As much as we love the holidays (and we do get a kick out of the glitz and glitter of December) sometimes we just want a break. All of the events, tasks, and expectations that accumulate around this time of year can be a little overwhelming. We’re wondering what you do to relax and get away from it all, if only briefly.
We personally love to zone out with a movie or, if the mood strikes us, a good cleaning session can make us feel more grounded and better able to tackle the next day’s tasks. If we have the time, we also love a cat nap.
Here are a few other ideas for relaxing at home from Apartment Therapy:
• 10 Ways to Chill Out at Home
• How to Destress
• 8 Tips to Stay Stress-Free This Holiday Season
• Cleaning as Meditation
• Cultivating Silence In Your Daily Routine
Photo: A (Relaxing) Home from an Ohio Trio / Amanda Johnston


Shaw's Original Fir...
Get drunk.
hahaha
champagne and a bath
When I really can't take it anymore, I pop in a Christmas episode from one of my favorite BBC comedies and laugh the stress away.
sleep in whenever i can!
Nap.
I'm reading through comments to find some suggestions. We're right in the middle of a major kitchen & bathroom renovation, writing exams, preparing for year end at work, dog-sitting & trying to fit christmas in as well. Normally I turn to alcohol for comfort but have no time for hang overs these days. Can't have a bubble bath because we're out of a bathroom, and can't sleep in or nap because there are always contractors in the house. Oh what to do!
Perhaps if you tried some meditation you wouldn't be so dependent on the booze.
Perhaps if you tried some meditation you wouldn't be so judgmental
I agree with gettingthere - mediation works better and you don't have to have a place to store it.
I usually sit down with a good book and my mp3 player - give me 20 mins and I'll feel much better.
Nothing beats swimming and reading at the beach. And this is from Sydney, Australia. =)
I'm having the 3rd Christmas here and now love the summer Christmas!
Friday evening in with a copy of Holiday Inn.
A walk.
Cocktails!
Where is that headboard from?
Reading and listening to Christmas Jazz.:)
A very loong walk through the neighborhood with my radio works wonders on the stress. so does grabbing the shovel and digging holes in the garden for compost, or an hour of laps in the pool.
cuddling.
I agree with LaLoca.
I don't! i always fly to my hometown for the holidays, so i never relax until i am back!!!
Stretching. Seriously. A good 15 minutes and i feel my adrenaline recede, my heart rate return to normal, and the tension from the knots eases up too. I get the most relief from stretching my hamstrings, obliques, neck and back.