We all have our own ways to wind down and relax. It’s something I find very important, especially if you work more than 30 hours a week and live in a city which never seems to stop.

After speaking to the friends I work with, I found it interesting listening to what they do on their days off, days spent with just themselves. This includes doing their laundry, cleaning their flats and generally catching up on rest and doing the chores they don’t have time to do on a day-to-day basis.

I however, try to find any time to myself as a way to relax. Writing this I was on a train back home which is where I find time to think to myself. Cruising through all the villages listening to music that makes you feel good and songs that make memories flood back, be they happy memories or sad.

Anyway, here is a list of what I find relaxes me along with what some others have said they do to wind down /

• Re-organising/cleaning your room
• Listening to music & creating a playlist of all the songs that help you feel calm
• Writing down thoughts
• Making lists of things you want to achieve in the next few days or weeks or years
• Cooking a meal from scratch for yourself – Try Yummly
• Pampering yourself (face masks, baths, painting your nails etc..)
• Clearing your wardrobe out and colour coordinating items of clothing
• Washing your bed sheets – I recommend buying these sheets, they’re luxury!
• Watching a film you missed in the cinema/wanted to see for a long time
• Going for a walk (if you’re in London I recommend the canal or Hampstead Heath)
• Make yourself a hot chocolate – This one is my favourite!
• Try some yoga – It stretches your muscles and is good to do before bed & in the morning
• Go to bed early and try not to use your phone or laptop 30 mins before bed
• Get in touch with friends you haven’t spoken to in a while, be selfless, see how others are doing
• Ring your family – it’s always good to hear from home
• Sit and think about your past, present and future – Think about how much you’ve changed for the better and what you want to achieve in the future

Of course not all of these things apply to each and every person but I find it comforting hearing what other people do to de-stress their minds. It’s nice to try some new things out as well, that’s how I found what really helps me in finding peace and what I enjoy doing on my days off.