“The time to relax is when you have no time for it”. And there’s nothing like a hefty dose of stress to make you realize that you need to learn to relax. For some adults, the primary mode of relaxing may be to grab a drink. But, what if you’re having a dry January or just want to avoid alcohol? To help you through, I’m sharing 100 tips on how to relax without alcohol.
According to a recent study, there has been a demand in non-alcohol beverages has increased over the last few months. And with National Sober Day on the horizon, there are more than a few reasons that some people want to find alternatives to alcohol. Feel free to use these tips to your advantage and share with your friends and family too.
1. Have a cup of tea
Sipping tea is incredibly relaxing. To get the most benefit from your next cup, try a brew of chamomile and lavender. Avoid caffeine.
2. Take a nature walk
This can be just outside your house or miles away. Staying connected to nature is incredibly relaxing.
3. Enjoy a foot soak
Start with water that’s as hot as you can stand it. Adding a few scoops of Epsom salt will do wonders for weary feet, mind and body.
4. Diffuse a blend of ylang ylang and lavender oils
I dare you to try not to relax after diffusing this blend (two drops of ylang ylang and three drops of lavender oil). This diffuser does the trick.
5. Color in an adult coloring book
There are so many options to choose from. Try being tense while coloring. It’s just not possible.
6. Stream Kindred the Family Soul
Of course, you can stream any type of relaxing music you like. But, listening to this duo sing always relaxes me.
7. Take off your shoes and go grounding outdoors
Have you ever been grounding or earthing? Grounding is taking off your shoes and walking on the earth with no shoes. The electromagnetic energy from the earth connects with the body and is touted with a ton of health benefits.
8. Get on a swing
The gentle sway will relax even the most tense.
9. Have lunch outside
Good food and nature belong together. Why do you think that picnics were invented?
10. Do some yoga poses
Don’t fret. We all have to start somewhere and yoga has been around for at least 5,000 years.
11. Work on a puzzle
Bigger is not always better, so get the size and difficulty that works for you.
12. Take RidgeCrest Anxiety Free Stress Free Complex
Holistic and natural herbs and botanicals in this stress free formula helps to reduce tension and natural eases stress away. You can thank ingredients like ashwagandha, lemon balm, passion flower herb and more for the relaxing properties. You really can.
13. Take a drive
Obviously, avoiding highways and major roadways are going to be key here. Take the country route and put the windows down.
14. Try a mocktail
There are some delicious non-alcoholic beverages recipes out there. Here are a some of the most popular around here:
Summer-thyme blueberry lemonade
15. Take a warm shower
Warm showers are relaxing and cold showers are energizing. So warm things up a bit and don’t forget to spray some lavender essentials oils in direction of the steam.
16. Meditate
There are lots of options for meditation apps to get started if you don’t know where to begin.
17. Grab a handful of almonds
Yes, almonds are chocked full of fiber but. do you know what else they have? Magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that is not only responsible for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body but, it improves sleep quality and is pretty awesome for relaxation too.
18. Light a scented candle
When purchasing candles, avoid petroleum based brands. Stick with 100% plant or soy based candles that use toxin free fragrances.
19. Bake something healthy and good
Why do you think that they call it stress baking? But, make sure you bake something healthy like these grain free banana chocolate chip muffins though.
20. Take a bike ride
Find a nearby trail and then hit the road.
21. Paint your nails
It’s like color therapy and spa therapy all wrapped up in one.
22. Get a foot massage
There are not too many things that are more relaxing than a foot massage. Of course, you can use your hands but, investing in a foot massager can be more effective and relaxing as well.
23. Read a few pages of your favorite book or magazine
Hopefully you’re not picking up an action thriller because that would defeat the purpose.
24. Make a photobook
Don’t let fond memories die in your phone. There are lots of creative companies that will allow you to put together a photobook quickly and get creative. Scrapbooks are also fun, but require a bit more time to complete.
25. Dance
For this to work choose whatever style of dance that works for you.
26. Watch cat videos
Why do you think that cat videos are so popular? Not only are they relaxing but, they’re cute and funny to watch.
27. Take an Epsom salt bath
Pour some Epsom salt into running warm water to draw a relaxing bath. This works incredible well right before bed.
28. Have a hot cup of soup or bone broth
Soup is comfort in a bowl. Feasting on broth is not only satisfying but, delicious too. Here are some soup and bone broth ideas, if you want to know where to start.
29. Get lost in play with your kids
There are so many games to play yet so little time.
30. Blow bubbles
Bubbles are magic. Try some.
31. Make time for a mini facial
You can make your own facials at home, pick up one from the store or splurge by going to the spa.
32. Exercise
When you exercise your body releases feel-good endorphins that improve mood, help you feel good and relax.
33. Call a friend
I do mean a phone call. No texting this time. Choose the person you call wisely.
34. Squeeze a stress ball
These things are amazing.
35. Turn off your phone
You know why this works. Cell phones are wonderful and stressful all at the same time. Unfortunately, many people get caught up in the madness all day everyday.
36. Wrap yourself in an infrared sauna blanket
The benefits of sauna blankets are many. These include relaxation and stress reduction.
37. Turn on YouTube and draw something
You can draw something on your own or turn on “YouTube University”. Drawing is incredibly relaxing.
38. Play in a sandbox or go to the beach
Don’t worry, you don’t need an actual sandbox. You can buy a kinetic sand kit for indoors or head to the beach and relax in the most relaxing sandbox ever.
39. Water your plants
Yet, another reason you should have indoor plants. By the way, fiddle leaf figs are absolutely amazing.
40. Go for a swim
Swimming is not only relaxing, it’s a great form of exercise too.
41. Watch old cartoons
Nostalgia for the win. Did someone say Bugs Bunny?
42. Play with playdough
Squeeze it between your fingers or get creative.
43. Watch a makeup tutorial
There are so many great makeup artists out there with thriving YouTube channels. It may sound weird but, it works.
44. Do some stretches
In the morning, at bedtime and any point of the day.
45. Watch a funny movie
Hello Airplane! Such a classic.
46. Listen to nature sounds (birds, rain, streams)
It’s nature’s music.
47. Knit
If you know how, go at it. If you don’t, you can learn.
48. Be intimate with your partner
No explanation needed.
49. Watch the sunrise
If you’re not an early riser, make sure you get enough sleep to make this work or it could back fire on you.
50. Watch the sunset
Such a beautiful sight.
51. Tend to your garden
Getting lost in garden work can be so relaxing.
52. Walk the dog
A good reason to walk your own dog or offer to walk someone else’s.
53. Plan a trip
Travel is not always possible but, at least you can plan your next getaway.
54. Pray
When you know that the One above has your back, it’s easier to relax.
55. Listen to classical music
Check out Kanneh Mason if you’d like a more modern approach to classical music.
56. Buy yourself some flowers
How can you look at flowers and not feel a sense of calm?
57. Get a good night’s rest
Adults should be getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. So rest up. If you’re having issues try Dream Time Zen.
58. Watch a lava lamp
Lava lamps not only add a bit of design flare but, they are pretty to look at.
59. Let the sun hit your bare skin
Low vitamin D levels have been associated with everything from sadness, depression and hopelessness. So basically, being cooped up in your house for the sake of immunity is costing you your sense of peace. Get outside!
60. Play an instrument
If you don’t play an instrument, please see number 55.
61. Journal
Write down your thoughts, your dreams, observations or whatever. Anything goes. Well except, “to do” lists. “To do lists” are not typically relaxing.
62. Use cooking lavender in your food
Just a quick note to make sure that you’re using culinary lavender that can safely be used for cooking.
63. Get off social media
Surely, this one needs no explanation right? Set limits and timers on social media platforms and come back later. See how you feel.
64. Blend some fresh beet juice
Swap the coffee and caffeinated drinks for fresh beet juice instead. Beets contain nitrates which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. This helps to lower blood pressure hence facilitating relaxation.
Here’s a delicious beet, apple and carrot juice to try.
65. Snooze the news
Staying informed is one thing. Staying sucked all day, everyday is another. Put limits on your time.
66. Paint something
I’m not sure who came up with the idea of painting rocks but it works and it’s incredible therapeutic. This activity is relaxing for kids and kids at heart.
67. Try acupuncture
Acupuncture is the ancient practice of inserting thin needles at different meridians in the body for wellness and healing. It’s been said that acupuncture is incredibly relaxing.
68. Draw a bath
Block at least 15 minutes in your day and jump in. Don’t forget those essential oils too.
69. Give yourself a scalp massage
What’s not to love about a scalp massage? You can use your hands or get a fancy tool like this.
70. Deep breathing
Deep breathing is an easy exercise that you can do from anywhere. The point is to take a deep inhale through the nose as your belly swells and exhale through the mouth while your stomach slowly flattens. If you’re ever in a situation where you need to get calm quickly, just give it a try. Read: How to Deep Breathe
71. Leave the phone in your car
You’ll never know how relaxing not having your cell phone on you is until you leave your phone in the car. You’ll never realize how addicted you are to your phone until you leave your phone in your car.
72. Turn the lights down low
Bright lights stimulate while dim lights tend to relax moods.
73. Make your own spa water
All you need is some cool water, cucumbers and any herbs you choose.
74. Swap cologne for essential oils
We’re back on essential oils again because they work. You just can’t escape.
75. Get adjusted at the chiropractor
Please don’t knock it, until you try it.
76. Hang out in a hammock
This goes without saying right? That’s what hammocks were made for.
77. Visit a park
Visit an actual park with trees and grass not a theme park. Theme parks tend to me more exhilarating than relaxing.
78. Jump on a trampoline
While it may seem counter-productive, jumping on a trampoline is actually relaxing as the action of jumping leads to decreased cortisone and improved sleep.
79. Enjoy a bowl of homemade applesauce
Make it homemade. Applesauce is comfort in a bowl. Try this homemade applesauce recipe.
80. Play a game of solitaire
Use real cards too.
81. Elevate your feet
The action of putting your feet up helps calm the mind and aids the body in relaxing.
82. Try some dark chocolate
Yay for chocolate! Research shows that people that eat dark chocolate, have lower levels of stress. If you’re having a chocolate bar, limit this indulgence to two squares of 70% dark chocolate per day.
You can also try a cup of this delicious chocolate flaxseed pudding.
83. Take a whiff of vanilla extract
The aroma alone is enough to make you melt.
84. Read a devotional
The very things that people read are linked with invoking anxiety and fear. Put it down, and reach for a devotional instead.
85. Visit a farmers market or open air market
It’s scientifically impossible to see fresh fruits and vegetables in an open air market and not experience relaxation.
86. Put on a fluffy robe
If you don’t have a fluffy white robe, you ought to fix that right now. Buy a fluffy white robe.
87. Go bird watching
When going bird watching you’ll need a pair of binoculars to go with too.
88. Pick up your camera and photograph nature (flowers/animals/plants/food)
You don’t have to be a professional to make this work. Just photograph a subject that can’t talk back.
89. Explore origami
Even a novice won’t be overwhelmed when making this beautiful paper butterfly.
90. Go star gazing
Watching the sky light up at night is a feast for the eyes and the soul. If you’re fortunate enough to see stars at night where you live, take advantage. If not, head out to the country to go star gazing soon.
92. Go for a bike ride
There is something absolutely freeing about bike riding. If you haven’t been on a bike lately, it’s time to change that.
93. Write down a “to do” list
It’s hard to relax when you have so many things on your mind. So put those things on paper and let your mind roam freely.
94. Watch water flow
There’s something very therapeutic about observing moving water. Whether it is a waterfall, a stream or a filling tub, keep your eyes on the water and feel the tension release.
95. Create a spa experience at home
Whether you’re just avoiding the spa right now or saving your coins, there are things you can so to enjoy a relaxing spa experience at home. Read this post to find out more: 4 Budget Friendly Products for a Spa Experience at Home
96. Sit in front of a fire
A wood burning fire is ideal but, if you don’t have access to one a gas fireplace or stick on incense will do just fine.
97. Sudoku
Mind games work wonders for relaxation. Online games can be addicting so stick to the paper and pencil variety.
98. Take a Nap
Research has shown that as little as a 30 minute nap can give you what you need.
99. Detox
Some people have a hard time relaxing and they have no idea why. It turns out that genetics and body chemistry may have something to do with it. If your body has a hard time breaking down or excreting certain hormones and end products, they can end up wreaking havoc on your ability to relax.
That’s where detox comes in. Breathwork, sweating and waste excretion are some ways to relax. Cilantro can help if you’re having issues with heavy metals.
Talk to a natural health practioner or naturopath about exploring detox. Make my cilantro detox juice.
100. Limit Artificial Blue Night
Artificial blue light can be devastating to relaxation. Limit it by installing blue light apps on your phones and desktop, investing in blue light glasses and RidgeCrest Herbals EssentialEyes.
Parents are juggling back to school, work from home, the loss of loved ones and so much more. In the midst of it all, I hope that these tips help you learn how to relax without alcohol.
Here are some naturally non-alcoholic beverages that you may like:
If you’d like to read more posts like this, read this: How to Stay Positive When Bad Things Keep Happening.
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