10 Ideas To Unwind After A Long Day At Work

One of the aspects of adulting that many people forget about is how to strike a good work-life balance.

We get so caught up with trying to be productive, progress in our careers, and take care of ourselves and others, as well as everything else, that we forget to just… stop.

And sometimes you really do just need to give yourself, and your mind and body, some rest.

Especially after a long day at work.

So here are ten quick ideas for how you can unwind at the end of the day!

But first, let me answer a few questions about relaxation.

Why Is Unwinding Important?

Although the process of unwinding isn’t necessarily viewed as a productive act, it’s important that you remember it’s vital for your body!

In fact, Being Well at Yale states that relaxation can result in benefits ranging from a healthier heart to improved brain function.

How Long Does It Take To Unwind After Work?

There’s not a set amount of time it takes to unwind after work, however ideally, you should be able to relax for the rest of the evening after you get home.

But this may not always be the case for people that have important commitments outside of work as well.

So even if you can only set aside five minutes for yourself to take some deep breaths and relax your body, then that’s better than nothing!

And if you can’t unwind right after you get home, perhaps you could have a relaxing routine right before bed to give yourself some additional time.

10 Ways To Unwind After A Long Day At Work

Here are some ways to unwind after a long day at work!

1. Take A Shower Or Bath

We all know that a warm bath or shower can do wonders to relax us, and our muscles that may have gotten tense throughout the day.

So it may be something you should consider adding to your nightly routine after getting home, you could even get in some comfy pajamas afterward.

2. Meditate or Practice Deep Breathing

Another action that can calm the mind and relax the body is meditation or deep breathing practices.

This can help us let go of the stress of the day and focus purely on the moment we’re in, which is the perfect way to unwind and forget about work troubles for a while.

3. Spend Time With Loved Ones

This tip might not be one that you can implement every night but scheduling some time with friends, family, or your significant other could be the perfect way to end the day.

There’s nothing like laughing and catching up with our loved ones to keep us grounded and happy.

5. Exercise

This tip might seem counterintuitive if you’re a person who doesn’t particularly enjoy working out because some workouts aren’t exactly relaxing.

But exercising can be a great mood booster for some people, and a way to blow off any steam you’ve accumulated during the day.

And if you wanted, you could even choose a relaxing exercise like yoga.

6. Turn On Some Music

If you’re a fan of music, then a great way to put yourself in a better mood could be to simply turn on your favorite song right after you get home.

Or you could play a relaxing playlist while you’re completing another task, like fixing yourself dinner or taking a bath.

7. Surround Yourself With Your Favorite Smells

Similar to how music can relax you through your sense of hearing, your favorite aromas can actually relax you through your sense of smell.

Lighting a candle, or burning some essential oils could instantly lift your spirits after a tough day at work.

8. Enjoy A Hobby

After spending all day being productive and getting work done, you owe it to yourself to do something that you just enjoy!

So whether you like settling in with a good book, watching your favorite tv show, or doing some other sort of hobby… make sure to include it in your day!

9. Turn Off Your Notifications

This tip has less to do with unwinding, and more to do with making sure that your relaxation won’t go to waste if you get a frustrating notification.

If it’s at all possible for you, try to turn off your phone and any devices you don’t want to use.

Because this act of unplugging can take a weight off your shoulders.

And your devices and notifications don’t have to be turned off all night!

You could set a specific period of time to be unplugged, then turn everything back on afterward.

10. Take A Walk Outside

Being outdoors can naturally boost serotonin and other feel-good hormones, so spending a bit of time outside could relax you and put a smile on your face.

Plus the exercise is good for your body, and will likely help you sleep better at night as well as an added benefit.

How Do People Decompress After Work?

These ten strategies are just some of the ways that people choose to unwind after work, and ultimately, the strategy you choose will depend on your preferences.

But remember that taking time to unwind is important for you, and building healthy habits for your after-work routine is just as important as being productive during the day.

So don’t be afraid to take some time to just relax, you deserve it!