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With the winter season in full effect, we are back into the swing of the busy work routine. While we are slowly getting back into our regular schedules, it is important to leave time to channel our tensions and stresses into healthy, productive habits. There are various activities one can engage in, in order to relieve the pressures from our day-to-day lives. Here are a few things you can do to stay happy and calm, because we could all calm down a bit.

Invest in a colouring book

If you haven’t hoped on the coloring book trend yet, this is one to definitely try out. This activity is productive and soothing, and has proven to be completely therapeutic. If it becomes boring or tedious, try coloring while listening to your favourite music.

Work out

While it may seem obvious, working out has countless benefits, including being a great form of stress relief. There’s nothing like a good run on the treadmill blasting your favourite song to let out your most recent frustrations.

Practice meditation

While it may seem silly to some people, taking a few minutes out of your day to close your eyes and listen to a meditation guru, it’s actually quite relaxing. These few minutes of meditation give you an excuse to unwind and take a step back from the busy work day.

Take a bubble bath

After a long day at work, one of the greatest feelings is hoping into a warm bath. To make the experience even more relaxing, add some aromatic oils to the water to get the full effect.

Read a good book

Reading is the perfect escape to a long day. Try out a new romance novel or a lighthearted memoir for a nice easy read. To make an even better experience, listen to some sort of zen music to flow with your book.

Do a face mask

Why not do something relaxing and good for your skin? A face mask is a perfect way to both rejuvenate your skin and take some time to chill out. To make the activity more calming, cut out two cucumbers and place them on your eye lids for a few minutes while you let the mask sit.

Light up some candles

While you’re reading a book or taking a hot bubble bath, try out a new scented candle for an even more comforting experience. From vanilla bean to candy cane, there are so many different scents to choose from depending on the mood you are going for!

Try out a new tea

At the end of a long day, a nice cup of warm tea is extremely soothing. Try out a new tea for the winter months like a chai tea, or a mint flavour. Cuddle up in your favourite pajamas, with a cup of warm tea and put on your favourite throwback movie for the perfect relaxing evening.