Your Secret Sauce for Gaining Relaxation? - Time Out #495

 In today's fast-paced, internet-dominated American society, I try to seek refuge from the constant hustle and bustle, cherishing my downtime relaxation periods. As active people, loyal readers out there in Our Town and far beyond, we each have our ways of "getting away from it (chaos) all", hoping to unwind via a state of relaxation. 

      Therefore, what do I choose to do in order to briefly escape to that magical place called relaxing? 

     Several options fill my check list when I hope to back away from the everyday mental hassles of our real world.

     Near the top of the list is to merely sit in a quiet spot of our home, and have a brief talk with my bride and best friend, Lady Deborah. Our discussions do not have to be lengthy, and the topics don't have to be extra-deep in content. After 43-plus years of marital bliss, Ms. Debbie and I have had some memorable chats over time. Because I am able to tell her exactly what I think/feel about a topic, I am able to gain some much-needed mental relaxation I need.  

     Another vital tool I regularly employ in order to mentally hit my pause button involves almost daily walking our two "boys", Spanky and Tux. Spanky is our French bulldog and Tux is our pug. They are now 7-years-old, and we have loved them since they were puppies.  Yes, they are our substitute, at-home children. since our 3 human children are all adults, and left home many years ago. About 80-percent of the days when my bride and I are not traveling, I make the time to walk my guys about a mile around our home, located in the southwest portion of Our Town. I think (?) my excitement approaches theirs when I get their harnesses and leashes off their storage hook. That tells them we are going on our walk! The walk provides me so much relaxation as I watch them smell practically everything in front of their noses, while also gazing ahead of the vast world outside their daily fenced yard.  I feel energized when I return home after our regular planned exercise together through our beautiful neighborhood.   

     The third way I mellow out actually gets me started each day. I usually precede my bride in rising from bed most mornings, and, of course, I have my set routine. Most important for me is first letting our 4-legged boys (including Carl, our male orange cat) outdoors in our backyard, closely followed by feeding the trio breakfast. Shortly after these necessities are accomplished, I sit in my great room easy chair, and slowly sip on my delicious cup of hot or cold coffee with cream. During those quiet morning moments with my tasty caffeine brew, I am able to capture "relaxation energy". I rely on this early-day experience to help me meet the mental challenges of my upcoming day. Like the two previously mentioned relaxation techniques I utilize, this morning alone time with my coffee friend is priceless for me.  

      So, those are three ways I deal with the stresses and strains of the real world as I know it in 2025. These techniques work well for me. What are your individual relaxation methods, dear friends?