10 Ways to Unwind at the End of a Stressful Day
That feeling at the end of the day when we are wasted and frazzled can be all too often these days, and sometimes you just know when you’re ready to relax. Even more prominent now with the global events from the past year (let’s not mention that!) is our desire and need of a calming and stress-free environment, so take a few moments from your day to really check-in with yourself and experience some relaxation. Regardless of your situation as high stress worker, sober warrior or parent, better overall wellbeing is so important to us in life these days and the pace doesn’t look like slowing unless it is forced.
Here are 10 reminders of how to de-stress and unwind at the end of one such day:
Focus on Your Breathing Techniques
Harnessing the power of breathing is one of the most positive things you can do for your wellbeing. Try this; close your eyes and breathe in through your nose for 6 seconds, counting in your head. Hold for 6 seconds, then breathe out for 6 seconds through your mouth. Focus on the counting and taking deep breaths for as long as needed. Feeling that tension and stress disappear?
Change Round and De-Stress Your Office or Working Environment
It’s not just about the Feng Shui! More of us these days are working from home and our home office is an area which can cause the most stress. Only by creating an area where we can work effectively and without unnecessary stress, can we achieve maximum balance and wellbeing for ourselves. If this means having a change round of furniture or adding some candles or plants then do it. You know what makes you feel comfortable so listen to your feelings. It is further important that you have the correct set up with desk and ergonomical chair etc. because if you feel uncomfortable the effect on you mind and output is significant.
Try and Visualise Your Calm
Closing your eyes and drifting for a few minutes is good for the self-focus. If your idea of calm and peace is chilling out on a beach with the waves softly crashing against the sand, visualise it! Or if feeling the sun on your skin and hearing the birds singing brings you a sense of relaxation, take yourself there! Even if it’s just for five minutes, close your eyes and focus on visualising what calm means to you.
Take A Bubble Bath
I’ve said it before, but this really is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but still one of the most valuable. When was the last time you gave yourself a pampering bath? Take time to shut off from the world, pick up a good book, set the mood with a few candles and choose a relaxing bath oil. And relax….
Emptying the Thoughts in Your Brain the Night Before
Please take a look at my post ‘Benefits of Journaling‘ but put simply this is a brain dump, and a part of journaling that is most helpful when getting to sleep! It’s the active technique of writing and offloading all your thoughts and worries before going to sleep, achieving that unwinding feeling. Create a list or draw a bin to ‘throw’ your thoughts in – it’s sure fire way to head off to the land of nod.
Have a Giggle
We can all fall into the trap of being too serious in the whole ‘Rat Race’ of everyday life. Having a chuckle and sharing a funny moment is a great way to release tension and pressure which can result in stress. Why not find your favourite comedian on YouTube or catch up with a popular sitcom show? Every time you laugh, you release the feel-good hormone endorphins and decreases the stress hormones! If you can have a giggle with your closest other then great, but I would prescribe you at least one-laugh a day and there is more on this in my post ‘Laughter is The Best Medicine‘.
Get Your Routine Correct at Bedtime
I have another whole post on this and I recommend having a good ole read of ‘6 Tips to Improve Sleep and Wellness‘. If you’re not unwinding from a busy day correctly, your mind and body won’t have chance to recover for the following day. Take an hour before you go to bed to check out a new podcast, delve into a new book and take your time on your skincare routine – Just try and make it regular!
Communicate on Something Other than Social Media
Having a good old-fashioned phone call with your friend or loved one can do your stressed brain the world of good. Expressing your worries out loud helps to gain perspective, build better relationships and can even help you solve a stressful problem!
Give Your Body Some Nourishment
You wouldn’t fill up your car with the wrong fuel, so how can you expect your body to run on the wrong food? Stress can lead us to missing important meals and essential food categories all together. Take a look at what food you’re eating and see whether there’s any way to help improve it, such as a handful of almonds with a wealth of vitamins or an orange to boost vitamin C levels.
Get some Nature
Connecting with nature is large part of the de-stress ethos. Taking walks is energising and relaxing at the same time but being outside has more to offer. It helps with vitamin D from the sun and vital Oxygen can almost feel like it’s giving us a cleanse when doing breathing exercises. Nature helps to release tension and put any stressful situations into perspective.
Please also take a look at my posts: ‘Tips to get through a stressful day‘ and ‘9 ways to stress relief‘ for more ideas and do let me know if these tips have inspired and helped you on your journey to de-stressing and un-winding.
All the best… Darren
