Lying in my room with a good book away from everyone, only place I get peace 

Control your breathing to calm your mind. Anyone can do it, it costs nothing, and it works every time. With practice, you learn to focus and shut out the chatter that causes stress and anxiety. Try it!

Headspace is amazing 

Being a physical disabled getting out is difficult for me. I relax and chill out by crocheting to some music on my Alexa or snuggle on the sofa with my cat reading a good book.

I like to make sure that I plan a weekly activity that I know I love; something to look forward to and keep myself going. For me it’s the cinema. I enjoy watching new stories and experiencing them in the best way possible. 
 

And when the movie is about to start, I take a moment to realise how much I enjoy the cinema and let myself relax and fully emerge myself into the movie. 

Take time to practice the things you enjoy the most and be excited by planning it ❤️

I read a book called “Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world” which has a set of guided meditations, I find that the body scan meditation really relaxes me.

Is there any better for relaxation and mindfulness than sitting on a beach as the sun is setting. Hardly anybody around, just yourself, your thoughts, the sound of the sea and the sun setting. The best way to unwind! 

I find the best way to relax by far is to get some exercise. Whether that's taking a walk in the woods or taking my bicycle out for a ride into the wide open pathways or fields. There's simply nothing but nature to listen to and the thought of where to cycle to next being the only decision making to do - amazing feeling!

Best switch off for me is a long walk in the countryside with my dogs. No earphones, phone on mute, just the sounds of nature and a mind clear. That and a good read next to an open fire.

I work long hours I try and make sure I take a break from my screen every  couple of hours then at the end of the day I walk to my local beach and and listen to the sound of the waves also a long soak  in the bath and some girly programs on TV 

Keep a journal and prioritse the things that make you happy

As someone with a sizeable commute to and from work, nothing helps me to relax more than listening to an audio book whilst driving along - it allows me to escape from & forget the challenges of life for a little while and instead lose myself in the story - I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone

Being on holiday on a cruise ship looking at the sea and seeing Whales or Dolphins leaping out of the water., with a drink in my hand.

I love wild/cold water swimming. I find it so relaxing and good for my overall mental health. Alongside this I also practice Wim Hoff breathing and use the Wim Hoff app for guided breathwork practices. 

I like to spend time unwinding with a game on my mobile to take my mind off the stress of work. 

My tip for relaxation and mindfulness is to think of girls/boys names beginning with each letter of the alphabet.

Get outside with a cup of coffee and really listen to the sounds of nature, sounds of the birds,  the insects, leaves rustling, even the rain. Before you realise it your breathing has slowed, your jaw unclenches and your shoulders have relaxed. Ready to take on the next challenge.

MASTERBATING

I find going for a run listening to cheesy hits after work then coming back home to soak in the bath whilst binge watching TV shows on netflix is a great way to unwind after a stressful/ full day at work. 

I spend a lot of time on a screen for work, so I like to spend an hour or so before bed reading a book with some background music and my dog on the sofa with soft lighting.

Whether you’re stressed from work or just need to take a moment of calm, it can be hard to remember to fit it in when you have a busy schedule. There is even a day to help people do just that - National Relaxation Day, celebrated annually on August 15th. On that day, we’re encouraged to take a break from stress and anxiety and do something they truly find relaxing. Whether it’s going on spa break or just reading a book – it’s all about having time to chill in a way that works for you.

 

And if you’re looking for another kind of chill, be sure to check out our competition at the bottom of the page. We’re giving away a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan. Not only is it super powerful, it’s whisper quiet too. So, it won’t interrupt your moment of peace.

 

One of the best ways you can reduce stress in your day is with a little meditation or mindfulness. And there’s no need to run off to a yoga retreat. There are loads of amazing apps that can help you get into the healthy habit of taking some quiet time. Here are 4 of our faves. Deep breath…

 

Apple Fitness+ and Apple Mindfulness

 

 

Apple Fitness+ has guided meditation sessions with experienced teachers – from 5 to 45 minutes per session. But it’s not all just sitting and breathing. Their Mindfulness Cooldown combines stretching with relaxation, and they have lots of yoga classes too. As for the meditation, it’s cut into different categories to help you with specific issues - whether it’s stress reduction, improved sleep or enhanced focus. Meanwhile, Apple Mindfulness is specifically for Apple Watch owners. On the small, square screen you can either follow a full meditation session or you can get a reminder to take a few rejuvenating breaths.

 

Fitness+ on iOS

Mindfulness on Apple Watch

 

Headspace

 

 

Headspace is one of the most well-known meditation apps, famous for its user-friendly interface and massive library of guided meditations. With its search function, you can find a meditation for almost any situation. Woke up in the night and can’t get back to sleep? There’s a meditation for that. And sleep stories too. Going on a walk and what to be more mindful? There’s a mindful activity you can listen to. They have podcasts, daily schedules that are easy to follow and courses galore. Headspace makes meditation accessible for beginners while also providing advanced content for aspiring yogis.

 

Available on iOS and Android

 

Calm

 

 

Calm is another highly popular app that focuses on meditation, relaxation and getting better sleep. Not only will you find traditional meditation practices, but there’s famous voices reading bedtime stories, soothing soundtracks and breathing exercises designed to help you unwind. The app's Daily Calm feature provides a new meditation each day, making sure you stick to mindfulness practice. And there are also long-term courses you can take tailored to what you want to get out of mindfulness. 

 

Available on iOS and Android

 

Balance

 

 

Balance was created to fit the needs of whoever’s using the app – so no two experiences are alike. Balance asks users a series of questions to understand their goals, then tailors meditation programs to fit. Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety, improve focus or get on in your career, Balance helps you build a mindfulness practice you can stick to - and that will evolve with your progress. You can always adjust the time of your meditation sessions. So, there’s always the chance to find a quick moment of calm, even if you’re rushing out the door!

Right now, Balance is doing a one-year free membership – so it might be worth a go.

Available on iOS and Android

 

So, why not whip out your phone, download a few of these apps and see which one works for you.

 

Win a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK!

 

 

Want to stay calm and cool? We’re giving away a Shark FlexBreeze Portable Fan FA220UK. It’s cool, super quiet and has 12 different modes – including outdoors, cordless and tabletop – so you can take it with you pretty much anywhere. It’s also water resistant, so is even pool splash and British summer weatherproof too! 

To enter, just share your best relaxation and mindfulness tips with the Community below.

Entries close at 23:59 on 19th August 2024. Winners are chosen at random, and we'll announce the lucky iD community member shortly after. Stay calm, you’ve still got time to win.

Relaxing In The British Summer Time When It's Begun, Listening To The Soothing Garden Water Features Whilst Playing A Soothing Playlist Is Fun. Stroking Our Bichion Frise's As They Lay On Your Lap To Chill, Its An Ideal Way To Unwind & De-Stress Better Than Any Alcohol Or Doctors Pill. Being Surrounded By Nature Simply Is Natural And Calms Your Senses Easily If You Can Relate, Do We Still Have More British Summer Sunshine To Come Or Have I Missed It Am I To Late... Beats Going The Extra Work Mile, Always Accompanied By My Trusted Companion On Silent My Trusted ID Handset Mobile... Thank you.

After a long day there is nothing more relaxing than a nice bath with a bath bomb from lush, cats sat on the floor with you, an ice cold drink, some music and an amazing engrossing book! Perfection!

I like to sit in a comfortable and read a good book which relaxes me no end.

I find the best way to start my day is listening to a feel good song in the morning before I get out of bed I find that sets me up for the day head to get me in the right mindset followed by a nice cool shower to freshen me up. With two young babies I often struggle to find the time to make time for myself but around work a couple times a week I try to do some excercise whether that be jogging or going to the gym and listening to a podcast I think it centres me gives me some time to myself and get to listen to a book I don't get chance to read otherwise. If I can't get to the gym I'll still try and get out even for a 15 minute walk around the block after the babies are sleeping. It's important to try and find a little bit of time for yourself especially with kids as I think the more relaxed and refreshed you feel the better you can be for them. 

Apart from spending time with my four paws, the App Insite Timer is Amazing.

Free and variety of reasons and styles for relaxation... music, meditation, guided meditations, anxiety stress…

I've had such a rollercoster of a year trying to separate from an not nice husband.

But with dog, friends and this app to help me sleep... I've survived and keep doing so.

Seriously. I can't recommend the app enough to all... there is such a wide selection of reasons and styles to help you... and breathe.... so relaxing xx