Yeah I know that there may not be a single golden answer to this question (although it would be nice!), but what are some things that one can do to relax. I'd say I'm pretty relaxed and lay back most of the time, but occasionally I forget to sit back, hit pause and enjoy life like I usually do each day.

Do I need to listen to more Bob Marley? OK, maybe chill reggae music is not the answer, but seriously, how do you prevent yourself from getting all wrapped up in silly stuff that you will not remember the next day?

Life is good

Relaxing is such a key part to living and staying healthy- stress wrecks havoc on the immune system and your psychological well-being. I think the key to relaxing is to allow yourself to fully relax. Whatever it is you do, whether you curl up to a good book, drink lemonade in the shade, enjoy a massage, or watch rain drops fall, forget your headaches, give thanks for the blessings in your life, and allow yourself some peace, you deserve it.

Thanks xice10. That makes sense. You're right though - it's amazing how much not being able to relax can affect everything both physical and emotional. I guess you can't always control everything around you and sometimes you have to just sit back and enjoy the ride. Someone once told me that you cannot control which way the wind blows but you can control the direction of your sail.

Sometimes to relax, I need to completely break free from what I have been doing. So if I'm working - take a day off, or instead of going out on the weekend, I'll stay in and go to a coffee shop or read a book and then sleep in the next day. Music helps me also, but everyone is different. I like to listen to the nature sounds when I want to relax - either on a CD or just sit there outside or inside with the windows open

I have been real relaxed lately. I was looking back on this post and it made me realized how much has changed since I originally wrote. There are a few things that have contributed to my relaxed state:
1. I have been taking less work home.
2. A lot more exercise - just like xice10 said, staying healthy is so important to relaxing. It sounds funny saying that exercising has helped me relax, but it's true. I am more calm during the day when I exercise in the morning and I feel great. I'm training for a marathon and just finished a half marathon this weekend!!
3. Playing more music. This is one of the most enjoyable things for me. When I get home from work, I make an effort to get out of the work clothes and pick up the guitar before I get involved in anything else
4. Reading and writing.

What works for me, might not work for everyone, but it helps to stay healthy and do what you enjoy!