Thread: Does anyone on here ever really relax?

Tweet

Ok so I should be in bed now but my mind is racing!!! My mind is always racing!! I realized the other day there is never a time where my mind isnt thinking about more than one thing, usually 10 or 20 things. Even when I am doing a so called relaxing task like a manicure, which is very rare I had a wedding to go to anyway as Im getting it I am thinking....hmmmm did my older son remember to pay for Grad Bash, Did the younger one remember to turn in his field trip money, I need to make sure this weekend I get the house treated for the summer ants, I have to repot that Hollyhock, what to make for dinner, when will hubby and I get another date, did I pay the water bill, and then all the work stuff. and of course all of the Halloween tasks that are on my mind...it goes on and on and on. I am wondering....does anyone else here have that problem and if so have they found a sollution for it.
My question is.....How does one truly relax, 100 percent relax?? I realize part of the reason is Im a woman and that is how our mind works but I am desperate and thought let me throw this out there to my forum peeps and see if anyone out there has a sollution for me

This is exactly what I tell my husband is going on in my head when he gets mad because I didn't hear/remember something HE told me! One other problem I have is always thinking about how things could go wrong...it is a constant pain in the butt to be this way...lol!

I've got news for you Spookilicious, its not just a "woman" thing. I have the same problem. I get my best ideas long after everyone else in my family goes to sleep and since I don't have net connection at home, I have to wait until morning to share in my revelations.

Girl, you've gotta learn to slow down!!! As I've gotten older I have learned that the world is not going to stop just because I'm not paying strict attention, and that in order to be really present for my family and friends I first have to take care of me. Of course, I no longer have young children, and don't have school schedules and such to contend with, and I remember what that was like!! But my job is very stressful (ER nurse) and on days off I have to have some down time. One of my favorite ways to unwind is by reading. Nothing shuts my brain off like total absorption in a great book. I also practice yoga, although not as regularly as I should.

And of course, logging on to HF and interacting with my Halloween family automatically lowers my blood pressure and makes me feel
R-E-L-A-X-E-D!!!!

I can relate. In fact, if I start to wake up in the middle of the night I know I'm in trouble. My mind will start thinking of things that need to be done and BAM! I now can't go back to sleep. Frustrating!

I have gotten better over the years though. Hooch is right on there. Having a job and kids plus house is already way too much on anyone's plate. I know some people who then start adding even more things and that seems like a recipe for insanity. So, you have to look at that plate and tell yourself that some things must come off of it. A simpler life is a happier life.

Because I can't shut off my constantly active head I channel it. The times I am truly relaxed and at peace is when I'm hobby making. I get to create, think and relax.

Here's another simple but surprisingly effective thing. iTunes! I put together different playlists and it's on during the during the day. I have a Beach/Vegas playlist that really lightens the mood. A Dance playlist that just that...dance music. I have many more and even a Halloween one (my current favorite).
Plus, wine helps

Thank you all for the advice Mhooch I think you are right I must learn to slow down however since right now as I am writing in this thread, I am thinking about what I will get done in the yard tomorrow, reminding myself I need to get a check ready for Mond for prom tickets for son, also thinking about districts for water polo, making sure the dogs nails get clipped, thinking about refinishing my wall unit, and maybe start on my halloween costume I dont think slowing down is going to happen any time soon However the wine might help Terra thought Im more of an apricot sour girl myself, yes that might actually help

Good to know I am not alone though

I do the same. I've keep a note pad by the bedside because usually things pop into my mind while almost falling asleep. It helps to write them down & let them go. Without the notepad, I used to repeat things in my head in hopes I'd remember them in the morning.

I have been training myself to let things go. Thinking about them is different than getting them done & does nothing but keep me away.

My favorite relaxation time is in the bath. I light a relaxing scented candle & just have time to myself.

I think it's a curse of creative people. I know I'm the same way. I'm always thinking of what to do next. Lists help me a lot.

But I do find time to relax. My wife is very good at helping me out with that. We watch tv or go for walks. It's nice. Any time my wife and I can spend together WITHOUT the little ones at our feet is wonderful.

Chill-ax, Spookymama, there's nothing wrong with a busy mind. In fact, it's healthy. I read, that's about the only time I can just completely let go. My daughter meditates, and swears by it, but that seems like a collossal waste of time to me. It seems like a ritual.