31 Relaxing Activities for Adults that Dramatically Relieve Stress

This post delves into 31 relaxing activities for adults. The curated list of activities is designed to help you effortlessly shake off stress and access a deep state of total relaxation.

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It’s no secret that in today’s world, most of us struggle with feeling stressed out. Between the demands of work, personal responsibilities, and the constant pings of computers and phones, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What we do have control over, if how we manage or stress on a day-to-day basis. 

We often associate the word relaxation with being lazy or not productive. However, relaxation, done, right has the power to transform our well-being. It’s the gateway to achieving a sense of inner peace. Engaging in activities that calm us down and allow for rejuvenation are imperative keeping stress at bay.

This post is all about 31 different activities that have been specially curated to leave you feeling a deep sense of relaxation and peacefulness. 

Understanding Stress and Its Effects

In order to manage stress, we must first understand it a bit better. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress is a state of worry and mental tension caused by difficult situations. It’s a natural response that prompts us to address threats in our daily lives. 

Most people think that stress only exists in the mind, but the truth is that it also affects our physical selves. It can cause all kinds of symptoms from headaches to muscle tension and fatigue. Living with stress in the long term can even lead to things like heart disease, strokes, and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Learning to manage stress is vital to both your physical and mental health. A few minutes a day of mindful relaxation can go a long way in helping to keep stress at bay.

How to Manage Stress

The first step in learning to manage stress is to start noticing it. It’s crucial to build awareness of your stress state and the triggers that bring it one. In doing so, you can empower yourself to address these challenges with targeted relaxation strategies. 

As you’re going about your everyday life start to ask yourself, “How am I feeling?” and give yourself a stress score on a scale of one to five. At first, that’s all you need to do, just learn to notice and take note.

Once you’ve established that habit, you can start trying out different relaxing activities. That’s where this list comes in. Test things out and see if they work for you. We’re all different and there’s no one size fits all solution. 

The Benefits of Stress Relief

Once you’ve mastered your relaxation routine, you’ll be surprised how much it affects your overall well-being. There are tons of proven benefits to living a lower-stress life such as:

• Better sleep
• Better mood
• More productive
• Better relationships

31 Relaxing Activities for Adults

This list of relaxing activities for adults is a curation of 31 ideas for how to access a deep state of total calm and peaceful relaxation in your everyday life. Everyone is different so test out different activities to see what works best for you. So here’s the list of relaxing activities for adults:

Mindfulness Activities

Of all the stress relief activities, mindfulness practices have gotten the most attention in recent years. Things like breathing exercises and meditation can have a profound impact on the brain releasing it from a constant state of threat. The trick to all of these activities is to focus on being in the present moment to promote a sense of relaxation and mental clarity.

1. Deep breathing exercises

Breathing plays a huge role in emotional and physiological health and it can be a powerful tool to help our bodies switch from a state of stress into a state of relaxation. Breathwork is simple and easy to learn and can yield profound results. 

RELATED POST: 7 Breathing Exercises to Unlock Calm in 5 Minutes or Less

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2. Guided meditation

Meditation seems to have become a bit of a  cure-all in the last couple of years. There are so many forms of meditation, but in essence, it’s the practice of focusing the mind and eliminating external distractions. If you’re new to meditation, we recommend trying out a guided meditation. There are tons of free apps and videos on YouTube if you want to give it a try.

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3. Journaling

Writing down your thoughts and feelings provides a profound emotional release. Sometimes we just don’t even realize what we’ve been holding onto and just getting it on the page has quite a stress-relieving effect. It works by helping you notice and process the stressors in your life and gain perspective which can lead to feelings of balance and calm.

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4. Gratitude practice

Focusing on gratitude shifts your focus towards positivity and away from negativity. It fosters a sense of abundance and contentment which can help us to let go of things stressing us out. The easiest way to practice gratitude is to set a time for one to five minutes and just write a stream-of-consciousness list of things you’re grateful for until the timer is up.

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5. Positive affirmations

Similar to practicing gratitude, speaking our positive affirmations encourages us to think about the positive rather than the negative. It’s proven that even speaking something out loud, whether we believe it or not, starts to shift our mindset.

RELATED POST: 37 Morning Affirmations for Positive Thinking [+ PDF Download]

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6. Read inspiring quotes

Inspirational quotes have the power to help you find words that resonate, uplift, and remind you of the incredible potential within you. Quotes have the remarkable ability to encapsulate profound thoughts and emotions in just a couple of words. They resonate with our inner wisdom which can alleviate stress and promote a sense of inner calm.

RELATED POST: The 83 Best Inspirational Movie Quotes To Lift Your Spirits

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7. Make a vision board

When we’re younger and still in school there are plenty of opportunities to make mood and vision boards but as we get older, we lose sight of these powerful practices. Grab a couple of magazines, a pair of scissors, and a board and get collaging. Just a small dose of inspiration can have a profoundly soothing effect.

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Creative Activities

When you think of relaxing activities for adults, creative projects may not be the first to come to mind. However, expressing yourself through these kinds of projects provides a therapeutic outlet for stress. Plus, they’re a great way to build new hobbies and find new passions. If you’re not sure where to start, Pinterest has tons of inspo for beginning projects.

8. Adult color books

Coloring books aren’t just for kids. Adult coloring books are filled with fantastic pictures giving you the space to express yourself through colors and designs. Coloring requires complete focus which diverts your mind from stressors. You can even get into a bit of a meditative state.

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9. Try knitting

Knitting is famous for being one of the most relaxing activities of all. The rhythmic, repetitive motion has a calming effect on the nervous system. If you don’t know how to knit, there are lots of simple beginner patterns available as well as knit-along YouTube videos. Plus, if you make this your new hobby you’ll have all your Christmas gifts covered.

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10. Crafting & DIY

Engaging in creative projects that require us to learn new skills provides us with a sense of accomplishment and confidence. Plus, it serves as a welcome distraction from stressors, creating a relaxing space for you to return to and tap into an inner sense of calm.

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11. Cooking

Many people say that cooking is their form of meditation. And it’s true, cooking can be an extremely therapeutic experience from chopping to sauteing. The cooking process involves all of your senses which pulls you into the present moment. It is also one of the best relaxing activities for couples.

RELATED POST: 11 Insanely Delicious Healthy Soup Recipes You Need To Try

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12. Baking

If you’re not much of a chef, perhaps you fancy yourself a baker. Similar to cooking, baking promotes relaxation through pulling you into the present moment by immersing all of your senses. A baking night in is an incredible idea for relaxing activities for adults.

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Physical Activities

You probably already know that an idle body can lead to a busy mind. Moving your body can be a great way to release physical tension and endorphins which promote relaxation. When it comes to moving for stress relief, keep it gentle with activities like long walks, yoga, and stretching.

13. Do some gentle yoga

Yoga consists of a series of poses and breathing exercises practiced in repetition to clear the mind and prepare the body for deep rest. The combination of active practice and passive relaxation is a great way to melt away stress.

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14. Stretch it out

Stretching releases physical tension which is closely linked with mental tension, or stress. It also helps to increase blood flow and provide a sense of ease throughout the body. Just a five minute stretching session can have a profound impact on how the body feels which can, in turn, help to relax the mind.

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15. Dance like nobody’s watching

When was the last time you danced like nobody was watching? Dancing is a joyful, expressive activity that releases endorphins. These endorphins create a feeling of freedom and joy, both the opposite of the feelings stress brings up.

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Nurture The Mind

It can be easy to develop thought patterns around the things that cause us stress and anxiety. However, engaging the mind in other activities that require us to be present, can help to change those set-in behaviors and allow us some much-needed reprieve from the voice within. Reading, listening to music, and doing puzzles stimulate mental well-being by providing a break from stressful thoughts.

16. Read a book

You know that feeling when you’re totally immersed in a book and all sense of time? That’s exactly what it feels like to be in the present moment. Normally escapism is seen as a negative thing but it can also be a powerful stress relief technique if used correctly.

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17. Listen to music

The power of music cannot be overstated. There is so much research into just how effective music is for a multiple of purposes from relaxation to focus and energy. It has the ability to change your emotional state and induce a state of calm no matter where you are or what’s going on.

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18. Complete a puzzle

As far as relaxing activities for adults go, puzzles are a great way to engage the brain in ways we don’t normally do in day-to-day lives. Plus the feeling you get when you finish one is a great way to stave off stress and anxiety. The repetitive motions can also be extremely relaxing for the mind.

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Pampering & Self-Care Activities

There’s a lot of hype around the idea of self-care but it’s for good reason. You cannot pour from an empty cup. In today’s demanding world, we need to take care of ourselves and make sure that we give our mental and physical health the attention it deserves. Plus, you don’t need to ask me to get a massage twice!

19. Take a bath

Is there a more stereotypical relaxation activity than taking a bath? Some people love baths, some people hate them but definitely don’t force it. If you don’t find them calming, look for another activity. But if you love to take baths, make them a part of your weekly routines and plan the relaxation time into your schedule.

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20. Take an “everything shower”

Have you heard of an everything shower? It’s a shower where you do all the things: scrub, shave, wash, oil, hair mask, you name it. The purpose is to take care of yourself and your body and give yourself some much needed TLC. Unlike an everyday shower, an everything shower should be treated as a full pampering experience with soft music, candles, and all those good things.

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21. Get a massage or do some self-massage

There’s nothing I find more relaxing than a nice deep tissue massage. I almost always fall asleep and wake up feeling brand new. If you needed a sign to book yourself a massage, here it is. And if you prefer to go the budget route, check out a YouTube video on self-massage. You can get many of the same benefits from the comfort of your own home.

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Enjoy The Little Things

When you’re relaxing at home, it can be easy to get stuck in old routines and not be aware of your surroundings. Try to break the pattern by creating special little moments. Find joy and calm in the small, everyday moments, to foster a sense of gratitude and a feeling of inner peace. It’s one of the most sustainable ways to incorporate relaxing activities for adults into your daily life.

22. Enjoy a cup of tea

Take ten minutes to make yourself a cup of your favorite tea. Sit by the window, or at your favorite spot in your house, and savor the flavors and the quiet moment to yourself. Go screen-free and just spend the time experiencing the moment with all of your senses.

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23. Listen to the birds chirping outside

We can often grow numb to the beauty that surrounds us, like the sounds of birds chirping out of your window. Whether you’re graced with birds, a trickling stream (or fountain), or the whispering of leaves, take a minute to appreciate the little things.

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24. Appreciate the beauty out of your window

If you have the privilege, open the window and sit in a comfortable spot for a couple of me-time moments and just soak up the beauty just outside your window. We all have a different view from our houses but there’s always something of beauty to admire.

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Go Outdoors

Did you know that going outdoors is one of the most relaxing activities for adults? Harvard found that just 20 minutes of connecting with nature can help lower stress hormone levels. So next time you need to de-stress, find a nice place outdoors and spend some time enjoying everything it has to offer.

25. Go for a walk outdoors

Try making time for an evening stroll in your local park or natural area. Instead of listening to music or a podcast, just enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Stop to smell the flowers or crunch the dried leaves.

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26. Do some gardening

If you have access to a garden, make full use of it. Gardening is a great way to spend some time outdoors connecting with nature. And if you don’t have a garden, try looking for a neighborhood plot or take up indoor gardening.

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27. Spend time with your pet (if you have one)

Give your pet some love with a hike, some time at the dog park or just throwing a ball in the backyard. You may even appreciate the time outdoors even more than they do. Plus, doing something together will make you feel more bonded which is also proven to reduce stress levels.

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Decompress

Everyone is different when it comes to which activities to relieve stress work for them. Don’t limit yourself to certain types of activities. Tons of different things can allow for decompression, rest, and a break from daily stressors. Sometimes all you need is a short power nap or to rewatch your favorite movie.

28. Take a nap or go to bed early

Let’s face it, sometimes all you need is a little bit of sleep. Sleep has a powerful effect on all kinds of mechanisms including stress. If we’re sleep deprived, stress levels will increase as well. If you’re feeling tired, take a power nap or plan to go to bed early. 

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29. Clean or organize an area in your home

For some, cleaning is the best form of therapy. A cluttered space can leave our minds feeling cluttered too which can contribute to feelings of stress and overwhelm. There’s nothing quite like the high of a spring clean or closet clear out, so use it strategically as part of your stress management plan.

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30. Do an hour-long digital detox

It should come at no surprise that our devices cause a lot of micro moments of stress. Learning to be aware of the effect of our devices is a super powerful tool when it comes to stress management. You can also do an hour-long digital detox and go screen free.

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31. Watch your favorite movie

Rewatching tv shows and movies we love has a very soothing effect. If you’re feeling stressed out, why not rewatch one of your favorite movies. It will be both comforting and distracting to take you out of the stress and transport you into another world.

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This concludes our curated list of relaxing activities for adults to help you manage the stress in your life. 

We hope you found these stress-relief activities helpful. Let us know in the comments below which ones you try! 

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Posted By: Victoria · In: wellness