Top 5 Tips on how to unwind after work
So, you had an intense day…?
However satisfying your job might be, it is imperative to relax afterwards. There are a few simple tricks that will help you achieve a peaceful state, which is so strongly sought after and so uncommon in this day and age. With the technological advancements, efficiency and intensity of work increase day by day, making it almost impossible to catch up with yourself and take care of the mind and body in a way that takes care of the tension accumulated during the daily efforts. So, take a moment, read through, and give yourself a break!
Tip #1 – Leave work behind.
It is very easy to let the daily chores and work-related thoughts influence our afternoon and evening, as with the great connectedness via phone, laptop, or tablet, we can always get back to it with a click of a button. It is also very detrimental to do so. Being home, whether with family, your spouse, or just by yourself, should be all about being home. In the age of never-ending productivity, accelerating careers, and overflowing mass information we (as individuals) struggle to truly take a ‘time out’. It is said that an average human being is radically busier now than ever before, even though the seeming efficiency of technology and adaptation came into fruition to take the load off our shoulders. We are a busy society of constantly stressed people, a rash and upbeat crowd of anxious beings, a community of achievement-driven lunatics. And as much as you should do what your job and heart desire, it is essential to take time off to keep yourself sane. Work-life balance is a must, so when you’re back home, be home. Period.
Tip #2 – Unplug and unwind.
Once you’re back ensure you turn the notifications off. It might mean leaving the phone in another room, putting it on ‘silent’, or just closing the potentially intrusive applications. Whatever you need to do, make sure you do so. Unless your job requires your readiness 24/7 there is no reason for your personal space to be invaded. You’ve done your best and now you need to recharge, otherwise over time your ‘best’ will worsen. More and more companies, especially those that deal with high-intensity tasks involving innovative thinking, have recently started creating spaces dedicated to de-stress and refuel their employees. Recognising the need for physical activity, taking a walk in nature, or sitting down with a book and coffee, these employers have been at the forefront of employee friendly workplace movement. Take this idea and apply it to your own, work-free time. Leave the distractions behind, relax, and enjoy these moments of entertainment, relaxation, and quiet…
Tip #3 – Do what you want to do.
Similarly, to a well-designed morning, the afternoon time should be organised around the passions and hobbies you love the most. It will be beneficial for your mental health, as well as for your work-related productivity, as there is nothing more enriching and empowering than spending time doing what fills your heart. So, give yourself a gift and choose your activities as you please. But watch out – do not fall into the trap of thinking ‘I like my job, so I will work a little more’. Time for work is over, so do something else instead. Maybe there is a hobby you appreciate, maybe you always wanted to try this one thing but never seem to find time for it, maybe all you need is just lying down and relaxing… Whatever it is, do it and feel great about it. Both your body and mind will thank you for it. Just do what you want to do!
Tip #4 – Relax your body and mind.
Over the day, whether a stressful or a fairy calm one, your body and mind accumulate a certain amount of tension, which is both physical and mental. Each decision costs your attention span, each movement and interaction must be paid with the hormone-controlled action, each of the things you got to do participated in depleting your energy levels. And that is all completely okay. But now, as you’re back home and taking time for yourself, these expenses need to be recognised and taken care of. So, decide what works best for you and do it. Silent ponder, also called meditation, is a great way to allowing your mind to settle. A leisurely walk, a brief yoga session, or a simple nap can help your body to unwind and rest. These little gifts of care will work miracles for you in the long run, so take care of yourself and let your body and mind relax.
Tip #5 – Reflect.
Marcus Aurelius in his collection of thoughts, which can be found in Meditations recognised the power of self-reflection long before the psychology studies proved its importance. This effortless activity of self-analysis can be of great help in both the personal and work life of everyone. Take a few minutes at the end of the day and reflect on the actions, events, and emotions that took place over the last twenty-four hours.
How did you do? What would you differently? What are you grateful for? What have you achieved? What didn’t go to plan? How did you feel?
All these questions and many more, asked frequently, will help you recognise your progress, assess your activities, and prepare better for the days to come. It will also improve your state of mind, as you will quickly realise the great number of blessings your day had to offer. So, take a moment and reflect.
Have a great night!
With a great day of work behind you and a self-care-filled afternoon, you are ready to have a wonderful night. Taking these few tips and making them work in your favour you will feel reinvigorated, relaxed, and ready to face the next day with the enthusiasm and positive attitude it deserves. Taking care of yourself will enable you to be more empathetic, more understanding, and more loving to others, which is the greatest gift one can offer to those around them. So, relax and make your home-time count!
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