I bet I know exactly what was on your mind as soon as you read the title; that famed song by the Eagles, “Take It Easy.” Hopefully, you don’t have as many women troubles as depicted in the song, but if you’re still feeling a bit of stress, Arizona is the perfect place to unwind and relax. This time of year is especially great since the southern portion of the state has some amazing weather and if seeing a bit of snow lowers your blood pressure, we have that, too.
Besides making a special trip to Slow Town (Winslow for those not in the know), you can also check out some of these activities that can help put your mind at ease.
- Drive
emdot/Flickr Need a chance to think or clear your mind? Sometimes a drive on the highway helps, especially since ours have the open space and relation to nature.
- Spa
Alan English CPA/Flickr Another way to relax from a stressful month? Spending a day at a spa makes a great retreat, like at the Arizona Biltmore. If that’s a little outside of your budget, even just spending an hour getting pampered through a massage or a manicure is enough to help you relax.
- Hot springs
Rowan/Flickr Some of these require a hike to get to while others are located in small resorts, or abandoned resorts like the Verde Hot Springs pictured above.
- Run it off
Mike Purchine/Flickr For me, going for a run is a great way to both alleviate stress from the day and get a good start to your morning. Arizona is also the host of tons of races this time of year, including the P.F. Chang’s Marathon next month and there’s no feeling quite like crossing a finish line.
- Peaceful walk in a garden
JR P/Flickr If running isn’t your thing, then maybe a relaxing stroll in a peaceful garden sounds more appealing. Check out our state gardens article for ideas on where to go.
- Yoga
Jessica/Flickr Yoga has been shown to reduce blood pressure, increase flexibility, and even increase muscle tone. Take a few classes then practice your moves out in nature.
- Watch a sunrise
b k/Flickr Up early or especially late? Take a few minutes to greet the day and watch the sun peak over the horizon with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea
Dru Bloomfield/Flickr Need a simple pleasure? How does a cup of coffee or tea sound? You can easily brew it at home or you can leave the house (or office) to a coffee shop for a few minutes of sanity.
- Let someone else make dinner tonight
Gluttony Boys/Flickr Even home cooks need a night off. Be sure to check out our previous restaurant articles for ideas!
- Enjoy an Arizona movie
Insomnia Cured Here/Flickr You can interpret this however you see fit. Watch a movie set in Arizona or head out to an Arizona theatre for a more thorough escape.
- Stargaze
Bill Gracey/Flickr This time of year is perfect for stargazing because our already dark skies are even more clear in winter. If you want to find constellations, I recommend downloading the Google Sky Map on your phone or tablet; when you position your device to different areas in the sky, it will tell you the names of constellations.
- Read a book
Changing Hands Bookstore/Facebook I come from a family of avid readers so there’s really no greater joy in life than walking through a bookstore or library to find a good read. You never know what you’ll find!
- Enjoy a campfire or watch a log smolder in the fireplace
Beyond Neon/Flickr Of course, listen to Smokey the Bear and be sure you practice campfire safety habits!
- Get out in nature
Paxson Woelber/Flickr If anything, go out into nature and enjoy the beauty around you! Take in the views, practice some deep breathing exercises, and love this land we live on.
How do you take it easy while in Arizona? Listen to an Eagles LP? Engage in one of these activities?
emdot/Flickr
Need a chance to think or clear your mind? Sometimes a drive on the highway helps, especially since ours have the open space and relation to nature.
Alan English CPA/Flickr
Another way to relax from a stressful month? Spending a day at a spa makes a great retreat, like at the Arizona Biltmore. If that’s a little outside of your budget, even just spending an hour getting pampered through a massage or a manicure is enough to help you relax.
Rowan/Flickr
Some of these require a hike to get to while others are located in small resorts, or abandoned resorts like the Verde Hot Springs pictured above.
Mike Purchine/Flickr
For me, going for a run is a great way to both alleviate stress from the day and get a good start to your morning. Arizona is also the host of tons of races this time of year, including the P.F. Chang’s Marathon next month and there’s no feeling quite like crossing a finish line.
JR P/Flickr
If running isn’t your thing, then maybe a relaxing stroll in a peaceful garden sounds more appealing. Check out our state gardens article for ideas on where to go.
Jessica/Flickr
Yoga has been shown to reduce blood pressure, increase flexibility, and even increase muscle tone. Take a few classes then practice your moves out in nature.
b k/Flickr
Up early or especially late? Take a few minutes to greet the day and watch the sun peak over the horizon with a cup of coffee or tea.
Dru Bloomfield/Flickr
Need a simple pleasure? How does a cup of coffee or tea sound? You can easily brew it at home or you can leave the house (or office) to a coffee shop for a few minutes of sanity.
Gluttony Boys/Flickr
Even home cooks need a night off. Be sure to check out our previous restaurant articles for ideas!
Insomnia Cured Here/Flickr
You can interpret this however you see fit. Watch a movie set in Arizona or head out to an Arizona theatre for a more thorough escape.
Bill Gracey/Flickr
This time of year is perfect for stargazing because our already dark skies are even more clear in winter. If you want to find constellations, I recommend downloading the Google Sky Map on your phone or tablet; when you position your device to different areas in the sky, it will tell you the names of constellations.
Changing Hands Bookstore/Facebook
I come from a family of avid readers so there’s really no greater joy in life than walking through a bookstore or library to find a good read. You never know what you’ll find!
Beyond Neon/Flickr
Of course, listen to Smokey the Bear and be sure you practice campfire safety habits!
Paxson Woelber/Flickr
If anything, go out into nature and enjoy the beauty around you! Take in the views, practice some deep breathing exercises, and love this land we live on.
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