How to relax without being bored

[Suzette]

I find that focusing on an activity to be relaxing. I like to work on puzzles. A puzzle can be simple lije a jig saw puzzle or complex like building a model. Or just mentally stimulating like sudoku.
The point is to find something that engages your mind sufficiently to stop the internal chatter. But no matter what you try, you might have to do it several times in order to feel like you are achieving your goal of relaxing. You are changing a habit so don't give up too soon.

 

[jleeb05]

I agree with those that say you need to take an individualized approach to "relaxing." When someone uses the term "chilling" I just picture them staring at a wall doing nothing haha. Maybe that's the image you get when someone says "relaxing" but for me relaxing is watching movies, playing video games, reading, writing, etc. You have to figure out what it means for you.

 

[Gracey]

I'm led to believe some can get used to a busy mind being the norm.
Constant adrenalin & dopamine fixes throughout the day classed as standard operating levels and the brain gets into a habit of accepting higher buzz levels as the norm.

When we lower or change that buzz with activities such as 'relaxation' we're not getting the same dynamic 'highs' as previously.
(different chemicals involved in relaxation)
It might feel wrong or different in a negative way sometimes leading to irritation or frustration and boredom.

'Relaxing more' doesn't necessarily involve a meditating, cross legged yoga pose. Keeping as still as possible.
Reading through the previous posts, it means many different things to many different people and so can deduce it's a personal thing. Finding our own groove.

Personally, I had to be reminded or retrained in what a state of relaxation felt like using outside guidance before I could go on and achieve it for myself.
Change some thought patterns and perspectives and practise breathing techniques.
I couldn't be 'still' if my life depended on it but I can (now) relax more without getting bored out of my mind.