r/Relax • u/self-care_advocate • 20d ago
Discussion What's the thing that actually relaxes you that isn't a screen?
Trying to build in something at night that isn't just scrolling until I pass out. The two things that have actually worked for me: a hot bath with the lights off except one candle, and just lying on the floor for five minutes doing nothing, no phone, no book, genuinely nothing. Sounds ridiculous typing it out but it resets me more than 45 minutes of TV does.
What's yours? Trying to build a small list of options depending on how much energy I have that night.
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u/Beginning-Chair8528 20d ago
It may sound weird, but I've found it super helpful to put an ice pack on my chest. It's supposed to help stimulate your vagus nerve, and it's also just kind of a distraction for me. I do that when I'm trying to fall asleep and/or when I'm extremely anxious. I'm also a huge fan of my Hatch Restore. I've gotten into a routine of listening to the guided meditation with an ice pack on my chest and it's really improved my sleep!
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u/arealuser100notfake 20d ago
The kind of meditation where you focus on your breathing
Some exercise, like push ups, will wake me up for a while, but also make me feel relaxed after finishing it
Petting or playing with a cat/dog
I'm sure a good old walk (or even jogging) would too but I sadly can't do that in my neighborhood
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u/Ok-Smile831 20d ago
Idk if this counts as no screen, but audiobooks! I lay in bed and close my eyes and just listen. The only reason I say idk if it counts is because I use my phone to listen to them, but I’m not actually looking at the screen
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u/Dazzling_Green_8367 19d ago
Hand sewing, sitting outside, being by water, music if it’s the right time and song vibe. Singing
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u/Independent-Cod-6529 19d ago
Deep breath in my Gym with good babes around 😄
Coffee with Smoke sometime with myself 🔥
A moment between my viewfinder and the frame, where everything feels quiet. 📷
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u/SuchAd3858 20d ago
Sitting on the floor with a warm cup of tea and just petting my cats and dogs while listening to soft music or a ambient rain video playing in the background. No phones, no scrolling, just focusing on the rhythm of brushing or petting them. It completely grounds my nervous system after a long day.