気晴(きば)らし

気晴(きば)らし refers to doing something enjoyable to refresh one's mood or relieve stress. It implies a deliberate change of activity to escape worries.

Forms

気(き) (spirit, mood) + 晴(は)らし (clearing away). Literally "clearing the mood."

Common patterns

• 気晴(きば)らしに〜する: to do something as a diversion
• 気晴(きば)らしになる: to serve as a diversion
• いい気晴(きば)らしだ: it's a good change of pace
• 気晴(きば)らしに出(で)かける: to go out for a change of pace

Similar words

• 息抜(いきぬ)き: a breather (emphasis on resting from work)
• 暇(ひま)つぶし: killing time (casual, implies boredom)
• 気分転換(きぶんてんかん): change of mood (more neutral/formal)
• 娯楽(ごらく): entertainment, recreation (broader term)
• リフレッシュ: refreshing oneself (loanword)