How to Destress After a Long Workday?
Work can be exhausting. Between long meetings that really should have been emails, your boss demanding you finish ahead of schedule, and a workload that would make anyone want to run for the hills, it’s no wonder why so many people look for a way to relax and unwind after the day is over.
However, finding the right product, trick, or habit that really snaps you out of the post-work blues can be difficult. Many people just end up binging a TV show, having a bottle of wine, and calling it a night. If that works for you, great – but for many, it’s important to take a more active role in your destressing.
We’re walking you through the steps you should take to let go of the workday blues and settle into an evening of restorative relaxation. Here’s what we recommend.
Find the right mental relaxation method
It sounds obvious but it’s still true: real relaxation begins with your mind. Sure, you can sit in a comfy chair with a snack and tasty drink, but if you’re mind’s still on your work calendar and upcoming meetings, you’re really not going to feel relaxed.
That means that, as you figure out the destressing routine that works best for you, you should focus on what works best to get your mind off the things that cause you stress. There are a few options that you should consider:
- Meditation and mindfulness apps like Headspace can be a great way to break out of thoughts and feelings that bring you down. If you’ve never tried mindfulness before, it’s definitely a great way to start.
- CBD is rapidly growing in popularity, and brands like CBDfx offer a variety of infusions, gummies, and tinctures that make using the substance simple and fun. If you don’t know, CBD is a chemical found in cannabis. However, unlike THC, it doesn’t get you high – it just brings one some next-level relaxation.
- Aromatherapy is another great way to let your senses take your mind off the burdens of your workday. Try out eucalyptus, lavender, mint, and chamomile for some scents that are sure to ease you into a state of bliss.
Once you’ve gotten into the right mental sphere for relaxation, it’s time to expand your after-work horizons.
Invest time in your hobbies
Too many of us spend so much time thinking about work that we forget to think about our hobbies, the little pastimes and projects that make life fun and meaningful. Having time, energy, and money to spend on your hobbies is why most people work, after all.
Hobbies can also do a lot to help us destress. Focusing on a little project that you see through to completion – whether that’s hitting your personal running record or building birdhouses – is key to a healthy and stress-free mental life.
Don’t have a hobby you can think of? Here are a few to start:
- Yoga: This is a great combination of mindfulness and exercise that makes for a great after-work hobby. All you really need is a few videos or a book of poses to get you started!
- Painting: Painting is an awesome way to express yourself. Plus, there are tons of options for brushes, paints, and canvases, so there’s sure to be something for every budget.
- Musical instrument: Remember those piano lessons your mom forced you into as a kid? They might just pay off if you pick the hobby back up as an adult!
Hobbies are a great way to spend solo time. But destressing can’t always be done alone.
Spend quality time with the people you care about
Quality time spent with friends and family can be one of the most meaningful and effective ways to reduce after-work stress. When you spend time with people you love, your brain releases endorphins, one of the happiness chemicals. Endorphins are stress-busters, which means that quality time with awesome people is a great way to reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety about work.
Sure, that after-work happy hour might sound like the last thing you need on your plate, but a few drinks and a few laughs with your coworkers might also be just what you need to break out of your funk! Give these tips a try, and see if your general attitude has a major improvement.
