Feeling stuck when trying to express the idea of unwinding? We’ve all been there. The phrase “sit back and relax” is a classic, but it can feel overused and unoriginal.
As a writer, I often find myself searching for fresh ways to convey that sense of ease and comfort without resorting to the same tired expressions.
In this blog post, I’ll explore alternative phrases that capture the essence of relaxation, helping you diversify your language and breathe new life into your writing or conversations.
What To Say Instead of “Sit Back and Relax”
Here are ten other ways to say “sit back and relax”:
- Kick back and unwind.
- Take it easy.
- Put your feet up.
- Rest easy.
- Chill out.
- Lounge and loosen up.
- Let yourself unwind.
- Ease back.
- Settle in.
- Lay back and take a load off.
1. Kick back and unwind (Casual and comforting)
“Kick back and unwind” is a casual and comforting expression that suggests a total release from stress or activity. It’s often used to create a laid-back atmosphere where someone can feel free to relax deeply.
The phrase captures the essence of taking a break in a very physical way, implying not just mental relaxation but also a physical shift into comfort.
Usage examples:
- After a long week at work, Carol might invite her friend over with the message, “Come over this weekend. We can kick back and unwind by the pool.”
- In a promotional email for a spa resort, one might read, “Book your weekend getaway with us and kick back and unwind amidst serene landscapes.”
2. Take it easy (Universal and easy-going)
“Take it easy” is a universal, easy-going expression that’s broadly understood to mean slowing down and reducing stress or effort.
It’s applicable in a variety of scenarios, from recovering after illness to enjoying a lazy Sunday. The phrase encourages a gentle pace of life and can be both a farewell and a way to advise someone to calm down.
Usage examples:
- Seeing her teammate stressed about the deadline, Carol might advise, “You’ve been at this for hours—take it easy for a bit.”
- In a blog post about managing stress, Carol could write, “Whenever life feels overwhelming, remember to take it easy and give yourself space to breathe.”
3. Put your feet up (Literal and figurative comfort)
“Put your feet up” is both a literal and figurative suggestion for comfort, often implying not just a physical posture but a state of relaxation.
It’s commonly used in contexts where someone is being encouraged to stop working and start relaxing, ideal after a task has been completed or when someone deserves a break.
Usage examples:
- After Carol helped her sister move into her new apartment, her sister thanked her and said, “Now go home, put your feet up, and relax—you’ve earned it!”
- In an email reminding employees about the importance of work-life balance, the HR manager might include, “Don’t forget to put your feet up once in a while and enjoy your evenings.”
4. Rest easy (Soothing and reassuring)
“Rest easy” is a soothing and reassuring way to tell someone to relax. It’s often used when addressing concerns or worries, suggesting that one can be at ease and free from anxiety.
This phrase is particularly effective in calming someone who might be going through stressful times or need reassurance that everything is under control.
Usage examples:
- After checking the security systems at her friend’s house while they were on vacation, Carol texted them, “Everything’s secure here. You can rest easy knowing your home is safe.”
- In a newsletter about health and wellness, a therapist might write, “Adopting a regular meditation practice can help you rest easy at night, reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.”
5. Chill out (Informal and direct)
“Chill out” is an informal and direct expression often used to tell someone to relax or calm down, especially in moments of high tension or excitement.
It’s a straightforward command that can be playful or serious, depending on the tone and context. The phrase is particularly popular among younger audiences and in casual settings.
Usage examples:
- If Carol sees her friend getting overly worked up over a minor issue, she might gently say, “Hey, just chill out—it’s not as bad as it seems.”
- In a casual blog post about dealing with stress in college, Carol could advise her readers, “When exam pressure builds up, sometimes you just need to chill out and take things one step at a time.”
6. Lounge and loosen up (Leisurely and inviting)
“Lounge and loosen up” is a leisurely and inviting expression that conjures images of lying back in comfort, perhaps in a lounge chair or a cozy nook.
This phrase is great for encouraging someone to not only physically relax but also to let go of their mental burdens. It’s particularly effective in settings like spas and resorts or during casual get-togethers at home.
Usage examples:
- In an invitation to a backyard barbecue, Carol might write, “Join us for an evening where you can lounge and loosen up by the fire pit with good food and great company.”
- On her lifestyle blog, Carol could share tips on creating a relaxing home environment, suggesting, “Create a corner where you can lounge and loosen up after a long day’s work.”
7. Let yourself unwind (Permissive and gentle)
“Let yourself unwind” is a permissive and gentle way to encourage someone to relax.
This phrase gives permission, suggesting that it’s okay to let go of responsibilities temporarily and focus on one’s own well-being.
It’s ideal for use in contexts where people might feel guilty about taking time for themselves.
Usage examples:
- After noticing her colleague seemed stressed about an upcoming project, Carol might say, “Remember to let yourself unwind this weekend. You’ll return with a fresh perspective.”
- In a workshop on self-care, Carol could advise participants, “It’s crucial to let yourself unwind regularly to maintain both mental and physical health.”
8. Ease back (Subtle and smooth)
“Ease back” is a subtle and smooth instruction that suggests gradually moving into a state of relaxation.
It implies a gentle transition from activity to rest, making it suitable for situations where someone needs to de-stress slowly and not abruptly.
This phrase can be used effectively in yoga classes or guided relaxation sessions.
Usage examples:
- In a yoga class, Carol, as the instructor, might guide her students, “Now, slowly ease back into the child’s pose and release all the tension from your body.”
- In an email about balancing work and life, Carol might include advice like, “During your breaks, ease back with a short walk or a quiet moment away from the screen.”
9. Settle in (Comforting and homey)
“Settle in” is a comforting and homey expression that suggests making oneself comfortable in a particular place, often used when someone has just arrived at a new location or home.
It implies a sense of belonging and creating a space of one’s own comfort. This phrase works well in hospitality settings or when welcoming someone to a new home or environment.
Usage examples:
- When guests arrive at her home for a weekend stay, Carol might show them to their room with the words, “Here’s where you’ll be staying—settle in and let me know if you need anything.”
- In a newsletter for a holiday cottage, Carol could write, “As soon as you arrive at our peaceful retreat, we invite you to settle in and feel the tranquility of nature envelop you.”
10. Lay back and take a load off (Expressive and emphatic)
“Lay back and take a load off” is an expressive and emphatic way to tell someone to relax deeply.
The phrase vividly describes the action of lying back and physically removing a burden, metaphorically suggesting a significant relief from stress or worry.
It’s well-suited for informal and familiar settings where a stronger emphasis on relaxation is desired.
Usage examples:
- At the end of a busy day organizing a community event, Carol might say to her team, “Great job today, everyone. Now go home, lay back, and take a load off—you’ve all earned it.”
- In a post on social media encouraging self-care weekends, Carol could share, “This weekend, make it a priority to lay back and take a load off. Your mind and body deserve a break!”