Relaxation is good for the mind, good for the body, and good for the soul. It’s should be an essential part of every single day, yet making time for it can be tough.  I work at home, my husband commutes and we’re both beat at the end of the day but often still have commitments, kid’s activities, and chores that leaves little free time before we’re collapsing into bed.

When we do find an hour or so at home to wind down after a long day, here are 5 ways to relax that we enjoy, counting down to number one being our favorite.

5. Music  Pandora radio is a favorite of ours. We stream it in our car when we’re traveling and through our tv and surround sound speakers at home.  It’s amazing how the whole demeanor of the household changes as soon as music comes on.  Stress melts away as you channel all your energy into singing along or even dancing a little bit.  We probably have the most random selection of stations like BeeGees, Cake, Styx, Amos Lee, Metallica, and Disney Radio but we love so many styles.  I think I love how music triggers memories most and when I’m listening to 80’s radio I flashback to my teen days bopping around to Duran Duran, ahhh to be young again.

4. Reading  Books take your mind to other places and that helps shut off the “busyness” of my brain to focus on the story.  I have 3 entirely different-genre books on my bedside table, but I’m focusing on Bossypants this week by Tina Fey.  Laughing and reading is a great combination for relieving stress, so I’ll buy this type of book probably every third time.  Lately I’ve been laughing so heartily my husband asks to read him a passage aloud, then we’re laughing together, bonus points!  Also, reading makes my eyes tired, simple as that.  Every morning my book is either tucked askew under my pillow or on the floor as I fell asleep reading and that is a great way to end any night.

3. Netflix This way to watch television is brilliant and we’ve only been introduced to it recently.  We’re currently watching LOST all over again.  We watched it when it aired live and now over ten years later it’s so much better and we can understand it a bit more.  There’s nothing like a marathon of your favorite shows without commercials back to back…to back!  I think our record is 8 episodes in a weekend day, probably only two in an evening if we’re lucky. 

2. Chocolate  Chocolate makes everything better.  Busy day, no problem.  Kids fighting, take a bite.  Bored and hungry, eat up.  It has seem to be the medication my body and mind needs on any occasion, but sitting down and enjoying chocolate is always relaxing to me.  This week I’m spoiled, my daughter is selling candy bars for her school field trip.  I may just be her best customer!

1. Wine 
Possibly my most favorite way to relax and unwind with my hubby at home is drinking wine.  Wine just screams relaxation to me.  We enjoy it with friends, with meals, but mostly on it’s own.  My husband created a great space in our backyard with seating and sparkling lights for warm nights like we’ve been having.  Add a bottle of Crios Argentinian wine and the crisp notes of white flower, pear, and ripe peach release endorphins in my body almost immediately.

We’ve been drinking Crios Torrontes, a family owned brand by Susana Balbo that means “offspring” and she created as a tribute to her two children.  Each of Balbo’s 5 varietals have a story behind them and an inspirational message that has represented either a milestone in Susana’s personal or professional life or how the wine was made.  As a mother, this wine means even more to me.  I’ve toured wineries and vineyards and have spoken with winemakers and their passion and love for their craft, like Susana’s, truly makes me enjoy the wine even more! I love Torrontes mostly for it’s bright fruit-forward style, thanks to the specific areas in Mendoza and Salta in Argentina where grapes are optimal.CRIOS TORRONTES
Inspirational message of the wine: Break the rules
Life lesson and tasting notes: Susana Balbo, Argentina’s leading and most innovative winemaker, transformed Torrontés from a common blending grape to Argentina’s star white wine.
Pairing: Smoked meats, medium cheeses, fish, crab, sushi
Brief descriptors: dry, crispy and aromatic

I think on the best of nights, all 5 of these items can come into play and then ultimate relaxation occurs.  Okay, those days are few and far between, but can happen if we try really hard.  Tell me, what are your favorite ways to relax at home?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.