Stop Stressing, Relax and Enjoy a Pleasure-Seeking Sunday Afternoon

Curl Up with a Good Book and Good Weather

It can be incredibly tempting to just laze around, nap and do nothing on a Sunday afternoon, but it is not as rejuvenating as you might imagine. If you spend less time just lazing around and more time indulging yourself in life's little pleasures you will be more relaxed, less stressed and better equipped to deal with the upcoming workweek. Here are some ideas for engaging your senses and getting the most out of a laid back Sunday.

Engage your Sight

Instead of passing out in front of the TV or locking yourself in the bedroom, head outside or even park in front of a window with a view. Read a good book, throw one some relaxing music and just enjoy the scenery that is offered right outside your door. Recent studies have shown that looking at a clear, blue sky can relieve stress and relax your mind.

Tempt your Taste Buds

Sunday is the perfect day to veer off the diet track, even just by a little. Pick out a recipe that is full of flavor and texture and invite someone special over to share it with. Sure you may think it's easier to head to the café and grab a quick bite to eat, but your body and mind enjoy food more when you make it yourself. Think texture, think flavor and get cooking, you'll enjoy it and wake up Monday morning feeling rejuvenated.

Delightful Smells

Spring and summer are full of delightful scents that can invigorate your mind and leave you skipping ahead with a little extra bounce. Take a walk outside, stop and smell the flowers and enjoy fresh cut grass instead of drudging yourself around a cookie cutter, window free mall.

Give your Ears some Love

Seek out a free, live concert at a local park or go see a new up and coming band at a local café. Engaging your ears with live music can give you far more energy than you can get from plugging in your iPod. A great, live concert can energize you and keep you in a good mood for days to come.

Touch and Pamper Yourself

Book a manicure or a full pampered massage. Relax while it is happening and focus on all of the good feelings that are passed onto your body during it. The more you focus during the experience, the better it will make you feel and the longer the feeling will last in your mind. Unwind and let the sensations take over your body, and the feeling could get you right through the week with a lot less stress.