After a long day of work or school, sometimes all we need is some good old-fashioned relaxation. But have you ever wondered how others describe this state of bliss? Join us as we uncover the top slang terms for relaxing that will have you feeling zen in no time. From chilling like a pro to unwinding like a boss, we’ve got you covered with the latest and coolest ways to kick back and relax.
Click above to generate some slangs
1. Chillax
A combination of the words “chill” and “relax,” chillax means to take it easy and unwind. It is often used to encourage someone to calm down or to express a desire to relax.
- For example, “Hey, let’s just chillax and watch a movie tonight.”
- A friend might say, “You’ve been working so hard, you need to chillax and take a break.”
- Someone might post on social media, “Finally got home after a long day. Time to chillax and recharge.”
2. Unwind
To unwind means to relax and let go of stress or tension. It refers to the act of releasing mental or physical strain and finding a state of relaxation.
- For instance, “After a long day at work, I like to unwind by taking a hot bath.”
- A person might say, “I need to unwind this weekend and do something fun.”
- Someone might suggest, “Why don’t you unwind with a good book and a cup of tea?”
3. Kick back
To kick back means to relax and take it easy. It often implies a laid-back attitude and a desire to enjoy leisure time.
- For example, “I’m going to kick back and watch some TV tonight.”
- A friend might say, “Let’s kick back and have a barbecue this weekend.”
- Someone might post on social media, “Just got home from work. Time to kick back and unwind.”
4. Decompress
Decompress means to release or alleviate stress or pressure. It refers to the process of unwinding and letting go of tension.
- For instance, “I need some alone time to decompress after a hectic day.”
- A person might say, “I like to decompress by going for a walk in nature.”
- Someone might suggest, “Take a deep breath and decompress before reacting to a stressful situation.”
5. Veg out
To veg out means to relax and do nothing. It refers to the act of being idle and not engaging in any productive activities.
- For example, “I’m just going to veg out on the couch and watch Netflix all day.”
- A friend might say, “Let’s veg out and order takeout for dinner.”
- Someone might post on social media, “Feeling lazy today. Time to veg out and recharge.”
6. Take it easy
This phrase is used to tell someone to relax or calm down. It can also be used as a way to say goodbye.
- For example, “Hey, take it easy. Don’t stress too much about the exam.”
- A friend might say, “I’m going to take it easy this weekend and just relax at home.”
- When leaving a gathering, someone might say, “Thanks for having me, take it easy!”
7. Mellow out
To “mellow out” means to calm down or relax. It can also refer to someone becoming less intense or high-strung.
- For instance, “I need to mellow out after a long day at work.”
- A person might say, “Listening to music helps me mellow out and unwind.”
- When someone is getting too worked up, a friend might say, “Hey, just mellow out and take a deep breath.”
8. Zone out
To “zone out” means to become unfocused or lost in thought. It can also refer to daydreaming or not paying attention.
- For example, “I tend to zone out during long meetings.”
- Someone might say, “Sometimes I just need to zone out and let my mind wander.”
- When someone is not paying attention, a teacher might say, “Stop zoning out and focus on the lesson.”
9. Loosen up
To “loosen up” means to relax or become less tense. It can also refer to letting go of inhibitions or being more spontaneous.
- For instance, “After a long day, I like to loosen up with a hot bath.”
- A friend might say, “Come on, loosen up and have some fun at the party.”
- When someone is being too serious, another person might say, “You need to loosen up and enjoy life a little more.”
10. Cool off
To “cool off” means to calm down or relax, especially after being angry or upset. It can also refer to taking a break or stepping away from a situation.
- For example, “I need to cool off before I say something I regret.”
- A person might say, “I like to go for a walk to cool off when I’m feeling stressed.”
- When someone is arguing, a mediator might suggest, “Let’s all cool off and take a break before we continue the discussion.”
11. Lay back
To lay back means to relax and unwind, often by reclining or lying down in a comfortable position.
- For example, after a long day at work, you might say, “I can’t wait to go home and just lay back on the couch.”
- When planning a weekend getaway, someone might suggest, “Let’s find a beach where we can lay back and soak up the sun.”
- If a friend is feeling stressed, you might advise them, “Take some time for yourself and just lay back for a bit.”
12. De-stress
To de-stress means to reduce or alleviate stress and tension, often through activities or techniques that promote relaxation.
- For instance, someone might say, “I need to de-stress after a long day at work. I’m going to take a hot bath.”
- When feeling overwhelmed, a person might suggest, “Let’s go for a walk in nature to de-stress and clear our minds.”
- If a friend is going through a difficult time, you could recommend, “Try some deep breathing exercises to de-stress and find some calm.”
13. Let your hair down
To let your hair down means to relax, have fun, and let go of inhibitions or responsibilities.
- For example, at a party, someone might say, “Come on, let your hair down and dance with us!”
- When on vacation, a person might suggest, “Let’s go out tonight and let our hair down. We deserve to have some fun.”
- If a friend has been working too hard, you could say, “Take a break and let your hair down. You deserve to relax and enjoy yourself.”
14. Put your feet up
To put your feet up means to rest and relax, often by elevating your feet and taking a break from physical or mental exertion.
- For instance, after a long day of running errands, you might say, “I can’t wait to go home and put my feet up.”
- When feeling tired, a person might suggest, “Take a moment to put your feet up and recharge.”
- If a friend is feeling overwhelmed, you could advise them, “Find a comfortable spot, put your feet up, and take a few deep breaths. It will help you relax.”
15. Take a breather
To take a breather means to take a break or pause from an activity or situation in order to relax and recharge.
- For example, during a busy workday, someone might say, “I need to take a breather. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
- When feeling overwhelmed, a person might suggest, “Take a breather and step outside for some fresh air.”
- If a friend is feeling stressed, you could recommend, “Take a breather and do something you enjoy to take your mind off things.”
16. Take five
This phrase is often used to suggest taking a quick break from an activity or task to relax or recharge.
- For example, a boss might say to an employee, “Why don’t you take five and grab a coffee?”
- A coworker might suggest, “Let’s take five and go for a walk around the block.”
- A teacher might tell their students, “Finish your work and then you can take five and chat with your friends.”
17. Hang loose
This phrase is used to encourage someone to stay relaxed and not worry or stress about something.
- For instance, a friend might say, “Don’t worry about the presentation, just hang loose and be yourself.”
- A surfer might use this phrase to describe their laid-back attitude towards the sport, saying, “When I’m on my board, I just hang loose and go with the flow.”
- A parent might advise their child, “Don’t let the pressure get to you, just hang loose and do your best.”
18. Let go
This phrase is often used to encourage someone to release their stress, worries, or negative emotions and to relax.
- For example, a therapist might say, “Take a deep breath and let go of your worries.”
- A yoga instructor might guide their students, saying, “With every exhale, let go of any tension in your body.”
- A friend might offer support, saying, “I know it’s tough, but try to let go of the things you can’t control and focus on what makes you happy.”
19. Put your worries aside
This phrase is used to suggest temporarily setting aside one’s worries or concerns in order to relax or enjoy a moment.
- For instance, a friend might say, “You’ve been working so hard, it’s time to put your worries aside and have some fun.”
- A parent might tell their child, “You have a big test tomorrow, but for now, put your worries aside and get a good night’s sleep.”
- A self-help book might advise readers, “When you’re feeling overwhelmed, try putting your worries aside for a few minutes and focus on something positive.”
20. Take a load off
This phrase is often used to suggest taking a break or relaxing in order to relieve stress or pressure.
- For example, a coworker might say, “You’ve been working non-stop, why don’t you take a load off and grab a snack?”
- A parent might say to their child, “You’ve been studying all day, why don’t you take a load off and watch a movie?”
- A friend might suggest, “You look tired, why don’t you take a load off and put your feet up for a while?”
21. Chillin’
This term is used to describe a state of relaxation or leisure. It implies a carefree and calm attitude.
- For example, “I’m just chillin’ at home tonight.”
- A person might say, “Let’s just chill and watch some movies.”
- Another might ask, “Do you want to come over and chill at my place?”
22. Laid-back
This slang term refers to a person or situation that is calm, relaxed, and not easily stressed.
- For instance, “He’s so laid-back, nothing ever seems to bother him.”
- A friend might describe someone as “super laid-back and easy to get along with.”
- Another might say, “I love hanging out with her because she’s always so laid-back.”
23. Zen out
To “zen out” means to find a sense of calm and tranquility. It often involves engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness.
- For example, “I’m going to zen out with some yoga and meditation.”
- A person might say, “When I’m feeling stressed, I like to zen out by listening to calming music.”
- Another might suggest, “Let’s go to the beach and just zen out for a while.”
24. Be at ease
Being “at ease” means to feel relaxed, comfortable, and free from stress or worry.
- For instance, “I can finally be at ease now that my work is done.”
- A person might say, “Take a deep breath and be at ease, everything will work out.”
- Another might reassure someone by saying, “You’re among friends, so just be at ease and enjoy yourself.”
25. Let loose
To “let loose” means to relax and enjoy oneself without worrying about judgment or constraints.
- For example, “Let’s go out tonight and just let loose on the dance floor.”
- A person might say, “I’ve been working hard all week, it’s time to let loose and have some fun.”
- Another might encourage someone by saying, “Don’t hold back, just let loose and enjoy the moment.”
26. Take a chill pill
This phrase is used to tell someone to calm down or relax when they are feeling stressed or agitated.
- For example, “Hey, take a chill pill. Everything will be fine.”
- A friend might say, “You’re getting too worked up. Just take a chill pill.”
- Someone might use this phrase jokingly, saying, “I think I need to take a chill pill after that stressful day.”
27. Put your mind at ease
This phrase means to alleviate or reduce someone’s worries or anxieties, helping them to relax and feel more at peace.
- For instance, “I’ll take care of everything. Just put your mind at ease.”
- A friend might say, “Don’t worry about it. I’ll handle everything and put your mind at ease.”
- Someone might use this phrase to reassure someone, saying, “I know you’re stressed, but I promise to put your mind at ease.”
28. Take a break
This phrase is used to suggest or encourage someone to pause or rest from an activity in order to relax and recharge.
- For example, “You’ve been working non-stop. You should take a break.”
- A coworker might say, “You look tired. Why don’t you take a break and relax for a bit?”
- Someone might use this phrase to give themselves permission to relax, saying, “I’ve been working hard all day. It’s time to take a break.”