Watch TV in a foreign language. There are lots of ways that this could be entertaining, and if done correctly you can pick up a language in your leisure time.
Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
21–30 of 90 posts
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#22These days, I really enjoy removing the skins from chick peas. You soak them overnight, boil them for two hours, and then you can squeeze them out of their skins.
It's very repetitive and boring, and lets my mind drift. Plus you get smoother hummus if you remove the chick pea skins first.
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#23starcraft
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#24Draw. Its nice when the refresh rate of what I'm looking at is how often I blink.
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#25Read.
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. :)
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#26Read. 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…
100% agree with fiction book point.
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#27These days, I really enjoy removing the skins from chick peas. You soak them overnight, boil them for two hours, and then you can squeeze them out of their skins. It's very repetitive and boring, and lets my mind drift. Plus you get smoother hummus if you remove the chick pea skins first.
Upvoted... for reminding me what it was like the time we blanched raw almonds and had to skin them. Totally boring, but immersive.
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#28Booze and board games (Dominion or Settlers mostly) with buddies.
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#29These days, I really enjoy removing the skins from chick peas. You soak them overnight, boil them for two hours, and then you can squeeze them out of their skins. It's very repetitive and boring, and lets my mind drift. Plus you get smoother hummus if you remove the chick pea skins first.
Soak with a zip of lemon juice or vinegar and cook with a snip of Kombu seaweed and it'll take less time.
Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?
#30Read. a lot
Also, I picked up a musical instrument, I find my playing to be very relaxing, my girlfriend does not. :-p