Have you ever come home from work and still tingling with anxiety? There's no need to worry. More than 75 percent of adults experience stress at least once per week, and especially after a long work day. However, the key to success isn't just getting through work, but what you do following. If you're looking to be completely refreshed and rejuvenated, these 10 methods to unwind following work can be your current favorite guide. Consider this as a cheat sheet for unwinding. It could help you perform better in the coming days.
Start With Mindful Breathing
The simplest strategies usually are the most effective. Start your evening by practicing conscious breathing. Relax close your eyes and breathe with your nostrils deeply, and then exhale slowly with your mouth. Doing this for five to 10 minutes reduces cortisol (your body's stress hormone) and reduces heart rate, which helps your brain signal that you're completely off.
Move Your Body—Even If It's Just a Little
Physical activity helps reduce stress levels quickly. It doesn't take much time in the gym. A brisk 20 minutes of walking through the parks or a dance in your living room can do wonders. Exercise releases endorphins that are naturally uplifting for mood. Find something that is enjoyable like gentle yoga stretching cycling or moving while you listen to your favourite music.
Create Your At-Home Zen Zone
Your surroundings matter. Create a small space in your home that has calming elements like a comfortable chair and warm lighting, aromatic oils, or soothing music. Research suggests that creating an intentionally zone of relaxation enhances your comfort level and helps your brain signal that it's time for you to relax. Extra tip: Keep devices outside of your Zen zone to aid in the process of detoxing from digital devices.
Write It Out—The Power of Journaling
After a long day taking a pen to paper can be quite relaxing. Writing in just five to 10 minutes can help clear your mind and help you see things from a different perspective. Write down a few wins or draw your feelings—it isn't necessary to be perfect. This simple ritual can help alleviate stress at night.
Recent research has shown that those who write about happy moments before bed sleep 30% quicker and have lower levels of anxiety.
Unwind With Soothing Sounds
Music that you love or doing listening to a mindfulness program or even relaxing nature sounds can alter your mood in a matter of minutes. In a recent study, 90% of people use music as a way to relieve stress after a long day at work. Create music that is suitable for you. Think slow beats or calming songs.
Indulge in Comforting Routines
- Enjoy a relaxing shower or bath to ease the stress of the day.
- Escape by reading a novel or few pages of a enthralling biography.
- Prepare a hearty meal. Preparing food is a meditative grounded ritual.
Did you have any idea? Savouring the taste of a cup of tea can relax your body and signal that it's time to take a break.
Connect With Loved Ones
Social support is crucial. A short phone call or dinner with your friends can lift your spirits and help you see the bigger picture. If you're more reserved or shy, texting a family member or signing up to an online group for hobby will help.
Try Creative Outlets for Relaxation
Create your own music, art or even crafting. Engaging in your creative side can help to shift your focus away from stress and towards something fun. Coloring books or playing an instrument baking or playing with your hands can help bring your levels of energy back to normal. (For me coloring with my niece is an excellent way to relax and to keep relaxation tips as well as ways to unwind after work at the forefront of your mind!)
Sleep: The Ultimate Reset Button
There is no list of relaxation suggestions that could be complete without sleeping. Try to get 7 to 9 hours each night. Good sleep helps to restore your body and increases concentration. Make your bedroom a relaxing one with dim lighting and cooler temperatures. no screens before going to bed.
In short, learning how to relax from your work is much more than self-care. It's essential to your wellbeing and happiness. Pick one or two strategies today, and in the near future relaxation will feel like natural. Do you have a clever method to relax? Tell us about your ideas in the comments section below!
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