Relaxing Experiences

oh and one more – i looove Shavasana at the end of yoga class. when we cover up with a blanket, it makes me feel like a child in preschool during naptime.

i love this so much. i have to say, i have hit upon another one (and i am in this situation this very moment). going to a required meeting as a marginal attendee. i have to be here, the discussions don’t involve me so much, and i have my laptop as needed. we are in a large conference room overlooking the water and the NY skyline. this is absolutely relaxing to me.

She’s so right! I’ve come to appreciate a good head massage, and have discovered the quiet contemplation of the garden section of Home Depot…

So many times I’ve stood in the bathroom (bathroom to us Aussies, restroom to you guys in the good ole US of A). Stood and gathered myself. Pre-interview. Post-interview. Bad news. Good news. There’s something about the mirror and looking at yourself as you react to the situation you’re preparing for or reacting to. Its like there’s another whole person there with you.

I couldn’t agree more with the scalp massage and wandering through the quiet isles of the library, perusing books all alone. Also, when you talk to a friend with a soothing voice or lovely accent.

Floating on my back in water, with my ears submerged and my face in the sun

Walking in the forest. Looking and listening to the sea.

Having a quiet wander around a really good stationery shop, smelling the paper, trying out the fountain pens. Material and sewing supplies shops do it for me as well, you slow right down so you can fondle the textiles and ribbons, look at the buttons………all that good stuff.

I used to think getting my hair shampooed was relaxing… until I learned about beauty parlor stroke syndrome. (Your life may be better if you don’t google it.) Now I am straight up terrified the entire time.

The fear of other people intruding on the first 4 moments or trying to make small talk ruin the relaxation aspect for me (introvert anxiety problems!). Totally on board with the moments before an appointment where I only need to read magazines though — especially since having kids!

Smelling candles in a store. I used to do this when I was stressed out in college. But also whole heartedly agree with the shampoo.

Yes, to squishing yarn! I don’t even knit but will go into yarn stores to touch them and squish them. I have to do every one. I think the colours help and just knowing that knitting relaxes people in general. I just relax by osmosis. so good.

Love this. My all-time favorite (though doesn’t last long enough) – is going through the carwash. Something about being in this cocoon while all these whirly brushes are scrubbing and water and suds are flowing…

These are spot on! It’s like she knows me.

I second that whimsical loops one.

Hair wash at the salon is the besstttt. Another favorite relaxing experience: a Saturday morning stroll around the neighborhood while listening to a podcast :)

Wandering through the aisles at the library. Better than a spa by far.

For me the title would be Reminiscing about the Most Relaxing Experiences.

The only one I can still relate to is the pre-haircut shampoo. The remaining items all involve children now. I can’t wait to pee in a public restroom again when my children aren’t constantly opening the stall door (sorry world!).

Oh, mostly definitely agree with the shampoo before a cut. Really, haircuts in general are always relaxing; although, I feel badly if I don’t offer some kind of chitchat with my hair stylist.

I love wandering around antique malls; the kind that have different booths with different vendors. My husband and I will stop by our favorite tea shop to get a cup to go, and then head over to the mall to browse. I don’t even need to buy anything; I just love to look at everything. My husband goes for the old books and vinyl.

I also find botanical gardens very relaxing. I make a point of visiting the nearest one anytime I visit a new city. My current city, Louisville, KY, had broken ground on our very first botanical garden, and I cannot wait!

In Toronto, there are two stations for the same interchange. The majority of people change at the later one, because it doesn’t involve walking. I change at the earlier one because it gives me a nice little stroll between the two subway lines and virtually guarantees me a seat so I can zone out like Mari.

I would add to this list, getting full service at a clothing store. I recently went shopping for maternity wear and having someone bring me different styles and sizes and focus on my needs in that moment made the experience completely zen. They even brought me seltzer with some lemon in it (am I the only one who gets exhausted trying on clothes?)

The pre-haircut shampoo is one of my most favorite things ever. My stylist does a great mini scalp and neck massage during the conditioner application, and by the time she rinses it out I feel like a new person.
Things I would add to the list include squishing yarn and wools at knitting shops, watching cookies bake, and closing my eyes and letting a piece of chocolate (preferably dark) melt in my mouth.

Lovely and SO relatable, as always! Love Mari.

The escape to the restroom is one of my favorites — whether I’m at a movie theater or a fun restaurant, I’ve always loved taking a minute to go to the restroom, haha! Stepping away from the meal at the table or story on the screen for a moment brings me into a happy awareness of and contentment in the experience I’m having there. Plus, many restaurants these have the most beautiful wallpaper, tiled floors, candles, towels, etc.!

I adore this! One of my relaxing moments is just sitting on a bench and people watching. Last weekend, I took myself on a solo date, picked up a pressed freeze (even though it was 40 degrees out), and sat on a bench for half hour. It was wonderful

Listening to strangers’ pleasant idle chatter, i.e. on public transportation, hair salons, etc.

My old salon had a massage chair you sat in while they washed your hair, and the receptionist gave you a hand massage at some point during your cut. Hands down the #1 reason I’m sad I moved away is that haircut experience…brb going to cry now.