Blogtober Day 18 - 10 Ways to Unwind After Work
You know the feeling, you’ve had a rubbish day at work, stress levels are high and sometimes you just can’t shake it off. There is nothing worse than feeling like you just can’t let the day go. So, I thought I would make a list of 10 ways to unwind after work.
Reading
Let’s get my obvious ones out of the way first. Sometimes after a rough day, emerging yourself in fantasy can help a lot. Letting go of your own stress and slipping into a different world can be very beneficial.
Go for a Walk
If you have a dog, it makes this one really easy because you have to walk the dog. When I worked in the city centre and got the bus home, I would often get off the bus a few stops early. I would take the extra time to clear my mind and release as much of the stress as I could, rather than bring it all home to my family. Then James and I would stand and have a good bitch in the kitchen.
Exercise
My word, that’s a booby photo! All though there are times you want nothing more than to flop on the couch and not move until bedtime, exercise after a rough day can be a great way to work off the stress. Working up a sweat releases endorphins that make you feel good. Just make sure you properly warm up and cool down and are using equipment correctly.
Spend Time with your Pets
This can be a walk, a training session or just a cuddle on the sofa. Animals are so intuitive, they know if something is upsetting you. When we have a bad day or are feeling unwell, Millie likes to stick close to us, just letting us know she’s there for us and obviously petting HER will make US feel better. That is actually clinically proven. Petting an animal releases oxytocin which relieves stress and makes you feel good.
Play a Game
Yes, this is my gaming face. That engrossed, slack-jawed, gaping look. Playing a game is a great way to relax, whether it’s a board game, a card game, or an online or console game. Personally, if I have a bad day easy-going games like Animal Crossing or Pokémon are great. If I’m having a REALLY bad day, going and beating the shit out of people on Assassins Creed is also very helpful.
I do not condone violence in real life but I am also not someone who believes that virtual/movie violence influences people. Also, please remember that when something stops being fun, stop playing. James and I have a rule that if we get mad playing, we stop.
Have a Shower or Bath
I wish I had a bath, a lovely long soak with a cup of tea always does the job. There’s something very satisfying about being the same temperature inside and out. However, a hot shower to wash the day away is also fabulous. Throw in a face mask and some skin-care, bliss! Pamper yourself and watch the stress flow down the drain
Work on a hobby
It’s good to have lots of hobbies. I have photography, cross-stitch, writing and knitting amongst lots of others. I often find that working on one of them relaxes me. Something that you can see progress.
Spend time with family
Sometimes when James or I have a bad day, nothing is better than a bitching session in the kitchen, or we will walk Millie together. Then there are nights when we will just sit together and watch something or play something. Just being together, the support system and someone to listen to is all you need.
Watching TV
I don’t watch a lot of television. We don’t have Sky or anything like that. I mostly watch nonsense on Disney+ and Discovery+ or Netflix occasionally. However, when I find a series I like, I prefer to binge watch. Unfortunately, that means I tend to be slightly behind but I just love losing myself in something that I don’t need to think very hard about.
Listen to Music
Music has an amazing way of bringing out emotions and there’s a reason it’s used in therapy. I love putting on my headphones, turning them up and listening to whatever I like. Bonus points for dancing while you listen.
How do you unwind after work?