Relax & Share to Win One of 5 Cool Gadgets

I love to give my self a pedicure. While my feet soak in one of my big metal bowls, I read a book or a magazine. Then I give myself a message with a lotion that smells wonderful.

After everything is done for the day, the kitchen is clean and closed for the night, everything is prepped and ready for the next morning - I like to sit down with a cup of herbal tea and relax, usually with at least one if not two of my cats on my lap. When its bedtime I pop on the headphones and relax to some soothing music and /or binaural beats. Puts me to sleep in no time!

When iIget home from work, I put on my swimsuit and warm up in the sunshine. I think the warmth of the sun somehow revives me. If it's warm enough, I go for a quick swim which takes my mind off of the stress of the day.

Maybe it's odd, but I think giving your significant other a massage is as much a relaxing thing for you as it is for them! It doesn't have to be an hour long massage type-thing, even just a short foot or hand/arm massage is a relaxing process. And don't worry about if you are on a professional level or if you're doing it right, trust me, you are, especially if you feel a relaxation from the massage as well. Do what feels right to you, and gauranteed the will love it! If you're 'in the zone', they will be too. :)

I'm a graduate student, consultant working about 3/4 time, and researcher - so my plate is very full. I find it relaxing to go for a $30 tui na massage in my neighborhood in Brooklyn. This is something my partner/husband and I discovered years ago and boy does it make a difference in that tense shoulder where all my stress seems to go.

It's usually at the end of the day after everyone goes to bed. I like to get out my nail polish and manicure goodies and give my nails a pretty new coat of polish while I run my favorite shoes on DVR. I also enjoy curling up with a good book in the quiet while I sip on a cup of herbal tea with honey.

I have two: losing myself in a book for a bit before bed and going to kickboxing classes!

I have 2 favorite ways to relax after a hectic day. They both involve spending time with my animals. If cleaning out the horse stalls and getting to spend quiet time with my 3 horses doesn't do it, then a game of fetch and a nice walk with my two dogs will. Something about the quiet acceptance of my four legged friends that clears my mind and helps me relax. They don't judge or give me a hard time they just enjoy being in my company, and I in theirs.

We live across the street from a park, one of my favorite ways to unwind & disconnect is to sit on my front porch and listen to the "sound of the park" Nothing is better then listening to children laughing on the swings, the birds singing, or the sound of a football game to help me relax after a hard day.

After I know my youngest is in bed, and my two older ones are done with homework and lights are out, I sit down to the DVR and watch a comedy. There is nothing like a Comedy...Modern Family, for example, to destress your day. Laughing does the body good.

Since my "job" (full time homemaker) doesn't end until I go to bed (if things are calm!) I get most of my relaxation time after 7:30. I put my son to bed and then watch my favorite shows on tv. It's nice to be able to have an indulgent treat as well, since my son isn't there to want some at that time! :)

When I'm finally able to get into bed each night, I simply prop my pillow up against the headboard of the bed. With the lamp table on low, I simply sit and think for a short while, then know that tomorrow is another day, but for those few minutes I let it all 'drift away' and relax knowing that for the timebeing, I will be able to sleep and enjoy the 'resting' reprieve that I have for the nighttime hours.

During a very stressful time of my life with work and home life getting overwhelming, an unexpected wrong turn took me to a class on using mediation to unwind. It was a simple 15 minute class that has changed my life. I simple focus on relaxing starting with my toes and working my way up my body, I never seem to make it past my knees, before I am napping!

I like to grab a good book to read, sit outside and soak up the end of the day sunshine.

There is nothing better than reading a book (at least for me). I usually light a scented candle in the bedroom and hog the bed all to myself for a 1/2 hour or more. I just lie there and read and if thoughts start clogging my mind I let a few of them in, try to work them out then go back to reading until I feel completely relaxed. Most of the time I fall asleep!