Hi there and welcome back to my blog. Today's post is a little different than the usual. I know we all sometimes need to do a little unwinding after a hard's day work, trust me, I do it almost everyday. I have gathered some ways below on how to handle/relieve your everyday stress and relax. This means to set aside some time to yourself. After all, we are only human and we owe it to ourselves.
So lets get started!
1. Take a painting class !
I know it sounds a little juvenile, but it's far from it. These are live painting class where you have an instructor teaching you step by step on making your own work of art; you will be surprised at how good you can be...I know I was. Oh, and the best part you could BYOB (in other words, bring drinks and snacks) and you could sip some wine while painting. It is definitely a stress-reliever. Classes are usually 2.5 hours, I promise, you will be leaving your worries at the door. Another good feature is that you pick the day at your convinience; they offer classes almost every day at different time slots. You look up what painting their offering each month day, and reserve your spot. No experience needed and they provide all of the supplies! :)
Suggestions:
Painting with a Twist (various locations) -$35 per seat
The Fun Palette (North Miami Beach) -
They currently have offers on Groupon for $24 per seat! (click here)
2. Lose yourself in a good book.
Reading is good for the soul; wether its fantasy or an autobiography, you gain so much when you emerge yourself in a good book. I am currently reading Big magic (I haven't had a chance to finish) and I do like it so far. I love inspirational/motivating books. So just think about what genre makes you happy, and pick amongst those!
Suggestions:
Delirium by Lauren Oliver (fiction)- You will not put it down, I promise you. (It's a modern town that have been taught that "Love" is evil and that people who have feelings for another are "infected"...enough just go get it LOL.)
Girl Code by Cara Alwill Leyba (self-help)- This book will have you feeling empowered from the moment you pick it up. It's all about girl power and unlocking the secrets to truly living your dream life. I also love how Cara wrote it, so personal!
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (suspense) - Another great book, but it's definitely a thriller; It really makes you see people from a different perspective, this book will not dissapoint.
these are just a few, but comment below for more recommendations, I have many more. lol
3. Visit someplace you've never gone before
When you explore somewhere new, it opens a beacon of hope. It's refreshing to visit a place where you've never gone; and believe it or not...it relaxes you. We sometimes take for granted the places that we have access to around the areas we reside. This year, I plan to take full advantage, and I hope you do as well!
Local suggesstions (Miami, FL)
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden - They offer many self-guided exhibits including "a butterfly experience" and a Orchid exhibit (for the nature lover lol)
PAMM museum - I love visiting; they have so much local art and it's constantly changing; always luring you back for more; they also have a really great cafe inside for a quick lunch. You could easily spend your whole afternoon there.
Matheson Hammocks park - This park is beautiful and a great way to spend a day either bike riding or soaking up the sun. They also have an area where they offer paddleboarding and kayaking rentals! Not to mention its a beautiful view! Location: 9610 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables, FL 33156
4. Exercise
I know to many this may be your least favorite option, but it truly does help relieve your current stress. No, this does not mean you need a gym membership, there are countless different ways you could exercise, and have fun doing it. Wether it's running at the park, doing laps at a pool, or even following workout videos at home, it works! I know that a walk/run at a park really helps me think and feel better about myself when I finish.
Suggestions
Vixen Workout - Intense hip-hop cardio
Soul Cycle - Indoor spinning classes
5. Drink Hot Chocolate/ Tea
I know one thing is for sure, chocolate is a way to a person's heart, and what better way to enjoy chocolate than to drink it. I love enjoying it with either some marshmellows or whipped cream. Also, drinking tea is another way to relax/de-stress especially after a productive day.
I am making some hot chocolate right now as you read this. ;) loll
WHAT I DO!
You'll need:
Half a cup of milk / less than half of a "hot" cocoa packet /
mini marshmellows / hershey's chocolate drops
warm up the half a cup of milk in the microwave for one minute; next add the cocoa powder, stir.
Add your mini marshmellows + 2-3 hershey's chocolate drops
put back in the microwave for 15 seconds.
You're done :)
Thank me later. loll
Suggestions
Creamy Hot Cocoa recipe
DIY tea bags!
Thank you so much for stopping by, I hope all of these were helpful.
Also, I would love to know some ways you relieve stress in your daily life, leave your suggestions below.
Great thoughts! I love reading. That one always helps me.
ReplyDeleteHi there, thank you so much for stopping by :)
DeleteGlad you enjoyed it.
means alot
xo
Estephanie
Great list of reminders. Now if only I had more hours in the day! lol! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa...I agree..sometimes I do feel like there arent enough hrs in the day... thanks for stopping by :)
Deletexo
Estephanie
love these ideas!!
ReplyDeletethank you :) !!! Hope you try some of them out
Deletexo
-Estephanie
I like to snuggle up on the couch with a hot cup of cocoa to relax.
ReplyDeleteHi ! I do too..its the best..it totally relaxes me.
DeleteThanks for reading!
xo
Estephanie
Love these reminders! I am a bookworm so one of my favourite ways to destress is to settle down with a good book and nice cuppa. Bliss!
ReplyDeleteHi there !!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.... Thanks so much for reading :)
DeleteXo
Estephanie
Great tips! I live in FL, too!
ReplyDeletehttp://mommygonetropical.com
Hi Elizabeth!
DeleteI am glad you think so!!
ohh thats cool...I love livin in fl :)
xo
Estephanie
I go to a painting class every couple months... Wish I could go more! It is very relaxing!
ReplyDeleteHi Sheena !
DeleteI must agree...it is so relaxing and so much fun
I have gone twice...but I will be going back soon <3
xo
Estephanie
Painting classes are so fun!! Definitely a good way to destress and refocus energy.
ReplyDeleteYes its so true ! SOmething so simple can really makes all the difference and make you feel good ! :)))
Deletexo
Estephanie
Great tips on relieving stress. My favorite is exercise. :)
ReplyDeleteHi !
Deletethank you so much ! That is a good one...
I have to work on that one lol...I have to try to exercise more!
Any suggestions?! :)
xo
Estephanie
I love these ideas! Although stress is definitely inevitable, it's great to know that there are some easy-to-find ways to keep it from becoming too much to stand. :)
ReplyDeleteHi :) I'm glad you enjoyed them...and it is true stress is inevitable but it is comforting to know we have ways to make it go away for a bit
Deletexo
Estephanie
These are great ideas! I'm not a painter but my friend taught me how to knit years ago and that's where I get my meditative creative outlet. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen ! :)
Deletethanks for stopping by...I am by no means a painter myself haha..but it is fun to try something new...and thats great! I've never tried knitting...sounds peaceful :)
xo
estephanie
Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for stopping by! :)
Deletexo
Estephanie
Love this! I actually finger paint when I'm stress...yes, I'm an adult, I promise :P It's such a great way to relax and get back to your stress-free kid self :)
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole!
DeleteI must agree...its nice to feel "like a kid"
I feel sometimrs that I am still a kid at heart <3
And painting is such a great way to relive those moments :)
xo
Estephanie
Exercising always works for me. It's a quick way to get it all out of your system.
ReplyDeleteHi there !
DeleteThats good to know ! I must incorporate it more into my daily life...
I need to work on that ! What type of exercise do you do?
xo
Estephanie
Painitng is my favorite way to relieve stress!
ReplyDeleteHi Brittany,
DeleteIts one of my favorite ways too ! :)
It makes me happy and its nice to create something you feel proud of :)
xo
Estephanie
I so love painting. I have painted few in the past. your post made me pick up the brush again. thanks for that :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Nimi! I am so happy to read that :)
DeleteI'm actually trying to paint myself once in a while, its actually quite fun and clears my mind. <3
xo
Estephanie
Love painting and visiting new places! Great post! Blessings
ReplyDeleteThank you !!!
DeleteI love discovering new places..especially where I live :)
xo
Estephanie
These are all great suggestions! I've definitely done all of these things to relieve stress!
ReplyDeleteHi Tess !
DeleteWhich one is your favorite?! :)
Mine is painting.
xo
Estephanie
All great suggestions - and I loved 'The Girl on the Train'. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane !
DeleteMe too..such a great book, I really enjoyed it.
xo
Estephanie
I just signed up for a painting and wine class. I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteYayyy ! thats great :)
DeleteYou will really enjoy it <3
its so much fun
xo
Estephanie
Well hello fellow Miamian! I love doing all the things you just listed, and they really do help reduce stress. Great job listing locations were we can follow through.
ReplyDeleteHi Tricia :)
Deletethanks for reading <3
Yes...let me know if you check out any locations ;)
xo
Estephanie
These are great tips. I started exercising and boy has it helped with stress!
ReplyDeletethats awesome Mimi..what type of exercises do you do?
Deletethanks for reading !!! <3
xo
Estephanie
I like to take a hot shower and then snuggle up on the couch with something hot to each. I also like having my hubby rub my shoulders, which helps relieve some stress for me.
ReplyDeleteHi ! Thanks for sharing :) those are great ways... taking hot showers are the best ! haha and massages are the best..i love when my bf rubs my feet lol :)
Deletexo
Estephanie