Forgive the probably strange question, but I don't think I understand what a relaxing activity is.  Background: I recently found out I've got ADD, and I've known for over a decade that my genes caught up with me and I have anxiety and depression like so many other people on both sides of my family.

So when I first read that I should engage in a relaxing activity before bedtime, I thought, okay, I will surf the internet, research something I've been wondering about, catch up on a forum, etc.  But then I keep reading (on here and elsewhere) that turning off your computer for an hour before bed is encouraged.  Bugger.  So sitting down and reading something not on a computer.... well, I might read something like Discover Magazine, which is delightfully mentally stimulating.  But if it's mentally stimulating, does it count as "relaxing"?  And if I read something not mentally stimulating, then I can't keep my focus through even one paragraph, and that is very frustrating and not at all relaxing.  ....Watching short videos like Ted Talk are apparently definitely out cause they're mentally stimulating and I have to do them on a computer.  ....Taking a hot shower is very much out because I radiate heat for hours later, which interferes with me going to sleep.  ....Would doing some chores like laundry or dishes count?  I wouldn't consider them "relaxing", but they're definitely not mentally stimulating.    .....I also tried The Art of Meditation cd (Daniel Goleman), and used the lovely meditation where you're slowly scanning your body, making note of sensations, and relaxing any tension.  Delightfully relaxing, not mentally stimulating.... but after a few nights, my miracle meditation stopped working because my mind would drift off during the meditation, and before I could pull it back (again), I'd already be behind, which would make me miss relaxing various body parts, and eventually (after a few nights more) get me to the point of being frustrated and annoyed at my brain.  Now the thought of using that meditation makes me anxious cause I know I will have to expend a ton of effort to keep even a decent level of focus.  (Darn you ADD!)

Does anyone out there have a clue as to what some "relaxing" pre-bed activities are for a person with ADD?  Or are chores as good of an activity as I can get?  Not relaxing, but not stimulating either, and keeps my anxieties down because I'm getting boring but important stuff done.

p.s. Thank you Zeo people for existing.  I was tickled pink to find out someone had created the sleep tracking machine I had always wanted to design.  And it's even more elaborate and thoughtful than I would have made it, and comes with a spiffy, informative website to boot.