A short, guided session like this 5-Minute Sleep Meditation is the ultimate way to hit reset – especially when cortisol (your stress hormone) is high after a busy day at work. It can be a cup of tea, your favorite comedy, a long walk with a loved one, a soothing bath, or anything else that brings you a bit of joy. Try to mix them up so they have a bit of “newness” to them and you’ll enjoy them even more. Think about those little treats in life that put a smile on your face, and get more of them into your day.
- However, as with job stress venting in general, focusing too much on the stress created by difficult co-workers can rob us of the joy of our non-work lives.
- Board games, on the other hand, offer a social aspect as you gather friends or family members for a friendly competition.
- Imagine finding serenity and peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.
- Things that we assume help us destress often are actually ineffective.
Whether you’re vibing with the ocean waves or feeling the texture of cobblestone streets, your lens becomes an extension of you. For those who are into gaming, playing video games at night can be a great way to unwind after a long day. Whether it’s a family affair or a hangout with friends, a bonfire sets the mood for chill moments and real convos. Each technique brings its own brand of “ahh,” like easing muscle knots and amping up your blood flow. This isn’t some new-age hype; it’s the real deal for crushing stress. This is why it is crucial that we intentionally make relaxing a daily habit as well.
Don’t answer work emails
Be aware of what causes your stress and take breaks during your work day. Taking short breaks can recharge you and reduce stress levels. Adequate rest is crucial for maintaining mental health and recovering from work stress. Research suggests that getting even just 60 – 90 extra minutes of sleep per night could result in being overall happier and healthier. Aim for around 7 – 9 hours of shut-eye each night to wake up invigorated. Journaling is an excellent coping tool that promotes mental health and relieves stress and anxiety.
- First they pack a nutritional punch that leaves your body calm instead of frazzled.
- Incorporate them into your routine to find the perfect way to unwind after a busy day.
- Cooking can enhance mindfulness and combat restlessness (via Mindfood).
After reading this post, you will know all the best ways to decompress after a tiresome and draining day at work. Today I’m going to share with you 15 tips on how to unwind after a long day and the most popular ways to relax after work. So you’ve just ended your workday, and the only thing you want to do is relax and think about anything but work. If you’ve never engaged in anything artistic, start small and build up.
Why Being “Always On” for Work is Damaging to Your Mental Health
Instead, opt for tech-free nights to encourage a restorative nights rest. Some people use this time to catch up on personal tasks, such as doing laundry and running errands. Others grab dinner how to destress after work and park in front of the television (or laptop) to binge the latest Netflix releases. But there are actually activities to do after a workday that are scientifically proven to help you unwind.
Writing down your thoughts in a journal at the end of each day is a simple and effective way to release stress and negative emotions. In this digital age, learning to code opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. Dive into the world of programming languages and create your own websites, apps, or games.
Plan for the Weekend
Lighting scented candles simply refreshes your home while also elevating your mood and allowing you to relax after a long day at work. Sitting down and meditating (even for a few minutes) to cleanse your mind will enable you to overcome tension and anxiety. So after a long day, make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy the simple pleasure of drinking tea. However, the daily recurrence of this pattern causes even more physical and mental tiredness. You can try exercising, creating an at-home spa day for yourself, or journaling how you feel to relax. There’s a reason why they call it a “playlist for life.” It’s because music normally follows us through our day-to-day tasks.
Because clutter has a subtle but very real effect on our stress levels, it pays to declutter as regularly as possible. If your home is a haven from stress, it’s easier to let job stress melt away once you get there. The more time that we focus on work, the less time we are being mindful and present and enjoying the moment. Personally, cooking something delectable is my favorite way to unwind—I find it completely therapeutic. So, next time you’re feeling crummy (ha, ha) after work, pull out your mixing bowl and whip up something delicious. Spending a long time talking and laughing with your friends or with a loved one is significantly more therapeutic than watching a movie or using social media all day while lying in bed.