We know you’ve had a long day at work and you’re feeling tired. Heck, you may even feel drained after work sometimes. But that’s okay because we all need time to relax, and that’s why we are here to remind you to take some time to do so!
It’s important that you relax every day because it benefits your mental and physical health. When you allow yourself to relax, you give your body the time it needs to recharge and clear your mind. You’ll feel better about yourself and more ready to tackle the next day!
Plus, when you relax, you can be more productive in your day-to-day life. You will feel happier and more energized to do your work, which can help you produce higher-quality work overall.
Take Care of Yourself by Trying These 9 Simple Ways to Relax After Work
1. Take a Walk
Walking can be one of the best ways to de-stress after a long day at work. Not only will you be stepping outside to enjoy some fresh air, but you will also be allowing your mind to clear. Instead of thinking about work, you will be focusing on where you are walking.
Walking allows your body to move around and unwind. Just walking around the block or near your house can boost your mood. You will start to look at your day differently and forget about the negative thoughts as you take in your surroundings.
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2. Practice Deep Breathing
Working all day can really take a toll on your body. Sometimes you may even feel stressed or anxious after work. Deep breathing is a great way to help you relax even more. The key concept to deep breathing is slow and intentional breaths.
Find a comfortable spot to sit or lie down and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose and fill your belly with air. This is called belly breathing or diaphragmatic breathing. Hold your breath for a few seconds and then release the air through your mouth.
As you release all of the air, envision the stress leaving your body. Continue taking deep breaths in and out, focusing on your breathing. You can even count your breaths if it helps you focus. Try inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, and then exhaling for six seconds. Deep breathing helps clear your mind and can even give you more clarity.
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3. Listen to Music
One of the best ways to de-stress after work is to listen to music. Not only is it fun, but it can actually help reduce your stress levels. Whether you’re listening to your favorite song or finding some new tunes, music can change your mood.
Music helps stimulate your brain, which can help regulate your mood. Studies have shown that listening to music can lower your cortisol levels, which is the hormone responsible for stress. Music can also increase the release of dopamine, which is known as the feel-good hormone.
So, grab your favorite songs and create the best chill playlist. Who knows, you may find some new music you enjoy along the way!
Pro Tip: Creating the perfect playlist is easy. Here are some tips to get you started.
- Pick out your favorite genres. Music is subjective, so pick out what genres you enjoy the most. If you enjoy smooth jazz and classical music, pick those genres. You can also throw in some soft rock or R&B.
- Add your favorite songs. Of course, you have to add your favorite songs to your playlist. But don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some songs that you don’t know too. You might find your new favorite song!
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4. Read a Book
Reading a book is not only fun, but it can also help you relax after work. When you read a book, you are no longer focused on your work-related stress. Instead, you’re transporting yourself into a different world.
Not only is reading fun, but it can actually help you de-stress. Studies have shown that reading can lower your stress levels more than other activities like listening to music or taking a walk. Reading can help relax your mind.
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5. Meditate
Meditation is an excellent way to help you relax after work. It allows you to clear your mind and reduce any stress you may be feeling. There are many types of meditation you can do at home.
You can try them all and see which one you enjoy the most. For beginners, it might be a little difficult to figure out how to meditate, but that’s okay!
Mindfulness meditation is one of the most common types. All you have to do is focus on your breathing and release any thoughts that enter your mind. Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, and as you breathe out, try to let all of the tension go in your body.
Allow your breath to return to normal, and each time a thought pops into your mind, focus back on your breathing. This type of meditation will allow you to clear your mind and help with anxiety.
Guided meditation is another form of meditation that will help you relax. Guided meditation uses a recorded voice that will help you visualize things or focus on positive affirmations. There are many apps you can download that offer guidance for beginners.
If you don’t know what to say to yourself during meditation, this may be the best option for you. Let someone else tell you what to think about and kick back while they do the work for you.
6. Do Yoga
Yoga is another great way to help you relax after a long day at work. Not only will you help relieve your mind, but you can also stretch your body! Maybe you’ve heard of yoga but aren’t sure what type of positions to do. Don’t worry!
Here are three yoga positions that are easy to do at home:
Child’s Pose: This position will help you stretch your back and hips while allowing you to relax. Kneel on your yoga mat and sit back onto your heels. Reach your arms in front of you and lower your forehead to the mat. Hold this position for a few breaths.
Forward Bend: Start this position by standing with your feet together. As you inhale, lift both of your arms above your head. As you exhale, bend over at the hips and let your arms and head hang down. Try to line up your ears with your shoulders and hips.
Legs Up the Wall: This position is self-explanatory. All you have to do is find an open space on a wall in your house. Lie down on your back and place both legs up against the wall. Let your arms relax at your sides.
7. Enjoy a Warm Bath
Taking a warm bath can be very relaxing after work. Not only will you feel refreshed after your bath, but it can also benefit your body in many ways. Running a warm bath and relaxing can improve your blood circulation and help release muscle tension.
Warm baths can even help you feel less tired. Running yourself a warm bath can be one of the best ways to relax after work. Once you’re done bathing, you can even enjoy some of the benefits above by taking a nap.
Pro Tip: Make your bath more relaxing by doing these few things.
- Turn off or dim your lights. You can also light some candles to help your bath feel more relaxing.
- Turn on some relaxing music. This will help you unwind even more while you bathe.
- Add some bath salts or essential oils. Bath salts can help relax your muscles and can even help your skin. Essential oils also have relaxing properties that can help you de-stress. Try lavender or eucalyptus oil.
8. Spend Time With Pets
Spending time with your pets is another great way to relax after work. Whether you have a dog, cat, or a small pet, they can all help you de-stress. Just by being around your pet, you’ll automatically feel happier.
Your pets love you, and being around loved ones can help you relax. Try playing with your dog or taking them for a walk if you had a stressful day. You can also toss a ball around with your dog or pet your cat.
Even watching your pet play can help lift your mood. They bring us so much joy, and spending time with them can help you feel better.
If you don’t own a pet, you can always volunteer at an animal shelter. You’ll find yourself smiling while watching those cute puppies and kittens play.
9. Create a Cozy Environment
The environment you are in can affect how you feel. After a long day at work, you should try to relax at home in a comfy environment. You can start by adjusting your lights. Lighting can really set the mood.
Try turning on some table lamps or string lights instead of the overhead lights. Dim lights can help your body recognize that it’s time to relax.
Another way you can relax is by lighting some candles. Candles, or even an essential oil diffuser, can help give off relaxing smells. Scents have a way of taking you back to certain places or events.
If you smell a scent that brings you joy and relaxation, your brain will associate relaxing with that scent. The next time you smell it, your body will want you to relax. So pick out some scents that will allow you to decompress.
Your environment also includes your décor. Make sure you surround yourself with things you love. Throw some pillows and blankets on the couch you enjoy relaxing on.
You could even add plants to your environment. Greenery can help bring calmness to your home. You could also paint your home with calming colors. Earth tones and blue are known to help people feel calm.
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