I lie on my back on the terrace watching white clouds sail across the blue sky. Looking at the kites swirling in the draft is somehow relaxing to me. At night, I look out of the window at the sky with sparkling stars or distant city lights. The calmness of the night, with nothing but clock tick, and light breeze, inspires me quite a lot. During this routine I just let my mind wander. If this goes on for more than 30 min, my mind automatically switches to the problem I am stuck with. In rainy season its a bit frustrating as this routine isn't possible. I just punch bag.

Ordered by potency:

(1) listening to music. I could be having the shittiest day imaginable and in the worst possible mood but music is always a magic bullet. When I listen to the right song my mood just pivots instantly.

(2) watching movies, shows. Currently working through Star Trek TOS right now, Dennou Coil and Mr Robot

(3) reading, whether it be a blog or a novel. I'm trying to not read articles on the net so much these days because there's an endless amount of content and I almost always stay up late. I just bought a bunch of hard cover textbooks that I will be thumbing through before sleeping. Need to get in the habit though.

But I have issues with decision paralysis regarding what to watch or listen to - wish I could come up with a ready solution.

I agree with the sports/exercise. After a long day's work, I love going to the gym and listening to some music. Nothing relaxes me more! Then once I finally get home, I can focus on either side projects or any reading that I need to catch up on

Along the lines of exercise for me is a bit of manual labor - be it working outside or doing a bit of remodeling around the house or washing the car. Just the other day I was feeling a bit stressed and went outside to wash the car. Not a full on 3 hour wash / polish / wax but just to give it a quick wash / get some bugs off / clean the glass, etc... Normally I leave this task until the weekend. Still took about an hour. Felt much better when I was done - took a quick shower and got to work on my side projects.

Anything that gets me away from looking at a screen for a few hours helps.

Maybe I'm boring but playing some video games or reading helps me. I journal as well but that's more of a daily meditative thing to help get all my thoughts out so they dont run around my head all day.

I enjoy washing dishes and cooking while listening to podcasts. That seems to be my default for a good contrast to the stress and cognitive load of work.

I used to walk daily, but an injury has curtailed that.

Ultimate frisbee. The freely flowing, read-and-react style of play is a great break from the deep, focused thought that programming takes.

Soccer is the same, but I can't do soccer anymore. My left knee won't take the load of kicking the ball. And if you're playing soccer one-footed, you're just a worthless bum on the field...

When the wind is up I go kitesurfing, otherwise I standup paddleboard to relax. I find both activities to be very meditative in thier own ways.

Exercising or reading are two of my favorite ways to relax.

Recreationally inhale cannabis and climb mountains