So, think about whether the stress is a buildup or related to a more long-term issue. If it’s unrelated to anything, maybe it’s a sign your mind and body need a break. 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 how to destress after work in five minutes or less. Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions. Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices.
Nine ways to relax after work
This can allow you to come in and feel focused, and it can allow you to leave and feel that things are taken care of as much as they can be until tomorrow. In small doses, stress can be beneficial, helping us stay focused and alert. However, prolonged stress can be harmful, affecting our physical health, leading to issues like headaches, insomnia, and high blood pressure. It can also impact our mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, and irritability.
- Juggling between the multiple work tasks in hand and pushing your limits to deliver projects timely often takes a toll on your mental health.
- It means cultivating healthy relationships to help you feel fulfilled and take your mind off of stress.
- When we get bogged down in work or stressed out over deadlines, the Bible reminds us that God is there with us through it all.
- Adequate rest is crucial for maintaining mental health and recovering from work stress.
- You can also beat procrastination by setting aside specific time blocks for deep concentration work.
Turn off your phone
This certainly does the trick for me—before I can get into a TV show or book after my workday, I need to lie down and decompress (i.e. not talk to anyone) for 20 minutes or so. I have a much easier time shifting gears when I’m able to shut myself off from the world for a bit. Listening to music is also a known strategy for stress relief, and a simple one to do while sitting in an enclosed space.
- Take a quick warm shower, then turn the water cold for five seconds.
- Setting aside time for self-care is necessary if you regularly feel overwhelmed by work.
- When you are unplugged from online activities, it is easier to work on zen-like habits such as positive journal writing or meditation.
- Not only is it good for your health, it also helps you to relax.
- For folks living with chronic pain, hot baths can also help keep muscles loose and reduce flare-ups.
- But, thanks to my chats with Dallas and Dr. Smith, I also know that for the sake of my evening (and well-being), I need to log off and forget about writing—until tomorrow at least.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Take a moment to enjoy some mindfulness and gentle stretching to calm and soothe. Stretch your body and calm your mind while you move from frantic and busy to grounded and peaceful. A soothing breathwork practice with Cordelia Simpson to help you unwind and create a sense of calm positivity. Try to set aside quiet time to talk with your manager and calmly discuss feeling overwhelmed by challenging tasks. Approach the conversation from a place of solving the problem rather than listing complaints. Being able to disconnect or “switch off” from responsibilities and job-related activities can help drug addiction treatment you relax and unwind like no other.
How do you balance work and relaxation?
Enlisting support can also entail having someone to gently remind you to refocus your thoughts and energy if you start getting bogged down by stressful thoughts of work. One of the first and best ways you can leave job stress on the job is to prepare yourself before you leave. To cut down on after-hours troubleshooting, prepare a to-do list for yourself when you get back the next day.
Sometimes the case with stressful situations is https://ecosoberhouse.com/ that you’re trying to find a problem or a connection when there isn’t one. An outsider’s perspective may help you see that more clearly. It’s recommended to exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week.
After a long, draining day at work, there’s nothing better than finally coming home to unwind. Everyone de-stresses differently, and believe it or not, there are more ways to relax than just curling up on the couch with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in one hand and the TV remote in the other. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Relying on a solid support network
People who are grateful for what they have tend to be happier and less stressed. Every day after work, take a few minutes and think of 10 things you’re thankful for. Your phone might be causing you more stress than you realize.
Talk it out or reach out to friends
Researchers say the brain is rewiring and trying to learn from the experience so you can handle it differently next time. If you’re noticing a bigger pattern, you might want to take a longer breather with our 30-minute tips or speak to a professional to get to the root of the problem. Engaging in fun activities with loved ones can provide a much-needed break from work-related worries while strengthening social bonds. Engage in creative expression without decision-making or problem-solving tasks.