I'm trying to remember an adjective that describes something you do to help yourself relax/de-stress, but I can't think of it. It's similar to therapeutic, but when I checked the synonyms I couldn't find it. I wouldn't say it's a common word either.
Ex: After a long day at work, I enjoy cooking because it's _______ to me.
To many, exercise is ______.
Best Answer
Without further information this is a guess.
I first thought of the word "to unwind", but then realised you said it wasn't common. Then, reading your example sentence I found that "cathartic" may fit. But "cathartic" or "carthasis" goes further than to relax or destress; it has an association with purging inner emotions to release tension and is a form of therapy for oneself. The word goes back to Ancient Greece, I think it was used first by Aristotle, but in regard to drama. It is also commonly used in modern psychology and medicine, hence the therapeutic association. It's also used in ordinary pop culture or layman's terms.
Some examples of the use of "catharsis" are given at Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
It also has this description about its origin and development:
So the word has got to do with "release" of emotions, and many people get that from doing certain activities.
If that's not the word you were thinking of let me know I'll delete the answer.