Making Time to Relax

Stress, Anxiety, Anger

  • Identify a place that you’ve been that was very relaxing (e.g. a beach, the mountains). If needed, make one up.
  • List everything that you might see, hear, smell and (tactilely) feel in this special place.
  • Rate your current level of stress from “0” (not stressed) to “100” (very stressed).
  • Find a peaceful place to sit, close your eyes, take a deep breath in and breathe out slowly.
  • Try to imagine all the details that you listed in your mind’s eye, while periodically repeating the deep breathing.
  • After 5-10 minutes slowly open your eyes and re-rate your current level of stress. Notice how much more relaxed you feel.

    • If you have the time and can afford it, an even better idea is to actually go to a relaxing place and enjoy it. While beaches can be a challenge in Colorado, we have some of the most beautiful places to recreate in the country. Incredible campgrounds, cabins, lakes, mountains and hot springs, all within a few minutes to a few hours drive.

    This is the perfect time of year where even over the course of a weekend, you can take a break from the usual grind and treat yourself to a chance to unplug, unwind, and renew.