50 Ways To Relax

by | Aug 15, 2019 | Lists, Self-Love | 3 comments

August 15th is National Relaxation Day, and we could all use less stress in our lives, and that comes to us through many forms of self-care, rebooting, and relaxation. So I wanted to come up with 50 ways to relax in case you are so frazzled that you can’t even begin to think of how you would start to relax! Here’s your cheat sheet. Now wind down!

50 Ways To Relax | Uncustomary

1. Collect flat/smooth stones and skip them over bodies of water
2. Swing your heart out at a playground
3. Smell delicious things like candles, flowers, cake batter, and specific scents proven to calm you down like chamomile, lavender, and sandalwood
4. Explore a park, forest, waterfall, beach, or other area of nature, and think about investing in a fancy walking cane to help you out along the way
5. Have someone massage you, massage yourself, use a massage wand, or use a massage chair
6. Plunge your hand into a barrel of seeds or something else you love feeling the texture of
7. Give yourself the opportunity to laugh; watch funny YouTube videos, stand-up comedy, or try Laughter Yoga)
8. Take a bubble bath with the works (bath bombs, candles, books, bubbles, wine)
9. Meditate or go through a guided imagery
10. “Take off your shoes and your socks, then walk around on the rug barefoot and make fists with your toes” – Die Hard
11. Go on a very slow, leisurely walk
12. Eat foods that will help you relax like bananas, potatoes, oatmeal, dark chocolate, and tea
13. Stop wearing a bra and/or tight, restricting clothing
14. Do some monotonous or repetitive tasks to keep your hands busy and find some peace in the repetition
15. Try acupressure or acupuncture
16. Verbally list things you love out loud like Craig in “Parks And Recreation”
17. Color in mandalas or coloring books (adult or not)
18. Do breathing exercises (my favorite is to inhale through your nose to the count of 4, hold for the count of 7, and exhale through your mouth to the count of 8)
19. Sit in a hot tub or Jacuzzi
20. Turn on a white noise machine or run something in the background the calms you like a fan, instrumental music, etc.
21. Lay in a hammock to rest, take a nap, read, or whatever you want
22. Put cold water on your wrists and/or on the back of your neck (try putting the cold water on a washcloth for a longer sensation)
23. Stretch! Do some yoga poses and just get your ligaments feeling more fluid
24. Practice mindfulness; there are a ton of ways to do this – you can get my free e-course on it here
25. Dance wherever you are, even if you’re sitting (bonus points if you’re naked)

 

 

26. Work on your own morning and bedtime rituals 27. Schedule mental health and half days so you don’t get too stressed out from your job 28. Make your own DIY calming glitter jar [tutorial] 29. Rub your feet over a golf ball or something similar in size 30. Write down everything that’s stressing you out (bonus points if you burn the paper afterwards) 31. Chew gum which will increase your cortisol levels 32. Take a nap with a cozy blanket, adorable pajamas, stuffed animal, a fan, music, noise machine – make it the most decadent nap ever 33. Garden in your backyard of guerrilla style, getting in touch with the earth can be very grounding (all puns intended) 34. Drink something warm like tea (extra relaxation tea tips: add honey, chamomile, and lavender) 35. Don’t stare at a screen for more than 45 minutes – set timers for you to get up and stretch and at least shift your focus for a bit 36. Go barefoot at home, at work, or outdoors; release your feet from Foot Jail 37. Rip up paper, squeeze a stress ball, burn worries you write down on paper 38. Cuddle with someone and/or give long and tight hugs 39. Try to be silent for a few hours; give yourself a specific time period and just go about your day without using your voice 40. Read quotes and self-help books that make you feel inspired and good about yourself (bonus points if you do it in the environment of a library or a bookstore) 41. Turn off the news and remove yourself from anything you know has a high probability of being extremely negative 42. Cry your eyes out and release the tension you’ve been building up 43. Lay out in the sun to soak up some Vitamin D (but be sure to wear sunscreen so you don’t burn!) 44. Walk slowly through a museum (bonus points if you can go at a time when you know not many people will be there so it feels like your own personalized experience) 45. Feed birds or ducks at a park or pond 46. Make a delicious cocktail, or have a skilled bartender make one for you 47. Dangle your feet off a ledge or into a body of water 48. Make a sanctuary area in your house; maybe a fort with twinkle lights, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, books, etc. where you can go to escape and reboot 49. Sometimes people prefer to play casino games as a relaxation, if you are one of them then here is a great place for such entertainment https://top-canadiancasinos.com/50-free-spins/ 50. Pop the shit out of some Bubble Wrap [ideas] Uncustomary Want to start your own self-care kit which will help you out the next time you need to relax? Here are 35 ideas for things you can put in there!

 

 

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle