10 Relaxing Ways to Celebrate National Relaxation Day

Today is National Relaxation Day! Everyone has the day off of work, right? Well, in case you don’t, I think it’s reasonable to move the relaxing festivities to the weekend. A holiday that only has one tradition—calmness—is definitely worth celebrating. So, in light of National Relaxation Day, we’ve compiled a list of some feel-good things to do, some ways to unwind, and some ways to do absolutely nothing. Because doing nothing is sometimes better than doing something.

1. Take a nap on the Feel Seating System Deluxe.

This interchangeable chair/bed allows you to feel feelings of relaxation—and any other feelings you feel like feeling. According to the website, it’s “made of 120 soft and extremely pleasant balls,” and can be yours for $7,950. Obviously that’s a hefty price to pay for a nap, but to some people, naps are worth it.

2. Get a water massage.

If you happen to find yourself at the mall or the airport on National Relaxation Day, take a 10-minute (or more) break and get a water massage. It’s a full body acupressure massage with water, except you don’t get wet, and you don’t need to take off your clothes (because that wouldn’t be super fun to do in the middle of the mall). It’s a cool feeling and worth trying at least once.

3. Take a bath.

Light some candles, play some soft music, add some bubbles, and just relax. Taking a bath can relax your muscles, calm your mind, moisturize your parts that need moisturizing, and stimulate circulation.

4. Take the day off from technology.

Shut down your computer, turn off the TV, and turn off your phone. This may seem dramatic and dangerous, but National Relaxation Day makes it legal and acceptable to shut down. (OK, if you don’t want to lose your job, you might want to wait until Saturday.) You may go through withdrawals for a few minutes, but it’ll eventually feel good. Give yourself a break from information and other people’s opinions. After you finish reading this listicle, of course.

5. Eat a piece of lemon meringue pie. 

Today is also National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, so might as well celebrate both holidays at once!

6. Read a book in a hammock.

If you have a hammock, or know someone who has a hammock, go to it. Bring a book and just lay. Hammocks are nature’s way of saying, “Lay in me, but you don’t need to touch me if you don’t want to.”

7. Eat some citrus fruit.

According to an article published in Psychology Today, vitamin C helps reduce physical and psychological stress. Even just smelling acidic fruit can reduce stress. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re refreshing and delicious.

8. Do an outdoor activity you haven’t done in a while.

Maybe it’s as simple as going for a bike ride. Or if you live by water, go paddle-boarding or kayaking. Or break out your old roller blades (and helmet). Or throw a baseball around. Or take your dog to the park. Or go for a hike. Or do all of these things! Or none of them. Whatever you want. It’s your day.

9. Order in.

The last thing most people want to do on a day of relaxation is worry about cooking (unless cooking de-stresses you, in which case, cook). So, if you order in, you won’t need to worry about buying groceries to cook, cooking the groceries and then cleaning up. It’ll give you more time to just relax.

10. Hang out with your BFF.

There’s no de-stresser like hang out time with BFFs.

Now who do we talk to about making National Relaxation Day every day?

Featured images via TumblrCrushableGiphyAnimicausa, WikipediaGreenlaunches, Shutterstock, Villageinn, Shutterstock, NYcityeats, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock

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