[emerald sea]

It was the end of a beautiful day of climbing mountains, right before the squeaky zipper sang its tune to open the tent door and weary hikers collapsed into thick cozy sleeping bags and succombed to the lullabies of the crickets.

Spitting crackling flames devoured sticks and leaves, mini-flumes of copper gold and burning heat defrosting those hikers who huddled, chilled, bundled, and layered, around the tiny campfire. Twisting metal clothes hangers into tongs to poke and stoke marshmallows, they held them suspended over the fire to toast.

Squeezing their half-charred molten marshmallows between two graham crackers lined with Hersheys, they bit into their gooey desserts, engulfing their tastebuds in momentary ectasy. It was tradition, yes, but more than that. This was the first stage of turning their bodies off for the night.

What are your s'mores? That is, at the end of a long tiring day that has wound you up, how do you treat or relax yourself to wind down from stress before you go to bed...so sleep comes readily?

[Lady Nurture]

Given the above description, I believe I could use an actual s'more at night to achieve the desired result!
-Reading a book and taking the time to absorb the imagery or highlight favorite passages helps to mentally unwind.
-A cool temperature in the room, but enough warmth from a favorite pair of socks and dual blankets is essential.
-A shower in which nothing is thought about but removing the day from atop your shoulders, to knock out the stress and invite rest.
-Scented lotion (usually baby powder or a subtly sweet fruit smell) that's associated with home, comfort and rest.
-Finally, rest the head on the pillow and think of embraces. That's right; imagine a simple hug or group hug from those who love you. Then, understand that you deserve rest and yield to it.
(Now, if only I'd follow these steps as I used to. Stress has been having too much fun, LOL.)

[emerald sea]

Stress has been having too much fun, LOL.)

it sounds like we need to round up Stress and send him on to live elsewhere, in a remote place far from people. we will send him on a permanent vacation from hassling you. i am sorry you have been stressed :(.

[Lady Nurture]

@emerald sea, *HUGS* Thank you! And I do agree with you; he's quite sneaky. He makes you believe that he is gone, but then he heckles a loved one, and so you attain a residual effect which is worse. Better Stress's harassment be directed towards you, then to see it happening to a loved one, because it takes a combined effort to stave him off. We being well practiced, we buffet him with a cup of Chamomile tea or IDGAF (Ever had that brand? Oh it's grand!) but it's different in pairs; he only needs to weaken one and both fall. So, ohm, ohm, willpowers unite!
meditation-meme1.jpg

On the topic of relaxation, get thee the ideal postcard of the ideal place: Beautiful garden path to a secluded cottage, a photograph of a beach, etc. and keep it close by. One postcard travels with you and the other is at home. (This is a romantic comedy/film cliche, but it may have elements of truth to it).
Associate the image with absolute peace, re-calibration and conservation of energy. Allow yourself small retreats that calmly restore your energy reserves.
But at night, get thee to sleep. Your body deserves rest!

[GoodOldDreamer]

To the OP: Yes, please. That sounds wonderful.

Wait, that's not what you're looking for? You had me at "S'mores around the Campfire"... lol.

Anyway, how do I relax? I spend quality time with my kindred spirit.

I'm thinking evening walks will become a lil' tradition we share. Might have to include the s'mores sometime though, lol.

[confused girl28]

Anyway, how do I relax? I spend quality time with my kindred spirit.

I'm thinking evening walks will become a lil' tradition we share. Might have to include the s'mores sometime though, lol.

I agree with this for obvious reasons...ahem

Also, that moment when I go to check on my little girl, right after she goes to bed, and she makes someplace on her bed for me to lie down for a bit, she rests her head on my shoulder and we watch something on tv together and we have a chat, helps me to relax.

[OldManRivers]

@GoodOldDreamer and @confused girl28 - Sometimes, life presents a beautiful story, unexpected, and heartwarming! The best to both.

At 70, a cup of hot tea, strong, sweet, with a slice of calamondin orange, some time to reflect, that is a moment to look forward to, then bed.
I wonder if I should start a countdown clock? Let's see. . . about 3, 450 more cups of tea. .

[confused girl28]

@GoodOlddrteamer and @confused girl28 - Sometimes, life presents a beautiful story, unexpected, and heartwarming! The best to both.

Awww thank you so much Sir *hugs*
And by the way, I don´t see the point starting the countdown yet, I can see lots of cups of tea in your future!

[GoodOldDreamer]

@OldManRivers - You're too kind. *hugs and best wishes to you and yours*

[OldManRivers]

@emerald sea, you have reminded mre of the campouts with my sons in scouting. The younger son is now 42, so it has been a long time. After the huge campfire died down to a bed of hot coals and a random flame, the dads on the campout would drag out the lawn chair and havs a bit of adult conversation while the scouts were busy staying awake in theit tents. We had some very good cooks, being in Cajun Country, and nightcaps tended to be of a liquid type (forbiden! but. . . ) Sitting in the warm glow, lettint the wearyness from trying to keep up with a group of young adolescent boys over hill and dale, feeling rest and sleepy wrap over me. . . "Hit don't git no better'n this!"