Offspring, Smash, Track 1

Quoth The Offspring:

Ahhh, it's time to relax, and you know what that means: glass of wine, your favorite easy chair; and of course, this compact disc playing on your home stereo. So go on, and indulge yourself; that's right, kick off your shoes and put your feet up. Lean back, and just enjoy the melodies. After all, music soothes even the savage beast.
- Offspring, "Time to Relax" intro, 1994

Something that's important, no matter how old you are, no matter what position you're in, is knowing when, and how, to relax. Don't get me wrong; there are times to be serious, and times to be high-strung, and those who can't respond correctly during those times are just as messed up as those who can't relax when the time is right to relax.

That's not the point. What is the point? The point is this: how do you relax? When the time is right for relaxation, or when you're keyed up and stressed out, what are the elements, either individual or employed in concert, that you use to relax? Here are a few of mine:

Gregorian chant CDs (as of Friday, I have three), or an old Enya CD I got for free when I worked at the music store (if you poke fun at me, I'll smite you)

Warm milk, or in some cases a cup of hot tea

A hot bath with old U2

At least half an hour with a good book; could be Fleming, or Lewis, but the Dryden translation of Plutarch is particularly useful

I also, on occasion, kill a little time by playing Ghost Recon, Halo, Halo 2, Circus Maximus, or BloodWake on the X-Box.

So, what about you? How do you relax?