, have you entered our August book giveaway? Two mysteries will go to one lucky entrant. The contest runs from August 1-22 and there are multiple ways to enter. ENTER HERE.
Want to learn more about author Terry Ambrose? Visit his WEBSITE.
Posted in Let's Talk, with Terry Ambrose • Tags: BLB Discussion, Let's Talk, National Relaxation Day, special days, Terry Ambrose | 16 Comments
I need to relax more for sure. I always feel as though I have to accomplish something, even when I’m home alone. The only time I’ll allow myself to relax is in the afternoon for an hour’s reading session, or in the evening after dinner with a romcom TV movie.
I hear you, Nancy. Some of us just seem to be wired so that we won’t allow ourselves that pleasure.
Well, my “daily” is nothing online after dinner. About two years on that and my sleep is so much better! Puzzling, also. Dog walking (17 year old beagle, no stress). But to celebrate a special day … the beach, any weather, especially the local one (have to have a Kittery dump sticker to park)
Good for you about nothing online after dinner, Maren! You’re right, it’s so much healthier!
A beach trip to stare at the sand and water or a long bath with a good magazine.
I’m always up for a beach trip, Debra!
I have a screened-in balcony that I use for a little break from the screens. Just me and coffee.
That’s me first thing in the morning, Cheryl! (Plus a snack. There’s gotta be a snack to balance out the coffee!)
Terry, when you had a “Real Job”? Writing books that readers love IS a real job. And I know you work really hard at it. It may be different from your old day job, but it’s still very real, a lot of work, and just as stressful, only in different ways.
Aha! Well, fortunately, the Real Job paid well enough that I can now do something much more fun. It also gave me a reason to write again because I am one of those people who finds writing to be a cathartic process (and I totally needed as much destressing as I could get!)
Oooooh, that jigsaw puzzle was tempting, but I have too much to do today! Maybe tomorrow….
That’s cool, Gay. Celebrate tomorrow. I won’t tell on you!
I’ve done a bit TOO much relaxing in recent months! But as someone who has always had a sedentary day job, I’ve found the best way to relax is to switch gears and do something physical…usually yard work. Being away from screens and phones and blue light is the best way to let it all go.
I’ve been doing so much more that’s physical these past few months, Diane, and I’ve really enjoyed it.
Meditation is important. I find that often times while I’m crafting and my hands are busy, my mind relaxes. That has been quite the boon in this spate of craft-making I’ve been doing.
You’re right, Maggie. Getting the mind to relax is so important, and I that’s the whole point of National Relaxation Day! 🙂 Smart kid who figured that one out!