But I'm trying to find something I can do every night to wind down and have a bit of fun.
I'm thinking I might watch a movie (or part of one) a few nights a week. Maybe a tv show. Maybe read.
What else? What do you do?
Do it right though. Sit down in a comfortable chair. Turn off your computer so you're not constantly getting up and checking your email. Maybe turn on some music. Allocate a sufficient block of time, so you can become truly engrossed in your book.
Good fiction has a way of taking your mind elsewhere that no other medium can match. It's the most satisfying and fulfilling way to relax that I know of.
edit: minor grammar correction
I would recommend "bone support." You shouldn't be holding the book up, but resting it somehow. Angle your arm so you don't have to use muscle, or it'll become painful.
I don't know if that's a good term for it, but that's what they called it when we were learning to shoot in the Marine Corps. Same idea. :-)
e.g.
- finally get that TV/DVD/Stereo setup the right way;
- replace the dodgy doorbell
- throw out old crap
- repaint a room (if you make a mistake, just paint over it)
She dresses up as Dagny Taggart.
When I do I typically read, exercise, or play some minecraft or maybe something on kongregate.
You can also download it for free from http://www.gnubg.org/ or play online (also for free, reg required) at http://www.gamesgrid.com/
If any HN'ers want to play some time I'm happy to have a game. If there's enough interest I'd be happy to run a backgammon school on a sunday for people to learn the basics and a little strategy.
You should also check out Bohnanza; similar ideas, fewer rules to parse, plus inter-player trading.
Closing Colloquy and Skype helps too.
A simple walk around the block works wonders as well.
So I go on craigslist buy old things which I fix in my garage. Sometimes it's a PC but usually it is something more organic or mechanical like a piece of furniture, or an old mechanical tool. Very restful satisfying and useful. I think working out i still needed though.
I read a variety of books: programming (learn something new), business (keep yourself motivated and consider new approaches), lifestyle (what can I do to be a better person?), and fiction (oooh, a good story).
I can't being to explain how much of a profound impact reading has had on my life. I used to read a ton when I was younger, but when I started university I stopped for a while (hanging out with people, lots of social stuff), and didn't get back into the habit until the beginning of last year.
Reading keeps my mind focused, helps me relax, and teaches me new things all the time. When I read programming books, I make a point to write some software using whatever techniques / libraries the book I'm reading is discussing. This helps me get a better understanding of what I'm reading and learning about, and it's a lot of fun.
How often do you read? Do you enjoy what you're reading?
Not at the same time.
In the time I've been here on HN I've come to this position. When I reply or submit, I like to consider a hypothetical someone in a year's time, mining HN comments for insight and information. I'd like to think that what I write has some use to the in context, and at the same time accurately reflects who I am now.
And yes, the reply fits in that mould. In a year's time if someone came across that comment, I'd like them to know that I thought it peurile and unfunny, and I flagged it.
Maybe I am just an old fart, but get off my lawn!
Yes. It has 3 items that satisfy the requirement of relaxing.
Ladies and gentlemen, once you click "reply", you will see a flag button for individual comments. Use it responsibly.
Seeing this comment get downvoted and its parent upvoted with what I can only view as teenaged boys giggling over some smut, I see that there is no single, coherent community with a shared core of beliefs and standards. And maturity. It's a painful lesson.
Q. What do you do to relax?
A. Play poker, masturbate and play with my cat.
The fact he added a small joke afterward just adds charm. Lighten up a little ;)
BUM!!!
Although, heck, maybe he talks about masturbating in front of girls the whole time.
To be fair, I don't know any guy that doesn't, while in the presence of women, talk about masturbating.
Though I want to make it abundantly clear that I am not defending him from downvotes or suggesting people upvote him (I didn't).
1. Giggling 2. Prudishness 3. Maturity
It's very repetitive and boring, and lets my mind drift. Plus you get smoother hummus if you remove the chick pea skins first.
I really enjoy making bread. Kneading dough feels very real after hours of debugging bad Algol code.
Also: You forgot to mention garlic!
Do something that's totally unproductive that's pure fun. This might sound silly, but finger painting or something similar.
Relaxing is all about feeling like there's nothing you NEED to to be doing right now. You're just in your own space, enjoying your own company.
Maybe there's something you've always wanted to do but haven't for whatever reason. Conquer your fears! Go take that mambo class. Attend that french pastry chef course.
You know? Mix it up, have some fun. : )
I have started to make acoustic guitars (specifically, Selmer-Maccaferri copies; the type of guitar Django Reinhardt was famous for). I don't get a lot of free time with a relatively young child, but what little time I can squeeze into my workshop is very relaxing. After pushing bits around with your brain all day there is something immensely satisfying about making a real physical object with your hands. Luthery is also an excellent lesson in patience and long-term goals.
I probably spend most of my personal free time reading books and they are great for me to wind down.
-meditating/deliberate breathing
-static/dynamic apnea free diving (need access to body of water)
Making/crafting things in the real world as opposed to in software is nice. And hearing/watching/playing music, for me mostly a blend of acoustic/bluegrass.
Until the new expansion pack comes out I find myself just watching TV
I'm a spud.
I also play bridge in my down-time.
http://www.bridgeworld.com/default.asp?d=intro_to_bridge&...
I do the same. I would suggest you to read fiction books. It will relax your mind.
BUT, if you have friends, family or kids, I would suggest you to hang out with them, play with them.
It will make you more productive next day at work.
Try it for a month. It works. :)
FTFY
Listen to music and breathe.
Take a bubble bath alone or with gf.
Watch science and nature documentaries.
Take a walk and talk with an old friend.
Also, I picked up a musical instrument, I find my playing to be very relaxing, my girlfriend does not. :-p
I read all sorts of books to help unwind or enhance my existing knowledge or learn something new. Mixing genres of books each time is also good. I usually read scifi, fantasy (Terry Pratchett anyone?), biographies, history books,science/maths, technical, business... reading is one of mans greatest gifts!
Also, learn to do things like crosswords and jigsaws as a way to take your mind off things. Jigsaws are an amazing way to completely switch off - like stacking shelves without the significant labour! Mind wonders, but you also achieve something with each piece laid. Seriously dont knock it until you try :)
Exercise is critical. I swim 50+ laps in the pool each day and this really helps. But I hate exercise so you gotta find something that works for you.
And of course spending time with family - particularly children if you have them can be a real boon and gives you an excuse to play lego - anther wonderful invention of mankind! In fact I often build robots using technic lego with the kids which is a cool bridge between mechanical and computer skills.
Cook (then eat).