We’re lucky enough to enjoy a holiday in May and it’s the perfect month to take stock of life and evaluate those stress levels. Are you doing too much? How is your body feeling? When was the last time you felt truly relaxed? Before you spend your day off re-organizing your entire house or planning an epic day out with the kids, consider how you can maximize your relaxation instead. Here are a few ideas:

Finally, start that book

Reading is one of the few times in life that we simply sit down, stay still, and focus on something that doesn't work. Many of us have at least one book in our household that we have never read, whether we were gifted it by a friend with no intention of ever picking it up, or we purchased it with high hopes, but never quite found the time to start. Whatever your reason, this bank holiday you could finally leaf through those pages in the name of relaxing.  

Did you know that studies suggest reading fiction books can make you more open-minded and creative? Or that Yale researchers found people who read books could actually live longer? There are lots of ways that reading can help you in life, and one of the main benefits is the stress relief that this activity provides.

Turn your living room into an at-home spa

Many of us have drawers full of unused beauty products; bath bombs from birthdays past, scattered magazine samples, face masks we never tried. Get everything out in the open, put on your fluffiest robe, and decide what you’d like to use on this day of relaxation.

If you want to further increase the calm vibes in your living room, light your Escape Candle. Its indulgent blend of rich sandalwood, exotic frankincense, spicy clove, and warming cinnamon will send you into a state of pure bliss and help recharge your batteries while you luxuriate in your at-home spa.

Catch up with an old friend

One of the most simple ways we can instantly relax is to enjoy the company of a friend, and if there is someone you have been meaning to catch up with for far too long, then now is the time to get in touch.

Whether you can see them in person or a phone call will have to do, the act of finally reaching out to them will feel like a weight off, as well as the relaxation that can come from a long talk with someone you care about. You might offload some of the worries you’re ruminating on, or you might just keep the chat casual - either way, the calming effect of catching up with an old friend can truly relax you in the most simple way.

What could you do to relax this holiday? Let us know if you try any of the above, or if you have more ideas you’d like to share.