We’ve all had those days at work where we’d drive home with a heavy head, running thoughts, and that anxious feeling that puts us on edge. Feeling like you’re trapped in your thoughts is never a good feeling, and home is where you should be able to sit back and relax. However, sometimes the stresses from work follow us to our safe space, which is why it’s important to know how to achieve a healthy work-life balance. If you’re constantly finding yourself stressed after work, take a look below at seven ways you can relax and recharge after a long day.
1. Step Outside
There’s a reason you always feel good after a beach day or a hike in the woods. Being outside has been proven to boost your mood, energy, and happiness. With the average American spending most of their time indoors, you can see why many employees suffer from stress and anxiety. If you’re looking to relax and recharge after a tough workday, go on a walk around the neighborhood, bring your dog to the dog park, or take a bike ride. The size of the world will put your stressors into perspective that will help you relax and focus on the present.
2. Change into Comfy Clothes
Sometimes being stuck in a pantsuit, heels, and a blazer is what’s causing all the weight on your shoulders. Being trapped in uncomfortable business clothes can put you on edge and make you feel antsy. Once you get home, throw all those garments off and hop into your favorite loungewear and women’s loafers, and you’ll feel brand new all over again.
3. Read a Book
Escaping reality is another great way to forget about the stress that’s weighing you down. If you want to recharge, cozying up in your pajamas and blanket and reading your favorite book will bring you to a new world. Not only will you feel a sense of relief the moment you begin turning the pages, but you’ll also learn a thing or two!
4. Watch Your Favorite Movie or TV Show
Another way to escape reality is by watching your favorite movie or TV show. Thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, binge-watching has never been easier. At first, it may take a few minutes for your mind to forget about the hard day you had, but after a few minutes, you’ll find yourself fully enthralled in whatever you’re watching.
5. Take a Bath
There’s something about a nice warm bath that can make any problem seem insignificant. After a long day at work, turn the tub faucet, throw in an aromatic bath bomb, and watch your worries drift away. To turn your bathroom into a luxury spa, light some scented candles, turn on a soothing playlist, and pick up your favorite book or magazine.
6. Listen to Music
Music can have a remarkable effect on your mind and body. After a long day of work, recharge by putting on a pair of headphones or turning on your speakers and playing your favorite tunes or classic jams. If you want to boost your happiness, turn on some upbeat, faster tempo songs. Or, if you’re looking to calm down, err on the side of slower-paced, softer songs. Whatever song, artist, or playlist you choose, music will help you loosen up.
7. Talk to Someone
Surrounding yourself with positive people is another excellent way to destress after a long day of work. By talking to a friend or family member, you’ll be able to talk through your frustrations and get everything that’s built up inside you throughout the day, out. And if you’re looking for someone new to talk to, there are plenty of friend-finding apps that will put you in connection with like-minded people.
Time to Sit Back and Relax
Now that you’re home and out of the office, it’s time to kick your shoes off and take a load off. After a long day at work, it’s important for you to take care of your wellbeing by relaxing and recharging after a stressful day. Work shouldn’t always be a major source of stress, and if it is, it may be time to talk to your boss about ways to lighten your workload or find a new job. Whatever the case may be, trying these seven practices for relaxing and recharging after a long day at work will make you feel better again.
