In my last blog post I gave part one of two for different ways to relax after a medical spa treatment, which you can check out by clicking here. So i’m back again, making sure not to disappoint, with three more relaxing ways to spend some of your free time. So you can improve not only your physical well being, but your emotional health as well.

3. Pick up that book that you’ve been meaning to start (or finish).

Books have so many genres, and are so diverse they are almost impossible to hate! They help take your mind off any worries, while at the same time helping to improve one’s vocabulary and grammar. However, if for some reason books just aren’t your forte no one ever said you have to stick to just straight novels! Reading in general is extremely beneficial; be it magazines, subtitles of your favorite show, or even more blog posts, reading is gives your brain a boost. It has much to offer, such as mental stimulation, improvement of memory, improvement of concentration/focus, strengthening of analytical skills, and much more. In the long run reading is great for the brain and can be a fun and relaxing way to exercise your mind.

2. Cook (or bake) up a storm with something delicious.

Some of us are avid cooks or bakers, and others…not so much (ahem..me). So, If you’re a pro at either baking or cooking I suggest you try and find a recipe that challenges you. Maybe something you’ve never attempted before. However, if you’re like me, an amateur cook/baker at best, start off easy with a favorite treat of yours that you’ve always had to go out and get. The upside to making your own food is not only will you have succeeded (or at least tried) at making something you like, and are now able to have it whenever you’d like (in moderation), but you’re now also stimulating your senses and allowing yourself out of your comfort zone. You can get lost in your work and have your own fun with your recipe by getting creative with it and adding your own personal touch to whatever you’re making. Once you’re done you can even share what you’ve created with your family and friends…or eat it all yourself.

1.Try something new by giving yoga and or meditation a shot.

The advantages of both yoga and meditation are seemingly endless, both giving wonderful mental and physical benefits that can improve your well being.

Meditation is worth the while, as it is said to help reduce aging, increase attention span, improve brain function, allow you to feel more connected with others, increase immunity, and help give you a good night’s sleep. As for yoga, it helps you physically by improving flexibility, perfecting posture, building muscle strength, bettering bone health, and giving many more benefits to your health. Mentally, yoga can make you happier by increasing serotonin levels and decreasing monoamine oxidase and cortisol levels, it can improve focus, and can increase self esteem.

Both yoga and meditation are wonderful ways to connect body and mind while also allowing you to be more aware of your needs. A little goes a long way with both and taking even a small amount of time out of your day to practice either will be something you will thank yourself for later on.

You may not always have the time in your day to day life, but everyone needs some time to rest and recuperate. Taking a day or two out of a month to pamper and refresh yourself is a sure way to give yourself fuller, happier well being. Getting a laser treatment to boost your confidence or taking the time to add one or more of these suggestions can help improve your quality of life.