Sunday Seven #403

Just relax!

They’re two of the most annoying words on the planet when you’re having the slightest bit of anxiety or when you’re a workaholic and want to get a task done once and for all.

It’s important, of course, that we actually do make time to relax. But some of the ways others relax just don’t do it for me, and I’m sure that applies to everyone.

So this week, I thought I’d include some ways that make me more aggravated than relaxed, either because of the physical strength required (like virtually any kind of sport or because of the general slow pace (impatience and relaxation are sometimes a lousy mix).

7 Ways of Relaxing That Don’t Make Me Relax

1. Walking

Taking a walk may be fine for exercise, but it doesn’t really relax me. I tend to think more when I walk, so I come back from a walk fired up with more ideas I feel the need to act on sooner. (That’s not a bad thing, mind you, but it’s just not relaxing.)

2. Fishing

A lot of my relatives love to fish. Sitting in a boat (or on the shore) for hours at a time waiting for a nibble absolutely does not do it for me.

3. Reading

Reading isn’t relaxing for me because of my short attention span. I find myself having to wage war to keep my attention focused on what I’m reading, so unless it’s really engaging material, it’s more of a struggle than pleasure.

4. Swimming

If I were a great swimmer, maybe.

5. De-Clutter/Clean

Only in the sense that I’m more relaxed after the work is done, this could work. But the process of cleaning itself drives me crazy because I’m constantly getting more and more frustrated at the packrat in me as I clean up after it.

6. Look for Local Events

I’m much more comfortable (and thereby, relaxed) at home than out and about in a crowd.

7. Have a Games Night

More social stuff? With a steady stream of competition added for good measure? This is relaxing?

Which great ideas for relaxing tend to do the least toward actually helping you relax? Sound off in a comment below!