After a long week, during a hectic holiday season, a little relaxation and rejuvenation is much needed – and well earned. So, next time you’re feeling stressed out, here are a few ways to take it easy.

  1. Take a drive - and go someplace new.

TumblingRun/Flickr Go someplace you’ve been meaning to visit, but have been too busy to see. Use the drive time to relax and wind down.

  1. Have a day of fun splashing around at the waterpark.

bridgesbayres0rt/Flickr What’s more relaxing than letting go of your worries to splash around at your local (indoor) waterpark? Bridges Bay Resort in Okoboji is a great place to check out, especially if you have kids.

  1. Stop and smell the roses.

Jason Mrachina/Flickr Take in the simple things in life, like the flowers and other plant life at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center. Even in the cold winter months, there are plenty of beautiful flowers inside to admire.

  1. Relax at the butterfly habitat.

faded sign/Flickr Do you like saunas? Do you like butterflies? Check out the butterfly habitat at Reiman Gardens in Ames. The indoor exhibit is kept at tropical temperatures all year round, so even when you visit in the chilly winter months, you can be sure to feel like you just walked into some tropical paradise on Earth.

  1. Spend the day at a local winery.

Emanart/Yelp Gather up your friends and head to your local winery for some wine-tasting fun. Summerset Winery in Indianola is a great place to check out.

  1. Take a relaxing walk, or hike.

Michael Paul Willis/Flickr Sometimes, the best thing to do after a busy week is to walk it off - or hike it off. Pikes Peak State Park offers some great views, and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in Council Bluffs is a popular pick as well.

  1. Enjoy the simple things, like watching the sunset.

TumblingRun/Flickr What better way to wind down your week than to watch the sunset in the beautiful Iowa sky?

  1. Go stargazing.

Jeremy J Von Hagel/Facebook Just like watching the sunset, stargazing is something many of us don’t have time for in our busy lives - but it’s still something to do when you want to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

  1. Book yourself a weekend getaway.

Brian Stalter/Flickr Whether it’s at one of the cabins at your local state park (like the Stone State Park cabins, pictured above) or just a cabin from a private owner, a weekend getaway is sure to help you recharge.

  1. Treat yourself to a deluxe spa treatment.

Yelp

Yelp

Yelp There are several spas in Iowa, but one really great one to check out is The Raj in Fairfield. The Raj is a health resort and day spa that offers several different treatments, including massages and facials. If you’re looking to relax and recharge, The Raj is the place for you.

Anyone else feeling relaxed already?! What are some more places to check out?

TumblingRun/Flickr

Go someplace you’ve been meaning to visit, but have been too busy to see. Use the drive time to relax and wind down.

bridgesbayres0rt/Flickr

What’s more relaxing than letting go of your worries to splash around at your local (indoor) waterpark? Bridges Bay Resort in Okoboji is a great place to check out, especially if you have kids.

Jason Mrachina/Flickr

Take in the simple things in life, like the flowers and other plant life at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Center. Even in the cold winter months, there are plenty of beautiful flowers inside to admire.

faded sign/Flickr

Do you like saunas? Do you like butterflies? Check out the butterfly habitat at Reiman Gardens in Ames. The indoor exhibit is kept at tropical temperatures all year round, so even when you visit in the chilly winter months, you can be sure to feel like you just walked into some tropical paradise on Earth.

Emanart/Yelp

Gather up your friends and head to your local winery for some wine-tasting fun. Summerset Winery in Indianola is a great place to check out.

Michael Paul Willis/Flickr

Sometimes, the best thing to do after a busy week is to walk it off - or hike it off. Pikes Peak State Park offers some great views, and the Wabash Trace Nature Trail in Council Bluffs is a popular pick as well.

What better way to wind down your week than to watch the sunset in the beautiful Iowa sky?

Jeremy J Von Hagel/Facebook

Just like watching the sunset, stargazing is something many of us don’t have time for in our busy lives - but it’s still something to do when you want to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

Brian Stalter/Flickr

Whether it’s at one of the cabins at your local state park (like the Stone State Park cabins, pictured above) or just a cabin from a private owner, a weekend getaway is sure to help you recharge.

Yelp

There are several spas in Iowa, but one really great one to check out is The Raj in Fairfield. The Raj is a health resort and day spa that offers several different treatments, including massages and facials. If you’re looking to relax and recharge, The Raj is the place for you.

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