The 6 Best Ways To Decompress After Work Hours

The 6 Best Ways To Decompress After Work Hours

One of your favorite times of the day may be your clock-out time from work. It’s the perfect opportunity to stretch your arms high in the air and let out a sigh as you mark the end of another busy day. But what should you do now that you’re no longer on the clock? 

To your chagrin, you may be among many people not used to decompressing after work hours, and anxiety and dread about your next workday may already be creeping in. 

Knowing how stressful work can already be, it’s healthy to unwind, relax, and stop worrying about it for the moment. To that end, here are some activities that you should incorporate into your post-workday routine to help you decompress and end the day on a refreshed and laid-back note: 

True self-care consists of more than just the hype you may have seen on social media. Take time to define what your idea of self-care is—that is, practices that you personally find comforting and enjoyable. Little self-care rituals can do a lot to reduce stress, ease your body into rest mode, and lift your spirits, which will power you through the rest of the work week.  

Your version of self-care can involve:

• Soaking in your bathtub with some essential oils, a glass of wine, and some scented candles
• Pampering your skin with a sheet mask
• Even doing your own nails at home

It can also be dressing up in your favorite shirt and comfy leggings and going outdoors to write a journal entry for the day, letting out all the feelings you’ve bottled up while at work.There are numerous ways to practice self-care and take care of oneself, as you can see. Therefore, whatever activity helps you relax and provides a healthy distance from the day's stressors, take advantage of it.

Incorporating exercise into your post-work routine can be beneficial for your health. It's a great way to reduce stress levels and tension that builds up during the workday. You may discover the cathartic effects of some other physical activity, like jogging through a nearby park, cycling indoors on a stationary bike, or doing a 30-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout at home.

You can even go outside and feel the wind in your hair as you run through leafy trails or go through the slow, mindful steps of an outdoor yoga routine. Release your endorphins, then treat yourself to a cool-down session and some rest after.  

Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve pursued your favorite hobbies. But you should consider picking them up again, as they can help you observe a relaxing habit that drastically differs from the hustle and bustle of your work life.  

Dust off that acoustic guitar and start strumming a familiar tune, or grab some art supplies from the craft store and start painting again. Read that book that’s been sitting on your bedside table, waiting for you to crack open its pages, or get your old scrapbook out and lay out some of your favorite photos and mementos. 

Remember that you don’t need to be “productive” at your hobby—the goal is to have fun and establish some healthy work-life balance for yourself. 

Don’t discount the benefits of spending time around others when you decompress from work. You’ll be surprised how much of a difference a good chat with your friends or a call with a family member will make to recalibrate you and get you back on track. And what better reminder is there that you can interact with people outside of work? Remember just how big your world is outside of your job, and regularly touch base with people you find essential.  

Suggest going on a casual dinner out or hosting a stay-in movie night with your loved ones. Even simple and affordable activities like these can do wonders to dispel your pent-up work-related stress. 

If you have yet to try meditation, now might be a good time. Your mind also needs a break, so taking care of it is essential. Change into something comfortable like a loose shirt and breathable workout clothes to relax. Once you're dressed, you can try the basics of meditation.

If you're new to meditation, consider adding CBD to reduce anxiety and improve your experience. By using CBD before meditation, you may find it easier to achieve a sense of peace and focus, allowing you to obtain all the benefits of your practice.

Dim the lights and sit on a meditation pillow in the corner of your home dedicated to cultivating your inner peace. You can detach yourself from the day's worries with some deep breathing. Learn how to transition into a ten-minute yoga flow, stretching away the stiffness that sitting at your desk all day brings. Regular practice is a great stress reliever that may help you handle negative and volatile emotions at work or in any other setting and give you more control over yourself.

It’s not bad to escape occasionally, especially after a hard day’s work. Decompression can be a matter of just settling into your sofa with a bowl of popcorn by your side and your remote in hand. Check out the latest offerings from a streaming service or other form of media, and immerse yourself in the plot of a new movie or even a video essay from your favorite creator. 

Whether it's a gripping drama series, a lighthearted comedy special, or a helpful video tutorial you choose to cap your day with, you can shift your mind away from the worries awaiting you at work. Once the credits roll, you may find yourself fully recharged and ready to face another day in the "real" world—but not after a good night’s sleep!

Takeaway

While your work may be important to you, it's equally important to take some time off to recharge and feel like yourself. Engaging in activities that help you relieve stress and decompress is crucial for your overall physical and mental well-being. This will make your time away from work more fulfilling and enjoyable.

Ultimately, what you do to decompress after work is entirely up to you. Decide on the activities that will recharge you best, and fully throw yourself into the moment when it’s time to decompress!