Describe something you do to relax

When I need to relax, I like to go for a long walk, preferably in the park near my flat. It sounds very simple, but it works better for me than anything else I've tried.

I normally do it in the evening, after dinner, when the weather is cool and the park is quiet. I put on some soft music or a podcast, although sometimes I leave my headphones at home so I can just enjoy the peace and quiet. The walk takes about forty minutes, and I always follow the same route around the lake, so I don't have to think about where I'm going. On the weekends, if I'm feeling especially tired, I'll sometimes stay out for an hour or more and finish with a cup of tea at the café by the entrance.

The reason it helps is that it takes my mind off my work. I'm under a lot of pressure at the moment because I'm studying and working part-time, and my head is often full of deadlines. When I'm walking, though, I'm focused on small things, like the colour of the sky, the sound of the leaves or the ducks on the water, and my worries slowly fade into the background. The gentle exercise also has a calming effect on my body. My shoulders drop, I breathe more deeply, and by the time I get home I feel ready to sleep well. It really lets me recharge my batteries so that I can face the next day with a clearer mind.