12 Scientifically Proven Ways to Unwind After Work

It will get your mind off any work-related tension and recharge you for the next day. Reading a great book can help the mind think of other things and be transported to a new world and time. Stepping outside your body, life tasks and work stresses and diving into a stimulating novel, relative to others’ lives, senses and duties, can be quite refreshing post-work. It’s nice to take on different perspectives and have a break from thinking about everything you need to worry about.

What are 4 signs of stress overload?

  • Irritable, angry, impatient or wound up.
  • Over-burdened or overwhelmed.
  • Anxious, nervous or afraid.
  • Like your thoughts are racing and you can't switch off.
  • Unable to enjoy yourself.
  • Depressed.
  • Uninterested in life.
  • Like you've lost your sense of humour.

Clearing work and stress from the mind for a moment to unwind can keep us sane and able to get through a tough work day, as we know that we have something fun and comforting to look forward to in a few hours. Making yourself a priority is so important to staying in great health, and so by fitting in these thirteen ways to de-stress after work, you can feel happier and healthier in the longterm. There are many reasons why this is an important way to destress at the end of the week. Firstly, taking a walk outside means engaging in physical activity and exercise, which both promote the release of chemicals like serotonin and dopamine that reduce stress and make you feel better. Secondly, walking outside has been shown to increase the induction of alpha waves in the brain, which promotes relaxation. There’s no better way to unwind and relax yourself than getting a good sleep.

Understanding stress recovery

It reduces tension and anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin in your brain. Exercise allows you to take time out of your day to focus on yourself and what you need. The physical benefits can also help with stress relief, which will allow you to feel better both physically and mentally. When you’re ending a difficult https://ecosoberhouse.com/ workday (or workweek), it’s important to leave work at work and move on with your personal life. Instead of turning toward junk food or television, try listening to music or meditating as a way to feel calm. Keep some healthy boundaries so that you don’t get sucked back into work and can do the things you want to do.

how to destress after work

Deep breathing is very good for stress management, so you could try to do it while having a short walk around the block, or a long walk through the city. Of all the techniques listed in this article, I have actually found that this one helps my anxious little brain rest the most. If you feel a bunch of pent-up energy or tension when you get home from work that you just can’t seem to let go of, put all that energy to good use and go for a walk.

Doing Fulfilling Activities

In addition, exposure to blue light from your smartphone screen could make it harder to fall asleep at night, as blue light suppresses your body’s melatonin production. If you regularly see work-related content that stresses you out (like a complaining coworker or getting a message from your boss), consider adjusting who you follow. Either way, be sure to avoid using your phone in the hours before bedtime. If all that sounds bleak enough you never want to face another day of work in your life, don’t fret. Research has found that employees who take time to relax after work reduced their stress levels and were better able to break out of a cycle of negative thoughts. This not only reduced their risk for insomnia, but it also reduced fatigue, blood pressure, and risk for other cardiovascular diseases.

  • While going to bed at a timely hour is definitely an important part of relaxing after work, you can use several relaxation techniques to wind down and take the stress away after punching out from your 9 to 5.
  • It can be running a bath, eating your favourite meal, chatting with a close friend, a zumba session or a relaxing walk .

Once your feet leave the office, it’s time to unplug and let the mind feel free. Commutes are never fun, and they can usually even lead to more stress, due to traffic, delays, crowds and other unpleasant conditions. Set a playlist with your favorite, relaxing tunes and hit play ways to destress after work for the entirety of your commute. Once you reach home, you’ll be in a more positive and happy state. Even a little bit of physical activity can significantly change your mood and make you feel energized. It will also help you relieve stress and improve your sleep quality.