Many of us know the hefty weight of stress after a long day at the office. Even if you love your job, work policies, deadlines and project expectations can cause stress. So it is only natural that when you have finished your workday, you just want to sit back and relax.
While spending all of your free time watching Netflix might be great, there are way more relaxing and beneficial ways to distress and unwind after your workday. Here are seven ways to switch off and decompress after a long workday.
Keep A Journal
For many individuals, the last thing they want to do when they get home is to rehash their day at work. While the idea of leaving essential tasks at work sounds great, many people find it difficult to unplug and let work go after they have finished.
If your work-related issues and worries tend to pop out in your head during the evening, you can try to write down your thoughts on paper. Journaling is believed to help improve memory, overall mood, stress levels, among many other positive effects. And it doesn’t have to be fancy – just grab a piece of paper or do it digitally and take notes over all the things you need to remember about the next day.
By keeping a journal and writing crucial tasks down, you are less likely to spend the evening worrying about everything you need to do the following morning, and probably, you will also feel more organised. When work is swirling around in your mind the simple act of journaling can signal to the subconscious that it does not need to be on high alert and it can relax.
Move Your Body
The advantages of regular physical activity (like walking, dancing or cycling) cannot be underestimated. Exercising after the workday is another sign for your mind that work is over. Also, working out helps to release ‘feel-good’ endorphins that will ultimately make you happier and more energetic. At the same time, exercise will also physically tire you out so you can unwind in the evening and experience restful sleep.
Run, swim, bike, yoga or lift – any activity that gets you moving is a great method to take your focus off of work and address any stress you might experience. Additionally, depending on your natural inclinations and your line of work, choosing a team sport as an after-work exercise or finding a workout buddy may be a good idea as it adds a useful social element to your physical activity.
Try Out CBD Products
Whether it is stress, aches or sleep issues, CBD oil can be a beneficial addition to your daily routine. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is an active, non-intoxicating substance known to work with your biological, cell-signalling endocannabinoid system, which is involved in many bodily functions, including stress, pain, memory and sleep.
By interacting with specific receptors found throughout the body, taking CBD oil capsules, vape juice, gummies, tea or any other CBD product can help reduce anxiety levels and relieve discomfort caused by pain or chronic aches, promoting relaxation and allowing you to fully unwind after an extremely difficult day.
Listen To Music
To address your stress level, you need to change the mood of your environment. And what is the easiest way to unwind than turn on some relaxing music? While listening to heavy music with faster beats can make you more alert and energised, music with slower tempos helps quiet your mind and relieve anxiety after a tough day at work. There are many relaxing playlists on platforms like Spotify but your favourite music can also work wonders.
Work On Your Hobby
Devoting time to your hobby is not only a great pastime after a long day of work but doing your favourite activity can also help reduce work stress and achieve relaxation for your body. If you love reading books, why not do it?
Having an activity you enjoy that brings you fulfilment and enjoyment is a perfect way to occupy your hands or/and mind so that you are able to move into a more relaxed headspace. This might be drawing, cooking, restoring old cars, sewing or gardening – whatever it is, it should be something you look forward to doing every day.
Meditate
One of the most time-tested methods to relieve stress is meditation. This practice includes a wide range of activities aimed at dealing with stress at the moment. Engaging in meditation can also reprogram your brain to deal better with future stresses and help you live your best and most productive life.
Studies suggest that mindfulness meditation, which helps us ground into the present moment, is especially beneficial. Reduced stress levels and body pains, improved self-awareness and sleep are common benefits. To take advantage of its potential benefits, you can try different beginner classes or download guided meditation apps like Headspace, Breethe, Calm or Aura, which can be a perfect introduction to this practice.
Also, it is essential to create a dedicated meditation space to help you transition to a quiet, present mindset. Try to choose a cosy spot in your home that feels good and where you can sit comfortably and will not be distracted. Also, make sure to add some incense, upgrade your lighting or even bring inspiring posters to make the place even more pleasant and relaxing.
Spend Some Time In Nature
Let’s face it – you have probably been at home or in the office all day, so some fresh air, natural light and a little exercise will take your mind off of the events of the day.
In addition to simply being important for your general health, spending time in nature will calm your mind and body, lift your mood dramatically and even help sleep better at night. It might be also beneficial to leave your phone at home and let yourself zone out away from social media or e-mail notifications.