Ocean waves. Wind. Lapping water. Rain. Just a few things I find relaxing.

At least once every weekend I drive over to a local beach and lose myself. Sometimes I take a book or camera, usually both. Sometimes I just sit in the car and watch the horizon, listening to the water. Other times I turn music on and watch the people and cars going by. I’ve taken my laptop out there and written blog posts or tried to work on my writing.

No matter what I do when I go there I always find it relaxing, no matter the who is there or what is going on. Sure I enjoy it much more when there is no one around, but being a public beach that doesn’t happen very often.

I especially like going out there when the moon is out. Watching the light play over the waves, the clouds moving across the sky. My shoulders automatically mellow the moment I turn off the car.

As with most relaxation techniques the feeling doesn’t last forever. I try to work on maintaining that feeling of peace when I leave but sometimes life just has other plans. I keep trying though.

What helps you to relax? Places? People? Things?