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Using essential oils for stress can generate a calming atmosphere, and research shows it can aid in reducing stress levels. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life. Unwinding after work can help you leave behind the stresses of the workday and relax. Let these tips help you create rituals that support your transition from the pressures of work to relaxation.
Stress affects everyone differently, and what is a stressor for one person may not be for another. Recognizing the signs can help you identify when work is affecting your wellbeing. These symptoms can also be related to other health conditions, so consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any other causes. Cooking can be a creative and fulfilling way to unwind after work. 💙 Breathe into Relaxation with this short meditation to help you release the pressure of stress in your body and mind after work. 💙 Ease into the late afternoon and early evening by pressing play on Calm’s curated playlist for relaxation, Mellow Afternoon Ambient.
Try Deep Breathing Exercises
Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards. Unwind after work with Talkspace, the online therapy platform that connects you with licensed therapists who are experienced in stress management techniques. You can access Talkspace from the comfort of your home or wherever you are. According to studies, participants who engage in leisure activities had higher levels of positive psychosocial states and lower levels of depression. Another study found that people who partake in leisure activities have lower stress levels and better stress-management skills.
And, when you circle back to the original activity, you’ll approach it with a fresh perspective. Often, you won’t have the chance to present “perfect” work in busy, fast-paced jobs. With that said, try lowering your expectations and think done instead of perfect. What’s more, prioritizing complex tasks gives you more flexibility to handle other concerns that come up during the day.
Nutritionist Samantha Paget explains how our stress hormones and blood sugar regulating hormones are linked – so by keeping our blood sugar balanced we can help balance our stress levels too. In fact, we now know that 95% of our serotonin – the ‘happy-hormone’- is produced in the gut, so it really pays to invest in your gut health. Most of us have the most focus and energy in the morning. This is an ideal time to deal with your most challenging or important tasks.
- It’s an effective way to release any tension in your neck, upper back, or shoulders.
- It can be comforting to have a loved one come to the rescue when you have a difficult time.
- It can be a cup of tea, your favorite comedy, a long walk with a loved one, a soothing bath, or anything else that brings you a bit of joy.
- By the time I get home, it’s easier to resist the urge to open the laptop again.
- Engaging in movement can boost endorphins, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
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Turns out, sweating off the tension with some exercise is beneficial for more than just your body. Preventing work-related stress can involve strategies to manage potential stressors and maintain a healthy work-life balance. With the right tips to unwind, you can create a more balanced and less stressful work environment. Deep and mindful breathing can activate your body’s relaxation response, helping lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm. In small doses, stress can be beneficial, helping us stay focused and alert.
Why work causes stress & why we need to unwind after work
Our time off the clock presents us with an opportunity to squeeze some movement in. Even if you’re not a fan of exercising, look for an active habit that you actually enjoy. Are you looking to establish a peaceful post-work routine that combines engaging activities with relaxing indulgences? Here are some activities you can make into habits for optimal recuperation, according to Kushnir and other mental health experts. Be aware of what causes your stress and take breaks during your work day.
Dedicate Time to Hobbies
By disconnecting from digital distractions, you create space for deeper relaxation and rejuvenation, setting the stage for a restful night’s sleep and a refreshed start to the next day. So, the best way to unwind after work is to shut your phone down and enjoy some tech-free time—unless you want to stay awake all night counting sheep. It’s not a secret that exercising regularly will improve your health.
- Engaging in fun activities with loved ones can provide a much-needed break from work-related worries while strengthening social bonds.
- Dim the lights, light a scented candle, and play soft music or soothing nature sounds to foster relaxation.
- One of the first and best ways you can leave job stress on the job is to prepare yourself before you leave.
It’s like folding your worries away, one crease at a time. Sometimes, the best way to shake off stress is to do something a little out of the ordinary. That’s why I love turning my regular bath into a glowing, bubbling oasis. Maybe it’s about a penguin who wants to be a surfer, or a cloud that’s afraid of heights.
Overall, the activity is an excellent way to shake off stress and build meaningful connections. When it comes to fun ways to unwind, dancing offers an incredible combination of physical movement and social connection. Join a local dance class, participate in community events, or just put on your favorite playlist and move to the beat at home. Finding ways to relax after a long day at work is crucial to maintaining mental and physical well-being.
Keep your living space organized, use soft lighting, play calming music, and create dedicated areas for relaxation. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and observing thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can be an invaluable tool for managing work stress. Work-related stress can arise from various sources, including high job demands, lack of control, insufficient support, and the pressure to meet tight deadlines.
If your manager keeps assigning tasks, it’s time to set boundaries. 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. There’s a reason why thousands of people have become obsessed with watching these oddly satisfying ASMR videos like soap and kinetic sand cutting.
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. Taking stretch breaks is particularly important for people who are forced to sit at a desk and amphetamine addiction treatment stare at a computer screen for long periods of time, leading to back and neck pain.
