Did you know that April is National Stress Awareness Month? In an effort to help promote this awareness, I was contacted by the content director at Vegas.com asking me if I’d like to participate in their “Let Loose” campaign, which encourages people to turn to events/activities/hobbies/etc. to let loose and unwind. As soon as I heard about this, I was all in! With my crazy schedule, I can always use a reminder of ways let loose, unwind and have fun.

Obviously I’d love to GO to Vegas to unwind, but since that’s not an option at the moment, I’m just going to share my favorite ways to unwind (That don’t include a vacation) with you here on this little blog. My hopes is that it will encourage YOU to think about what helps you unwind… and then maybe even motivate you to do it 🙂

Have a glass of wine… with or without friends…

It’s no surprise that I love wine, but more than just loving the taste, I love the way it helps me relax. There’s something just so wonderful about sipping a glass of wine after a long day or to celebrate the weekend (or celebrate anything, really)… and doing it with friends is an added bonus 😉

Go to the beach

Although this is a limited form of relaxation when living in New England since we only have a few short months to do this, it’s one of the best for me! I’m not usually very good at sitting and doing nothing, but there’s something about being at the beach that makes doing that VERY easy. I don’t even need a book! As long as I have a towel, sunscreen and water, I’m a happy camper.

Get a manicure and/or pedicure

This somewhat forces me to unwind because I’m confined to the small, fantastic massaging chair, but hey- it works! It’s also a time to catch up on all the trashy magazines that they always have laying around the nail salon. A lot of places offer mani/pedi deals when done together so make sure to ask about that if you’re trying to save a little money.

Read a book

I don’t do this nearly enough, but every time I do I’m reminded of how relaxing it is. Note to self: start a new book.

Go for a walk

While working out at my normal intensity (read: high intensity, high impact, fast-paced, etc.) is not “unwinding” in and of itself, going for a walk is. It’s time to slow down, look around and appreciate having the ability to do that. I especially like going for walks with friends or my mom and sister. It’s a great time to catch up on life AND gain benefits of physical activity.

Cooking

Being in the kitchen, with a glass of wine in hand and a good Pandora station on in the background, is one of my favorite things to do (outside of the gym!). This often takes up a good part of my Sunday afternoon since I like to spend time prepping lunches and snacks for the week and I like to make a nice meal that’s a bit more labor and time intensive than my weeknight meals.

… if I were to go to Vegas, then my choice ways of unwinding and enjoying myself would be laying poolside at a fancy pool, treating myself to a massage or some other spa service, going to a show at night and indulging in all of the amazing foods that the restaurants have to offer. I haven’t been to Vegas in 5 or 6 years, but all this recent talk of it makes me want to go back!

Now it’s your turn- What’s your favorite way to unwind? Do you like to do an activity or relax by reading or having a glass of wine? What’s your favorite destination to retreat to when you’re looking to unwind? Have you been to Vegas? If so, what’s your favorite Vegas activity? Feel free to share your favorite ways to “let loose” on Twitter and use the hashtag #letloose2014!