10 Tips to Relax and Unwind

Get a Massage
Massage is the perfect way to relieve tension. Don’t forget to drink lots of water on the day of your treatment; toxins are released during a massage and water helps flush them out of your system.

Take a Yoga Class
Or better yet, sign up for a package of yoga classes. If you’ve never taken yoga before, choose a beginner class: The breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and postures will have you totally centered by the time you hear wedding bells. If you don’t have time for class, or if one isn’t offered in your area, try a yoga DVD like A.M. and P.M. Yoga for Beginners or The All-Day Yoga Workout: A.M., Stress Relief, and P.M. Yoga for Beginners. (Even though these aren’t the newest DVDs out there, they’re still definitely among the best — and bestsellers — for beginners).

Soak in the Tub
A nice, hot bath will relax your muscles and your mind. For optimal stress-quenching results, add a bath salt that’ll moisturize your skin and help you loosen up with a soothing scent. As long as you’re lying around in warm water, use a pumice on your feet and a loofah on your knees and elbows for extra polish. You’ll step out of the tub feeling completely refreshed.

Get Outside
When you need to clear your mind, there’s nothing like getting a breath of fresh air — literally! Take a brisk walk or jog outside — maybe some music, no cell phone, just you. You don’t have to get off the beaten path. Even a circuit around your neighborhood will work. Tune out what’s going on around you (but still watch out for traffic!) and concentrate on the rhythm of your strides. You’ll find yourself feeling pretty Zen in no time.

Read a Book
A good book can take you to another world for a while and give your scattered brain a rest.

Hit the Spa
Sign up for treatments that you love or have never tried before, and enjoy a day of total relaxing indulgence. If you’ve never had a facial before, book your appointment! A regular facial regime will leave your skin positively radiant.

Have Some H2O
When you’re feeling swamped, it’s totally natural to go for a caffeine fix. But coffee, soda, and energy drinks don’t just jack you up — they also dehydrate you, leaving you feeling even more worn out when the buzz wears off and you come crashing down later. Grab some water instead. If you’re properly hydrated, you’ll feel better overall — less fatigued, fewer aches and pains, plus your skin will glow. For a soothing sip, make yourself a spa-style pitcher: Spike ice water with slices of orange, lemon, or lime.

Call Home
Talking with the folks you love most will keep you feeling connected and sane.

Start a Journal
Journal the ideas and dreams racing through your mind right now, I am sure there are ones that you won’t want to forget. There are books specially targeted to guide you with pages that prompt you to document everything. But starting with a blank book is also wonderful and will encourage you to write in a stream-of-consciousness style.

Call In Sick
As naughty as it may seem, you deserve it. Use the day to get ahead on stuff that you’ve been putting off, or use it just to pamper yourself (see #1 to 9 above).

Resource: theknot.com