With the end of summer nearing and the first day of school right around the corner, life is feeling a little hectic. Lucky for all of us, today is National Relaxation Day—making this weekend the perfect time to take a breather. Here are a few ways (aside from doing nothing at all) to relax and unwind this weekend:
Pamper yourself: One of the best ways to relax is by indulging in a little #selfcare. Treat yourself to a wine and face mask night or even create your own in-home spa day, and give your body and mind a little TLC.
Garden or buy a plant: Studies have shown that gardening and keeping plants in your home can reduce stress and anxiety, in addition to many other health benefits. Head over to Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville or Severna Park, or your local garden center, and pick out a few plants or flowers for your home. If you’re a horticulture newbie there are plenty of resources to help you get started, including these tips and tricks for easy and efficient gardening.
Attend a paint or art class: Art is a simple way to unwind and clear your mind, and it allows you to be as creative as you’d like. Muse Paintbar in in Annapolis Towne Centre and Wine & Design on West Street offer daily and nightly classes where you can paint and enjoy a glass of wine or beer.
This Saturday, August 17th, Maryland Hall is hosting a Foundations of Drawing Workshop from 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Registration is required, and is $70 for members and $95 for non-members. Click here for more information. On Sunday, August 18th, Maryland State Parks is hosting Paint Afternoon at Martinak State Park in Denton, 2–3 p.m. Guests can enjoy light refreshments and fresh air as they paint a blue crab. Entry is $15 per person. Instruction and supplies are included. Call or text 410-924-1529 to reserve a seat.
Read: Here’s a novel idea! Lose yourself in a fictional world or catch up on the latest fashion trends with your favorite book or magazine. Reading eases the tension in our muscles and lowers our heart rate. A 2009 study conducted by the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. Check out this article on the importance and pleasures of reading, and curl up under a tree or on the couch and enjoy some quiet reading time.
Cook: Cooking is a creative outlet, which can make it a great way to wind down and relax. Plus, the result is a delicious meal! Take some time to whip up your favorite meal this weekend. If you need a few kitchen pointers, check out our “Chefs Revealed,” featuring tips, tricks, and favorite recipes from local chefs.
You can further reap the benefits further by incorporating fresh and healthy ingredients into your meal, which has been shown to improve one’s mood. Stop by a local farmers’ market to grab everything you need. A few farmers’ markets open this weekend include AAMC, Anne Arundel County, Severna Park, Denton, Chestertown, St. Michaels, and Easton.
Get outside: Spending time can help reduce stress and increase happiness. Enjoy some time relaxing outdoors this weekend. Lounge on the sand at Sandy Point State Park or Matapeake Beach, or take a dip at a local pool, including the Truxtun Park Pool, Bay Hundred Community Pool, and George Murphy Pool. If you’re looking for a more active outdoor activity, check out our 2019 Hikes and Bikes guide. It’s filled with trails and parks throughout Maryland that are perfect for a hiking or biking excursion.
Practice yoga: It’s no secret that yoga has a ton of physical and mental benefits that can help put the mind and body at ease. Some studies show that practicing yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve heart health, and encourage relaxation.
Start your day with a yoga class at Severna Park Community Center on Saturday, August 17th, 8 a.m. The drop-in fee is $15 per person. Or, head to Pip Moyer Recreation Center for Vinyasa Yoga (9:30 a.m.) and Gentle Yoga (12 p.m.) on Friday, August 16th, Yin Yang Yoga on Saturday, August 17th, 9 a.m., and Vin/Yin Yoga on Sunday, August 18th, 10 a.m. Classes are $15 Annapolis residents and $19 for non-residents.
Keep it going: Relaxation isn’t just for National Relaxation Day. Try to put aside time for yourself daily to unwind and decompress. Click here for other ways to practice self-care.
