Relax & Share to Win One of 5 Cool Gadgets

Two or three evenings a week, I go for a evening walk around the country side near our home. This fall weather makes for a beautifully cool evening walk. I usually bring my German Shepherd girl dog along, she loves it too!

I sometimes going all day without even taking a moment to pull inward and just breathe. The best thing I do for myself every day is on my drive home. Rather than turn on the normal radio station, I put on classical music. I find that it's much easier to focus on relaxing when I'm not singing along or paying attention to lyrics. Just that 15 minute drive home really clears my brain and gives me that oomph I need.

I work full time and so does my husband. I have a home office and am out all day seeing clients. Computer in the office at home plus ipad work never seems to end. I like to get in the bath at night after everyone is in bed and read a magazine!

My favorite way to unwind is to take my bible and sit on the front porch by the pond. The relaxing sound of the water rippling combined with being outside in nature make the perfect setting for receiving the word. I feel like I'm in the garden.

My technique is sort of corny, but it works for me. I find a spot to just close my eyes and deeply breathe. In my head (or out loud depending) I simply say "in with the good (inhale), out with the bad (exhale)". It calms me.

I either go for a walk by myself or take a bath.

I find an hour a day to go to the gym. Exercizing at home is not the same- I can always find something I need to do there. At the gym no one is asking me for anything (or to do anything) and I can clear my head. It really helps me to relax and get out pent up anxiety.

I find an hour a day to go to the gym. Exercising at home is not the same- I can always find something I need to do there. At the gym no one is asking me for anything (or to do anything) and I can clear my head. It really helps me to relax and get out pent up anxiety.

I like progressive relaxation because it only takes a few minutes and you can do it after you've already settled down for the night, or really anytime. You start with your feet and work your way up. You tense each muscle group--hold it for 20-30 seconds and release. If it won't release, tense, and try again. When one muscle group has fully relaxed move up. It really works you feel like you're melting into your bed or the floor or wherever you are. It also quiets the mind.

I am a stay at home mom of two young children. By the end of the day, I am completely worn out. But there's always more on my to do list! On Sundays I make a HOPE TO DO list for the week. At the end of each day, I cross off all of the things I've accomplished. Believe it or not, this relaxes me. I usually watch a TV program with my husband, then do something special for myself whether it's doing a face scrub or mask, whitening my teeth, soaking in the tub, painting my nails or reading a good book. If I have a block of time to myself during the day, I love to garden! There is something about working in the soil, out in the fresh air that soothes me. I can clear my mind, which always seems to be racing. If I am really treating myself, I get a deep tissue massage with hot stones and essential oils. So rejuvenating!

Your article brought to mind just how precious a few moments to disconnect really are. As an older graduate student with a full time 40-hours-per-week job, I find very few "me" moments. When the stress builds up at work, however, I occasionally go outside and walk all the way around the building, at least once. I work on a college campus, so the surroundings are peaceful and eclectic, especially in the fall, so this little bit of fresh air (& exercise!), taken at a slightly leisurely pace, is just right. The sunlight, a few deep breaths, and release of thoughts, enables me to go back in refreshed and relaxed again.

I have to force myself to disconnect or I won't get to. My me time is defiantly after the kids go to bed, on my off day from work on Monday or on the weekends when I go to the "store" and leave the kids with my husband...LOL. I try to stick to a routine or I will miss out. I defiantly use aroma therapy and yoga. I love movies as well. The best method is just to breathe and enjoy the SILENCE. :)

My favorite way to relax is to garden! I know most people wouldn't find pulling weeds or mowing the lawn relaxing, but I love it.

When I get home from a busy day at work I am greeted at the door by Mango my 8 year old cat. She is full of stories of her day and is ready for a little love, and since I missed her so am I. One of her favorite things is for me to sit on the floor with her and cuddle with her in my lap. She forces me to unwind and most of all open my heart to loving her. What a better way to be welcomed home and to start the second part of my day. She makes my heart smile. Don't forget to love your pets, they are a gift.

One of the most relaxing things for me is to go outside in the sunshine and breath in some fresh air. We are so couped up all day and night that we really need fresh air to feel better.