We are in the last month of the fall semester. Even though we still have to push through and make it to the end, it doesn’t mean you can’t have moments to relax and decompose in between. For the past couple of weeks, I have taken the time to have some chill days. It has helped me reduce my levels of stress, calmed me from the emotions of anxiety, and it has allowed me to stay warm in the gloomy and cold days of fall. Yet for me, I can’t have a chill day without these specific items that help me to relax:
A Warm Quilt
One of my favorite ways to relax is by having my legs relax on the couch with a warm quilt covering them. I have a custom-made quilt that I use to do the trick that is very comfy…and makes me very sleepy. It’s the perfect item to accompany me as I read a book and do my homework. It not only allows me to feel content, but it also protects me from the cold…It’s a win win!
A Bed Rest Pillow
I bought a bed rest pillow two years ago at Target after seeing a friend of mine have one in her bedroom. Let’s just say that it was one of the best decisions I ever made. My bed rest pillow not only helps me maintain a good posture, but it allows my back to relax the first second I lean on it. It feels like you’re leaning on a cloud. I take a couple minutes every morning to lean on my pillow before I make my bed and I take my pillow frequently to my spot in the living room to lean on as my legs are on the couch. It does the job every time, and you feel like you’re getting a nice hug in the end.
A Pair of Pajamas
Best believe that any chill day I spend at home will include pajamas. Pajamas never fail to allow you to feel comfortable in your own skin while having your legs and body be in any position you want, which is a treat. With the weather starting to cool down, I find myself always wearing a set of cotton pajamas that keep me warm and make me look good. I especially love wearing pajamas that come with a matching pair of socks, it not only allows you to be stylish but it serves as an outfit that is guaranteed to help you fall asleep and catch up on your zzz’s.
A Light up Scented Candle
My dream chill day always has to involve me being in a dark bedroom that is lit up with a warm white light bulb that is attached to a scented candle with the smell of either vanilla, pinecone, or cinnamon. I love being able to see the glow from a corner of the room and have it travel to the ceiling, especially as you hear the drops of rain from outside. I’m not only visually pleased, but I also get to be treated with the amazing fragrances from the candles that put me in a state of immediate relaxation. Me and my mom always love being in a room that has that kind of lighting and smell, it creates a sense of intimacy and comfort that allows you to cast your worries aside. It’s the perfect way to be in a state of peace and to smell good in the process. If you have never lit up scented candles in your room, you’re missing out.
A Cup of Hot Chocolate
This can be substituted with a cup of coffee or tea, but I am personally a huge hot chocolate person. I love drinking it on cold snowy or rainy days, it soothes my body and my throat when I have any pain or don’t feel well while also being the perfect excuse to have alongside marshmallows. It truly helps to temporarily distract me from the responsibilities I have and serves as an additional touch to allowing my body to become happy and sleepy.
A Good Movie or A Good Book
All of the items I have mentioned are great ways to set the mood of having a relaxing and chill day, but they all work the best when it is accompanied by a good movie to watch or a good book to read. Whether it’s to watch the latest chick flick or read the newest YA novel, you are set to be in a whole new world once you get into what you’re looking at. Sometimes it can lead you to either being fully invested in what you’re watching or falling straight to sleep. Either way, you can’t go wrong with either, and it makes you feel that at the end of it all that it is a moment that is well spent.
In having these items, my chill day is made. Even though the relaxing moment may be temporary, it gets me back on track and allows me to take on the next tidal wave of responsibilities. It can do the same for you. Never forget to make the time to take care of yourself and relax, you won’t get burned out, and you’ll feel even better in the end than how you began. Your body will thank you.