How To Unwind And Relax After Work?

The corporate workplace scene is no less than a war zone sometimes. The struggle to make it through the day is real.

And you are not alone in this struggle. At times, you may go through an existential crisis and have thoughts like, "Why am I working in this job?" or "Is this the life I want to live?".

If not the above, you may feel burnt out and demotivated to attend work the next day.

To avoid such thoughts and feelings, you should unwind and relax after work. In addition, you should focus on how to soothe your mind and body.

That can help you develop a fresh mindset to kickstart the upcoming day. With that, you will be driven to make better lifestyle choices and witness a newfound energy level to work better.

There are many ways to do this, including meditation, yoga, or walking in the park. Do something that makes you happy.

Now, it is natural to feel reluctant to execute the same. You might be distracted sometimes. You might even be tempted to scroll through your social media feed, or you may feel like zoning out while lying on the couch.

Worry not; I have some fun and effective tricks to help you de-stress after work. This blog will also teach you why relaxing after work is important. So, let's get started.

Why is it important to relax after work?

One thing that commonly tempts most employees is the thought of relaxing after work. In fact, it is an essential part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The most apparent reason for relaxing after work is that it will benefit your professional and personal life. For that, you must de-stress after work to boost your mind and body.

Here are some legitimate reasons why it's so important to relax after a busy workday:

1. Reduced stress levels

Juggling between the multiple work tasks in hand and pushing your limits to deliver projects timely often takes a toll on your mental health. And before you realize it, you end up feeling burnt out.

According to a report, over 80% of workers report feeling stressed at work, and 25% feel like screaming or shouting. This is why de-stressing after work is crucial. Taking some time off at the end of the work lets you relieve stress and calm your mind.

2. Increased overall well-being

Studies suggest that continued exposure to stress leads to the following short-term effects:

• Unexplained headache
• Difficulty concentrating at work
• Low morale
• Poor sleep quality
• Poor dietary habits

And in the long term, job stress has been seen to cause serious health troubles like heart issues, musculoskeletal disorders, and more. Another factor that needs mentioning is that too much stress induces a negative mindset. This eventually leads to the development of chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems.

Hence, relaxing after work is more important than ever if you want to avoid unnecessary medical bills.

3. Better productivity and decision-making skills

Relaxing after work can boost your productivity levels and help you make better calls at work. Let's get real! Employers expect employees to deliver quality work crunch numbers within the given deadline.

But being human, you have many other things to juggle personally and professionally. In between all this juggling, maintaining consistency at work becomes tricky.

So, taking some off to de-stress after work will set things straight for you in this case.

Nine ways to relax after work

You can relax in your space in a million different ways. But how you unwind after work matters! This section mentions nine foolproof ways that you can practice relaxing after a long day at work.

1. Warm bath

Warm baths or showers are known to be stress-relieving. If you are already someone who loves to take a warm shower, then you know what I'm talking about.

A scientific journal suggests warm baths boost blood circulation and relax muscle stiffness. Moreover, another Smoking kills cites that taking hot baths reduces signs of depression in adults.

Use shower gel with a fresh aroma to elevate your bath experience further. Trust me on this. So, take a warm bath for ten to fifteen minutes at most to reap its benefits.

2. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy means the use of essential oils as a form of therapy. It is a thousand-year-old practice popular for its psychological and physical health benefits.

A random scientific studys suggests that inhaling aromatic essential oils reduces stress levels significantly. Practicing aromatherapy also improves sleep quality. For this, all you need is a diffuser and essential oils of your choice. You can also try using scented candles.

3. Exercise

Exercising is one of the best ways to blow off steam. It boosts the release of endorphins, also known as happy hormones. Endorphins are hormones that give you the feeling of contentment and joy. And in no time, your stress levels will naturally decrease.

Pick any exercise you are comfortable with or follow any simple home workout routine online. Play your favorite playlist and work out. You may have to push yourself to exercise, especially if you are feeling low after work.

4. Catch up with a loved one

Confiding in someone you are comfortable with emotionally helps remove any stress that bothers you. It is a scientifically proven fact. Thirty-eight studies have shown adult friendships that add value boost well-being and keep mental health issues at bay.

So, if you haven't tried sharing your thoughts, then I suggest you reach out to your loved one and talk it out.

5. Stargazing

How often do we look up into the sky nowadays? Rarely, isn't it? We have all become too engrossed in our busy schedules to remember to look around to admire nature. Stargazing is a stress-busting activity that is worth trying in this case.

According to a 2021 research paper, stargazing offers a peak experience to the viewer, bringing pure joy and contentment. This is your sign to pause your overwhelming thoughts and find a spot from your place to look up and gaze into the stars.

6. Don't carry work home

Many employees have the habit of taking work or the work stress back home. However, it is crucial to be mindful of this and ensure that work does not enter your personal space. Or else, you will be carrying the stress from the day's work, which may create a negative atmosphere at home.

And before you realize it, you will be taking out the work stress on your loved ones in an unhealthy manner. This is one of the leading causes of working individuals' strained relationships with their significant other.

7. Music therapy

"Music can change the world because it can change people." – Bono.

Music therapy is another effective way to de-stress yourself. If you don't feel like socializing after work, listening to music may interest you. Research shows that listening to music has the same effect on the brain as meditation.

The concept of listening to music is timeless, so why not try it to de-stress yourself consciously? Nowadays, music streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube music offer handpicked playlists for every mood. After taking a warm bath, choose a playlist of your choice and try to relax your mind and body.

8. Journal it down

Journaling is another popular way to relax and soothe your mind. However, many people find journaling a hassle. If you find journaling tiresome, you can try an alternative way to journal your thoughts.

All you need to do is pen down a single word or two to three words at max that describe what you have been feeling throughout the day.

9. Meditate your stress away

Meditation is one of the best ways to de-stress. It can be a powerful tool for unwinding and relaxing after work. Practicing meditation helps regulate mood and allows the mind to calm down.

In short, meditation is perfect for busy professionals who want to unwind and recharge themselves after a long day at work. Guided meditation sessions can be very helpful in this case.

Nowadays, several wellness platforms offer such sessions. Vantage Fit is one such well-trusted platform worthy of mention here. Specially designed to promote employee health, Vantage Fit provides solutions that target all dimensions of wellness, including emotional and mental health.

Suggested reading: 12 Fantastic Ways To Relax At Work And Let Go

How To Leave Job Stress At Work?

Detaching from work stress and working on personal goals may be challenging but not impossible. For this, you must disconnect from the day's stress and negativity. Try to look forward to the time that you will spend after work for starters.

Here are some tips that can help you leave job stress at work:

• As your day progresses at work, promise yourself to finish the tasks at hand. Remind yourself to refrain from carrying any form of work back home. To begin with, try to take on only a few tasks simultaneously. Set a daily deadline schedule and take on tasks accordingly.

• Curate a to-do list so that you look forward to doing things outside of work.

• Take a detour on your way back home if you feel like it. Cherish the little moments of joy that occur around you. Stop by that new coffee shop that you always wanted to try for a quick bite. You may even catch up with some of your friends to de-stress.

How do you balance work and relaxation?

Balancing work and relaxation go hand in hand. It requires legitimate planning. Here are some tips that will come in handy:

• Set a "Me Time" daily reminder: The essence of "me time" is undulated. Everyone should spend some time in their own company and introspect. To start, set a daily reminder on your calendar as "Me Time." Seeing this reminder will help you to look forward to relaxing after work.

• Learn to say no: Saying no, especially at work, is challenging but not impossible. If you already have prior tasks, say no politely to your colleague or manager.

• Take a holiday: Taking leave from work is another important aspect many employees fail to understand. Take a mini vacation every few months or on a weekend to unwind your mind.

• Take on a healthy lifestyle: Develop healthy habits outside of work, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.

Bottom Line

As you can see, relaxing after work requires dedication and the drive to unwind truly.

Try these nine ways to relax after work and reduce your stress levels. Practice mindfulness, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling. Connect with nature, go for a walk or a hike, and spend time with friends and family.