If your job leaves you strung out or overwhelmed, it’s important to find a way to relax once you clock out each day. The best way to unwind isn’t the same for everyone, which is why you should find a relaxation technique that works for you. To find peace of mind and unwind after work, check out seven of the most popular options below.
Go For a Walk Or Spend Time Outside
It’s no secret that spending time outside is good for your health. Even just a few minutes each day in the sun can give you some of the vitamin D you need not only to improve your health, but to boost your mood. Not to mention the impact a breath of fresh air can have on your stress levels. Try setting aside just 15-30 minutes to go for a walk around the block or stroll through the park. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors and feel all your worries melt away.
Meditate
Meditation is vastly underrated in terms of easing stress and helping people unwind. But it’s important to know that meditation is a lot more than sitting on the floor with your legs crossed, while humming with your eyes closed. In fact, you can practice meditation just about anywhere you are, which means you can start to unwind right there in your car or on the train home.
To properly meditate, you should first focus on your breathing. You may be surprised by just how effective a few long, deep breaths can be when it comes to helping you relax. Once you take some deep breaths, you can then focus on easing tension throughout your entire body. Make sure you’re not clenching your jaw or your fists and try to relax your legs all the way through to your toes. Try to let go of any anxious thoughts and focus solely on your breathing.
Exercise
If meditation isn’t quite up your ally, you can try doing the opposite. Instead of looking for a way to slow your breathing, why not find a way to speed it up? But instead of quick, panicked breaths caused by stress, why not get your blood pumping with a little exercise. It’s no secret that a great workout can put you in a great mood, so why not head to the gym or the jogging track before heading home after work? Exercise floods your brain with endorphins which means you’ll experience a natural mood boost while improving your health. Whether you want to lift some weights or hit the treadmill, you’ll certainly thank yourself after.
Take a Long Bath or Shower
Depending on the hours you work and what all you have to deal with when you get home, a shower or bath may not be a realistic option. But even if it’s a few hours later once things have settled down, a long time spent in the shower or bath can work wonders for your mood and your stress levels. Find a temperature that feels soothing for you and remember to take deep breaths. If you really want to set the mood, go ahead and light some candles and play some relaxing music. After all, you totally deserve it.
Cooking a Homemade Meal
If you don’t mind a little prep work, you may be surprised by how beneficial a home-cooked meal can be. Spend a little time in your kitchen preparing fresh ingredients and breathe in all the incredible smells as you put your meal together. Cooking, in itself, can be a great form of meditation since your hands will be busy while your mind can take a break. Plus, cooking then eating a fresh, healthy meal provides your body with all the nutrients it needs to boost your mood and promote long-term health.
And as for dishes? Don’t rush to clean up right away. It won’t hurt to let them sit for a little bit while you enjoy dessert, a glass of wine, or a little relaxation on the couch.
Supplements or Medication
If you find that you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, you could be suffering from chronic stress. One of the best ways to deal with chronic stress is with supplements or medication. If you’re not opposed to finding medicine that can work for you, there are quite a few options worth trying.
Some of the best supplements for stress relief include melatonin, magnesium, Valerian root, vitamin B, and theanine. There’s also a wide variety of medicines for stress relief as well. Drugs like Prozac, Paroxetine, and Celexa can all be great options. Cyclobenzaprine is also a good option but to avoid a cyclobenzaprine high or other potentially risky side effects, you’ll want to talk to your doctor before taking or trying any medications with hopes of finding relief from stress.
Connect With Friends
Finally, a great way to relieve stress is to call up a friend for a good conversation or to invite them to come spend some time out with you. Connecting with close friends is a great way to take your mind off all the stress you’re facing at work. Even if work hasn’t been too overwhelming for you, what better way to clear your mind a bit and let loose than to laugh with those who know you best? You may be surprised by how much better you can feel after just one conversation or a little time with some of your best buds.
Conclusion
It’s important to avoid letting things get too stressful and overwhelming at work. If you desperately need a break, perhaps the environment isn’t the best for you in the first place. That being said, there is a healthy number of things you can do to unwind after work and find the relief you need. You can mix things up and try something new each day, or find a routine that works for you. Stress relief is truly just a few steps away.