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. Reading is the perfect way to allow yourself to escape reality after work and dive into an entirely different world.
Force Yourself Into The Present Moment With Cold Immersion
However, if you want a minimal interface, focus on privacy, prompts, and more, Presently is a better option for daily journaling. While sustainable job performance requires us to thrive at work, only 32% of employees across the globe say they’re thriving. Those who feel tense or stressed out during the workday are more than three times as likely to seek employment elsewhere. Purposefully slowing down and being conscious of your surroundings can keep you relaxed throughout the week. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness calm stress and anxiety.
- Write down what stresses you out during the workday and how you respond.
- Deep and mindful breathing can activate your body’s relaxation response, helping lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm.
- Contrary to popular belief, cleaning isn’t always a dreaded chore.
- A 2021 study showed that listening to music for 10 minutes, regardless of the environment, lowers cortisol levels and improves your mood, particularly when it’s your favorite type of music.
Treatment & Support
Unwinding after work isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining mental and emotional balance in our lives. The demands of work can often leave us feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and mentally fatigued, impacting our ability to relax and recharge effectively. Research has shown that chronic stress and overwork can increase the risk of burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. If you want to know how to de-stress after work but don’t want to have to make much effort, meditation might be just what you’ve been looking for. Bring awareness to the present moment, ease your mind, and promote relaxation. De-stressing after a long day of work with meditation is a proven practice that reduces stress, increases focus, and supports mental well-being.
Get Clear on Your Expectations for the Day
You could also write down this affirmation on a Word document and focus on the screen for a few minutes while you read it in your mind. Work-related stress can lead to decreased energy levels, difficulties performing, and tense relationships. Famous Erwin, LMHC, LPC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of counseling experience.
Massages have also been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, leading to a reduction in muscle tension, improved circulation, and enhanced feelings of relaxation. Stress is largely unavoidable, but learning to manage your stress levels, especially after a long work day, is essential. High stress levels can cascade into mental and physical health conditions. Therefore, consistently using relaxation methods like apps and smart devices can help you manage and improve your overall well-being effectively. When you’re ending a difficult workday (or workweek), it’s important to leave work at work and move on with your personal life. Instead of turning toward junk food or television, try listening to music or meditating as a way to feel calm.
- Or sometimes it can simply mean enjoying the present moment, whatever you happen to be doing at that moment.
- Adequate rest is crucial for maintaining mental health and recovering from work stress.
- You may start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on being present and enjoying a simple activity — a short walk around the park or appreciating a meal at your desk.
- When you come home from a long day filled with meetings, numbers, and following your boss’s orders, all you want to do is relax – but at home, the next challenges await.
In the coming week, try to really notice your thoughts and habits as you drive home if you’re not already aware of them. Unwinding after work can help you leave behind the stresses of the workday and relax. Let these tips help you create rituals that support your transition from the pressures of work to relaxation. Taking a break can allow our minds and bodies to rest and recover from the day’s stresses.
If you often feel overwhelmed or out of touch with your emotions, try these audio-journaling apps to help get your thoughts in order. Wellness Coach offers a well-rounded approach to tracking and improving your physical, mental, and sleep health. AI assistants like Alexa are great for maintaining sleep schedules. For example, while creating a sleep routine, you can tell Alexa to switch off the television and dim the lights after a specified how to destress after work time. Coupled with an audio reminder, this can prompt you to limit exposure to electronic devices for an hour or two before sleep.