by Sande Waybill

Created on: July 29, 2008

From traditional bubble baths to becoming-popular meditation through to more personalized possibilities, there are many things to help one relax and re-energize after a hard workday. Some people might just prefer to make a hot chocolate drink and sink into their favorite arm chair for forty minutes, curling up and shutting their eyes. Just taking a half hour or so out from life can assist one to recuperate enough to handle the rest of the evening, such as preparing dinner and watching a movie or having a chat with loved ones.

One of the all-time favorite relaxants after a busy day at work is the bubble bath. This method of distressing has been popular for many decades. It was even used as a child-relaxer during the late sixties by mothers of the time. There is something akin to luxury in sinking into a half hours dunk into water, filling the nostrils with pleasing aromas, warming the body gently, and of course, water itself soothes away the tensions of a hectic day. For this reason, having a glass of fresh water on arriving home can be a helpful thing to do, also - not to mention listening to rain, miniature waterfalls, or small, indoor, electronic fountains.

Meditation has become increasingly popular over the past couple of decades; I do it myself. Some of the simpler versions require one to sit comfortably in a cross-legged position upon a cushion on the floor, half or fully close the eyes, keep the spine erect, and simply slowly breathe whilst counting the breath. More advanced methods usually result in an interest in Buddhism, Hinduism, Yoga, or some such Eastern influence offering instruction beyond basics. If I am using meditation for the sole purpose of relaxation, rather than a more structured usage, I will prefer to lie face down on the bed with my head slightly turned to one side, and to perform candle-tratak, which is a yoga practice.

Often, people find it helpful to elevate their feet on a pouffe or footrest of some description for a short while. This can greatly help if you have been standing or walking for most of the day. If you have been desk-bound, an easy Yoga sequence - or other easy slow exercise of your choice - might be preferable. Usually, simple gentle movements are best at this time of day. If you prefer something more strenuous, it is best to ease into it, starting with relatively easy postures.

If your workday ends early, you might choose to take a short nap of a half hour, or hour's duration. This can be especially useful if you are going out to a club partying later on. If you work .late or are not going out, you may prefer to sequence your evening at a slow pace, enjoying your time. I fins that cooking from scratch gives me the opportunity to slow down and take things at a more natural pace than work-mode. I will play some favored music and sway along whilst preparing the vegetables or stirring a pan.

Enjoying your evening meal is another way to change pace and revitalize the energy system after a strenuous day of working. Burn a candle, sip some wine, take it slowly, play some calm music - ENJOY!

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