7 Ways to Relax Once You Put Your Laptop Away

<strong><span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;">1. Take a Walk</span></strong>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lace up your sneakers and head outside to get a much-needed dose of fresh air and vitamin D. </span></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><strong>2. Play Relaxing Tunes</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Turn off your workday by turning on </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6gCC8kozvUlLGTzl2YO2MR"><span style="font-weight: 400;">the most relaxing playlist in the world</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. This Spotify playlist is the perfect way to unwind after a long stint on your computer. To create a spa-like mood, light a scented candle, dim the lights, and turn off your notifications.</span></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><strong>3. Create Art</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s easy to confuse relaxation with distraction. Creating art is a mindful activity that can help you relax your mind — not distract it. This list of </span><a href="https://mymodernmet.com/relaxing-art-therapy-projects/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">six therapeutic art projects</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is the perfect place to find your inspiration.</span></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><strong>4. Meditate</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Meditation is another mindful activity that can help you relax and reduce anxiety, but independent mediation can be challenging. Not to worry, ease into it with the help of this list of </span><a href="https://www.psycom.net/mental-health-wellbeing/meditation-resources"><span style="font-weight: 400;">guided meditation resources</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, which offers recommendations for beginners, meditation music, apps and more.  </span></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><strong>5. Write It Down</strong></span>

<p><span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">After all that typing and clicking, it can feel downright novel to put pen to paper. When your day is done, try journaling as a way to articulate how you’re feeling and signal to your brain that work is over. Not sure where to begin? These </span><a href="https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog/10-quick-journal-prompts-to-calm-your-mind"><span style="font-weight: 400;">10 simple journaling prompts</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> take the stress out of staring at a blank page. Whew!</span></span></p>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><strong>6. Grow Something</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: merriweather_lightregular; font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Did you know </span><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20522508/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">gardening is a natural stress reliever</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">? Whether you’re caring for a few potted indoor plants or a larger outdoor garden, getting your hands in the soil can improve your mood and reduce stress. Get started with the help of these </span><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/g32392629/gardening-apps/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">seven gardening apps</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></span>