A Little R&R Doesn’t Have to Cost an Arm and a Leg

You work hard for your money and at the end of a long work week, it’s natural that you’d want to blow off a little steam and do things that will help you relax. Very few people can go without some down time and nobody should have to.

The problem is so many of us are conditioned to think that we have to spend money to have fun and get pampered. We go for pricy massages or spa days or spend hundreds of dollars for good seats, beer and hot dogs at the ballgame.

Of course, a splurge every now and then is perfectly okay. After all, why work so hard if you never get to enjoy the money? However, an empty bank account is likely to stress you out so it’s in your best interests to find plenty of free ways to relax.

1. Take a walk. The exercise will help you release stress and stay healthy plus walking is a great way to clear your mind. Mix it up a little – take a walk in a wooded path in a park one day and the next walk around a city neighborhood. Be sure to take it all in and enjoy the sights and sounds.

2. Meditation. It’s free and it can make an enormous difference in your life. Thirty minutes of meditation a day can help lower your blood pressure and help you stay calm and centered even on the most frazzled days.

3. Take a Nap. Perhaps you haven’t taken a nap since your kindergarten days. If so, it’s time to get reacquainted with our friend, the nap. A fifteen minute snooze is enough to help you feel re-energized and ready to go.

4. Talk to a friend. Call them on the phone or visit them at their house or invite them over to yours. It can be particularly rewarding to look up old friends and catch up with what’s been going on since you last spoke.

5. Listen to Music. The right music can help you wind down or get revved up. One fun thing to do is ask your friends on Facebook to share new suggestions with you. This usually gets the conversation going and you can find a lot of great new music.

6. Read a Book. Your public library has books to borrow for free. There’s also nothing wrong with getting lost in an old favorite all over again.

7. Soak in a Hot Bath. Enjoy the soothing bubbles and just let yourself melt in the warm water. There is nothing like a hot bath to wash away what ails you.

8. Look at Old Photos. Relive old memories by dragging out all those old pictures. It’s always good for a lot of laughs and can spark some interesting conversations.

9. Play Board Games. Dust off the old favorites and enjoy some quality time with your family. It’s a good reminder that you don’t need technology to have fun.

10. Daydream. Spend some time visualizing your ideal future or making up stories in your head. Your mind needs time to wander and play and you might learn something new about your hopes and desires if you let your mind free.

The possibilities are endless. These are just 10 simple, free ways to relax and have fun. What are some of your favorite free or low cost activities that help you unwind or relieve stress?

Nicole Spencer offers ghostwriting services and enjoys writing about health and wellness.

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