Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#1

Post by oldmanstan » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 12:34 AM UTC

One thing I do is work out.

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?

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#2

Post by togasystems » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 1:12 AM UTC

Working out and reading are my top two wind down methods.

A simple walk around the block works wonders as well.

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#3

Post by KevinMS » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 1:28 AM UTC

I used to play world of warcraft, nothing like that level of immersion to relax in respect to real life, but it might just replace real life tension with virtual tension.

Until the new expansion pack comes out I find myself just watching TV

I'm a spud.

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#4

Post by b14ck » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 1:38 AM UTC

I really enjoy reading. I take it as a serious hobby (I spend on average 1 hour a day reading, often times more).

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?

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#5

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 2:06 AM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#6

Post by andrewtbham » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 2:06 AM UTC

after working behind a computer all day, walking the dog is a great way to unwind. sometimes, i ride my bike. getting a drink with friends is good too.

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#7

Post by jawngee » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 2:08 AM UTC

Play poker, masturbate, play with my cat.

Not at the same time.

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#8

Post by wwortiz » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 2:09 AM UTC

I read books, mostly sci fi and stuff like that but also humor horror and other genres. Books are wonderful and when you read right before bed you can really tell when you are tired (which is vastly different if you are watching T.V. or other more passive things), I guess after a while your imagination just stops working.

I probably spend most of my personal free time reading books and they are great for me to wind down.

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#9

Post by noilly » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 2:16 AM UTC

-critical music listening (some decent hi-fi speakers/headphones required)

-meditating/deliberate breathing

-static/dynamic apnea free diving (need access to body of water)

Re: Ask HN: What do you do to relax?

#10

Post by albahk » Thu, Sep 30, 2010, 2:18 AM UTC

Undertake a small 'home-improvement' task that takes no more than an hour or two. After spending so much time in computer systems solving problems, fixing a real-life bug or enhancement in my flat is strangely satisfying.

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)

(edit:formatting)