Ways to relax and have fun locally on a budget

High gas prices and the cost of living are causing several people to adjust their lives in several ways. Many people are canceling their vacations and may be picking up an extra job to make ends meet. The pressure and stress is on. So turn off your computer and cellular phone and try some of the following ideas for having fun and relieving stress on a budget.

1. Take a walk in the morning or evening to beat the heat. A 10-15 minute walk will do wonders for helping you relax and relieve stress. While on your walk take deep breaths, meditate, pray, and reflect. Concentrate on what you are thankful for.

2. Go on a picnic at your favorite park. If you are taking your family bring some board games, a kite, Frisbee, baseball, etc. Have fun and enjoy.

3. Take a bike ride. Go on the new bike trail or bike around town. You can see so many things that you do not notice while driving a car.

4. Take up a new hobby or class. Check out the local options for taking an art class, music lesson, exercise class, join a team sport, quilting class, yoga class, martial arts, horseback riding class, dog obedience classes, etc. Tehachapi has lots to offer do your research to discover a class that might interest you.

5. Try cooking a new recipe. Make a gourmet meal at home and if cooking with your family have everyone get involved. Help the kids learn and have fun in the kitchen. Put on your favorite music and enjoy your homemade meal at home without the cost of going out.

6. Do some stargazing. Get a current astrological map of the stars and find the different constellations and planets. Tehachapi is a great place for stargazing.

7. Turn off the TV and go to the library. Pick out some favorite books to read.

8. Turn your bathroom into a home spa treatment. Take a bath with your favorite bubble bath, sip herbal tea, give yourself a pedicure, etc. Checkout your local drugstore for several options for do it yourself.

9. Have a at home movie night. Grab the blankets and get comfortable. Make homemade popcorn and enjoy your favorite movie without going out.

10. Check out the local newspapers to see upcoming events that are going to be in the area that may interest you. There are several low cost or free event happening several times a week, especially in the summer.

Get out and enjoy your community! Turn off the cell phone, computer, and TV! Have fun and relieve stress! Life is too short!

Karina Narduzzi

(Karina Narduzzi is the owner of Positive Solutions Anger Management and Executive Coaching, please visit our website at www.positivesolutions.org or call us directly at 303-5669 for more information.)