Use these tips and tricks to help you “leave work at work” and relax after a stressful day. There’s a reason why thousands of people have become obsessed with watching these oddly satisfying ASMR videos like soap and kinetic sand cutting. These types of videos are linked to mood management theory, and basically implicitly make us feel more calm.

Try deep breathing exercises

You can use prompts and suggestions to log your day or take its free mental health modules to relieve stress and anxiety. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ However, if you want a minimal interface, focus on privacy, prompts, and more, Presently is a better option for daily journaling. Long working hours can be tiring both mentally and physically.

Tie Up Loose Ends Before You Leave

• After all, we spend a significant part of our waking hours at work.
• The process of coloring activates the brain’s frontal lobe and can help you focus on one thing so you can relax, making coloring one of the easiest, and maybe most fun, ways to de-stress from work.
• Low psychological safety is directly linked to higher stress and lower job satisfaction.

When it comes to how to unwind after work, I love doing yoga since it focuses on calming your mind, deep breathing, and slow movements. Before bed, I often stretch and do a few sun salutations, too, to quiet my racing thoughts. Projects are overwhelming; coworkers or customers are difficult. For those days (and even the good ones), knowing how to unwind after work is important for our well-being and “after-work” life. But if you can, consider taking a stay-cation from your job or other responsibilities. This can be a great way to cleanse your mind of your daily activities and hit the restart button on your stress level.

When to seek professional help

If you want to know how to de-stress after work but don’t want to have to make much effort, meditation might be just what you’ve been looking for. Bring awareness to the present moment, ease your mind, and promote relaxation. De-stressing after a long day of work with meditation is a proven practice that reduces stress, increases focus, and supports mental well-being. Combine meditation for stress with deep breathing exercises to further reduce stress hormone levels. When you’re ending a difficult workday (or workweek), it’s important to leave work at work and move on with your personal life.

• You may be able to diminish work stress by changing certain habits.
• You may be able to feel the difference as you stick to your routine.
• Fortunately, there are tips and tricks that can help you get your cortisol levels down.
• Create a relaxing home environment to help you unwind after work.

Lifestyle

According to research, indulging our creativity not only bolsters our mental health, but our physical health, too. Personally, cooking something delectable is my favorite way to unwind—I find it completely therapeutic. So, next time you’re feeling crummy (ha, ha) after work, pull out your mixing bowl and whip up something delicious. Make time to do things that you enjoy, such as spending quality time with friends and family and exploring new or existing hobbies, suggests Dr. Lassen.

We Think About It During Our Commute

The APA discourages fighting stress with fast food, alcohol or other unhealthy alternatives. Stress-induced apathy, irritability and depression can further affect a person’s ability to maintain healthy relationships, a healthy diet and an exercise regimen, says Dr. Pratt. “All of which how to destress after work can lead to worsening mental and physical health,” he says.

• “All of which can lead to worsening mental and physical health,” he says.
• One way to maximize your commute time is to listen to audiobooks, either fiction (for fun) or nonfiction in an area where you’d like to grow.
• Going on a run releases all the pent up energy caused by my stress.
• Facing stress is an opportunity to reset your mind and take it as a chance to grow.

So when quitting time finally arrives, there are some simple things you can do to de-stress. Here, we share five of our favorite ways to de-stress after work. Bringing family and friends into the conversation can also help you feel less isolated and open doors to additional mental health resources.

Read a good book

These can be different for everyone and may be related to the type of job. If this isn’t possible at your workplace, try to spend some time reflecting on this outside of work. Although moving around or leaving the place isn’t possible in every work environment, consider ways you can take a mental break. For example, taking a minute to focus on an object nearby and trying to identify as many details of it as possible. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Why work causes stress & why we need to unwind after work

Research, such as a 2021 study, suggests that journaling can be used to relieve stress on any occasion. Research has indicated that breathing techniques can benefit your physical and mental well-being, relieving stress and tension in the moment. Think about those little treats in life that put a smile on your face, and get more of them into your day. These little happiness-boosters, known as “pleasures” by psychologists, can lift your mood in a measurable way and reduce stress in the process. Listening to music is also a known strategy for stress relief, and a simple one to do while sitting in an enclosed space.

Fortunately, there are tips and tricks that can help you get your cortisol levels down. If you need quick tips to keep your heart beating at a more manageable rate, read our ways to calm stress in five minutes or less. Stretching, using essential oils, scanning your body for muscular tension, and foam rolling are just a few of the many ways to relieve stress quickly.