Resting & Relaxing: English Vocabulary List

to lie on a sofa, bed, etc. in order to become less tense or anxious

"I kicked my feet up and watched TV."

"After a long week at work he finally had time to kick his feet up and watch a movie on the sofa."

to take moment to relax and appreciate what life has to offer, particularly when one is feeling overwhelmed

"Take time to stop and smell the roses."

"You need to slow down and take time to smell the roses instead of working all the time without a break."

the renewal of one's energy or endurance that allows one to continue or start over a physical exertion

"The runner found his second wind."

"After drinking some water the runner got a second wind and finished the race strongly."

to put an stop to any activity one was doing in order to take a short break and relax a bit

"I stopped running to catch my breath."

"After running up the stairs she stopped for a moment to catch her breath before entering the meeting room."

to give one's best effort in work or activities, followed by taking time to rest

"Let us max and relax today."

"After finals were over the students decided to max and relax by the pool all weekend long."

to relax and take a rest in order to recover one's lost energy

"I took a nap to recharge my batteries."

"I am going to the countryside for the weekend to recharge my batteries after a very stressful month."

to go for a walk, particularly after spending a long time sitting in one spot

"We stopped to stretch legs."

"After sitting for hours, we decided to stop the car and stretch our legs."

to stop caring for one's physical appearance, hygiene, or mental well-being

"He has let himself go."

"After she had the baby she let herself go and stopped caring about her appearance for a while."

to behave in a comfortable manner, without worrying about one's problems or other people's opinions

"Let your hair down now."

"After a stressful week at work, she was finally able to let her hair down and relax."

to refresh oneself, usually by going outside or doing some physical activities

"A morning walk blows away the cobwebs."

"A brisk walk in the fresh morning air is a great way to blow away the cobwebs and wake up properly."

fully drained of strength and energy

"I am fit to drop now."

"After running the marathon, I was fit to drop and could barely walk to my car."

to feel relief or relaxation because a period of worry, stress, or anticipation has passed

"She breathed a sigh of relief when the test was over."

"When the exam finished everyone breathed a sigh of relief and went home to relax."

to put an stop to any activity one was doing in order to take a short break and relax a bit

"Let me catch my breath."

"After sprinting the last mile, he needed to catch his breath before discussing the urgent matter."

to behave in a way one desires without worrying about other's opinions

"She will let herself go."

"During her vacation, she decided to let herself go and enjoy every moment without reservation."