When you get to the end of the working day and you’re dashing out the door, you are ready to go home, lock the door behind you and not open it again until the next day. Unwinding after work is an absolute must because you need those moments to just take a breath and let your shoulders relax.
The moment you get through the door and close it behind you, you should be able to let go of the stressors of your day. You should be able to settle down with a game of online chess and a glass of wine if that’s what you want. You should be able to put your feet up with a hot dinner and Netflix if that’s what you want. Your choices after work are yours, and you should learn how to unwind after work with our top tips below:
1) Cook something delicious. You should be able to sit down and relax after work but if you’re a foodie and you like to eat things that are delicious, then coming up with a recipe in advance to cook for yourself after work is a great way to unwind. You can pour a glass of your favorite drink, play some music on low and just let go of your stresses as you chop veggies and mix sauces. Cooking allows you to let go of work and focus on the moment, which is what you need!
2) Don't go right home. You may be hankering to get to your house, but stopping on your way home to go for a walk is going to really help you to unwind and relax. That pent up energy is going to need to go somewhere and going for a walk allows you to take steps to let go of all the stress and release some endorphins. You can breathe some fresh air, feel like you’re moving your body and even choose to go for a hike.
3) Go and see a friend. Not all relaxation has to be something you do alone, you know! You should think about making some plans with friends, whether work colleagues or your friends outside of work. You can meet for dinner, drinks or just to hang out in a pub beer garden! You get to unwind and relax with your friends, have fun and catch up together. The laughter alone gives you a chance to feel calm.
4) Run a hot bath. Sinking into the water and running a hot bath with salts or bubbles will be a great way to unwind. You can lay back, close your eyes and just be for a while. You can put on a show, sure, but sometimes, being quiet and alone with your thoughts can really make a difference to your mental and physical health.
5) Put together a to-do list. Tomorrow is a new day and you need to have a plan of what your day will be like. Making a to-do list doesn't sound relaxing, but it will be because you’re making a conscious plan for your day ahead. That will get all of those thoughts buzzing around your brain put nicely away, allowing you to truly relax.