Say Hello to Headspace

Headspace is an online resource accessible by phone or computer that shows participants how to train their minds for a healthier, happier outlook. Take 10 is a free 10-day program where listeners can learn the basics of meditation in just 10 minutes a day. If you want to take things a step further, there is a subscribe option for even more guided and unguided exercises, ranging from two minutes to an hour in length. There are also SOS sessions to help listeners during those “meltdown moments.” Visit www.headspace.com to learn more.

Remodel & Rejuvenate

If you’ve ever found watching HGTV shows to be therapeutic, you’re not alone. It can be particularly relaxing to watch a cozy space take shape, but it’s even more fun to imagine it for yourself. There are loads of sites, apps, and downloadable software that allow you to virtually put together your dream patio, fantasy foyer, or ideal man cave.

Blackout the Stress

Blackout poetry is the practice of emphasizing words or phrases that you find appealing and blotting out the rest. What you get is a page mostly filled with blackness and a brand new poem—created from another written piece—that leaps out of the dark. You can turn any page of text into a beautiful blackout poem, but perhaps the most relaxing blackout poetry comes from turning a stressful written assignment or written project into something completely different. Visit http://newspaperblackout.com for some examples.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a useful tool for relaxing, especially when you’re stuck behind a desk most of the day. PMR is as simple as slowly tensing and relaxing certain muscle groups in a specific sequence in accordance with thoughtfully timed breathing. Start by breathing in and then tensing up a set of muscles as tightly as you can (but not so tight that it’s painful). Now, continue to clench that muscle group for 5 to 10 seconds. Once the time is up and you breathe back out, relax those muscles. Just when you think you can’t relax your muscles any further, attempt to relax them even more.