1. Meditate. This is one of the simplest ways of relaxation you have at your disposal… and it can be done almost anywhere. The easiest way to meditate is just to focus on an object and keep your attention on it. You could also focus on noticing the sounds in the environment around you or focus on your breath. The point of meditation is to take your attention off of your thoughts and focus instead on the present moment, your own body and the things going on around you.

2. Play with your children or pets. This will not just relax you, but show your children and pets that you love and appreciate them as well.

3. Take a bath. There is nothing like a little quiet time to yourself to help you relax at the end of a long day.

4. Have a girls or guys night out with your friends. It is very easy to get absorbed in the never ending cycle of work and responsibilities, but from time to time you need to get out and enjoy life as well. Setting aside a night from time to time where you can get out of the daily grind and enjoy yourself is EXTREMELY important and can help you to remember what really matters in life.

5. Exercise. It doesn’t matter what kind of exercise you do, just pick something that is enjoyable for you and fits into your lifestyle. Exercise is a great way to not only relax, but improve your health and mood as well.

6. Spend quality time with your family. Take time out to do fun things with your loved ones. Plan a vacation, go pick apples in the fall, go sledding, go to the beach together, plan a picnic or a barbeque, watch fireworks… you get the idea.

7. Do something creative. Whether you write a song, paint, take photos, knit, scrapbook, dance, garden, write or even just decorate a room in your house, expressing yourself creatively is a great way to relax.

8. Take a nap. Sometimes lack of sleep can make us even more irritable and stressed than we would have otherwise been. If you can, try taking a nap or at the very least, get to bed early to catch up on your sleep.

9. Reiki. This Japanese relaxation technique is a great way to relax and refresh yourself. It can be done either in person with your practitioner or for those of you with very busy schedules it can be done via distance as well. To try Reiki for free, visit Virtuality Studio Reiki and Meditation .

10. Spend some time in nature. Whether you just hang out in your backyard, head out to the beach or for a hike through the forest, being outside in nature is a great way to relax, unwind and ground yourself.

Disclaimer: this article is intended for inspirational purposes only and the techniques and ideas described herein are not to be used as a substitute for professional medical or psychological treatment or without prior consultation with, approval of, and under the supervision of your physician or therapist. Application of the information, techniques and ideas in this article is at the sole risk and discretion of the reader.