Do you ever have one of those days where you feel like quitting your job? Not because you hate it but because it can get so tiring at times? Where at the end of the day you feel like you have no energy left and just the thought of going to work again the next day seems daunting.
If you said YES, then I am with you.
We all have those kind of days. I used to find myself struggling at the end of long work days a lot more when I was working my regular 9 to 5 job. But I still have those days when I am super tired after work, even though I love what I do.
And even though you may think that laying on your couch, getting food delivered and watching Netflix is the best you can do, it’s not. I am sorry to be harsh, but when you are watching netflix day after day and/or scrolling through social media endlessly, you are doing yourself more harm than good.
RELATED: 23 productive things to do instead of Netflix
Now, don’t get me wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with watching Netflix every now and then, but if you doing that daily, without a second thought, then you, my friend, are limiting yourself.
Why is self care important?
I believe that taking care of yourself is so important. And at the end of a long tiring work day, you need ways to relax. These ways should help us recharge and rejuvenate to tackle life the next day. All this, while also taking care of our mental health. Because it’s as important as your physical health, if not more.
And the thing is, self care doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. And you CAN practise self care every single day. And there are so many reasons why you SHOULD practise self acre every day. But again, that is something that you have to put efforts in and make into a habit. And it takes time.
Related: 53 free or affordable self care ideas for your wellness routine
But, if you are just looking ro relax and unwind, then I think these ideas can definitely help.
#1: Take a long warm bath/shower:
This is probably that one thing that I do on most days. Taking a long warm shower or a bubble bath can instantly make you feel better.
And I am stressing on a warm shower or bath because warm water relives the tension that you build up through out the day. Maybe because of sitting at your work desk all day or because of the stress you feel at work. Warm water improves the blood flow and thus will help you relax.
On days when you feel super tired, go for a warm bubble bath with your favourite bath salts and essential oils.
And before you say, who has the time for all that, remember “If you are not taking care of yourself first, you can’t take care of anything or anyone else.”
So prioritise yourself and take that much needed relaxing shower or bath. You deserve it.
#2: Have a Mini spa date:
Take some time to pamper yourself. Have a mini spa date with yourself or with your partner, whatever you prefer. And it doesn’t have to be over the top spa date that involves really luxurious products. It can be something quite simple and low key too.
Some ideas for you next spa date can be:
- Do a little mani/pedi session at home.
- Put on a relaxing sheet mask. I love the ones from Innisfree and The face shop.
- Light your favourite candle
- Put on a hydrating hair mask
#3: Schedule downtime:
Do you ever come home with an intention to relax and then are faced with a pile of laundry?
Or the dirty dishes that you didn’t clean before you left for work?
That’s completely normal. We all have those too. But the key here is to relax and unwind before getting into more household chores right after work.
Again, you need to prioritise ourselves first. Of course you will eventually have to get to the chores too. Because having a load of laundry staring at you is not really a relaxing situation. But take a breather. Schedule some down time for yourself before you get into the role of a crazy cleaning lady.
Take 10 minutes to relax, sit down and do absolutely nothing. I like making myself a warm cup of tea and sitting in my balcony surrounded by my plant babies and just enjoying that cup. And when I am done, I will get to the chores.
You’d be surprised how much of a difference those 10 minutes make in my life. And I truly believe that can do the same for you too.
pssstt.. and you know, a quick 5-10 minute declutter in the mornings can help you come home to a calm and relaxing home that’s not screaming at you.
#4: Go for a relaxing walk in nature/workout:
Stressed about work? Sweat it out. No, not kidding.
Working out and breaking a sweat is actually a great way to relieve the stress and tension that you’ve built up, both in your mind and your body.
It’s also great for your physical health. So win-win?
Working out also releases endorphins which are great because they lift up your mood and make you feel happy. And if you workout at least 2 hours prior to going to bed, it will also help you sleep better.
If you are not in the mood for an intense workout, a walk in the nature is also great. Have some time to yourself and take a long relaxing walk in the nature. Take in the scenery and the relaxing bird sounds. Just make sure you are not on your phone and scrolling through social media while on your walk.
Related: 12 tips to help you sleep better
#5: Pick up a new hobby:
Having a hobby is great because it can help you relax and unwind after a long day at work. I know in general, people do not have a lot of hobbies these day and every hobby eventually turns into a side hustle. But I am talking about doing something just for fun. Learning a new skill just because it brings you joy.
There are so many hobbies that you can take up like painting, reading, calligraphy, playing an instrument, knitting etc. But if you have no idea try and think about what hobbies you had when you were a kid. What did you actually enjoy doing.
I loved painting as a kid and I am so glad I took up painting again, as a hobby a few years back. I am not really good at it, but it’s still something that I love doing. Playing with different colors and trying to paint eyes, that I always get wrong lol.
Related: 9 Reasons why you need a creative hobby as an adult
#6: Plan something fun:
If going out with friends makes you happy then why restrict yourself to the “fun” only on the weekends? Some mid week fun never hurt anyone.
Well, unless you decide you want to get drunk and get on a mechanical bull. Don’t do that!
Plan a fun night out with friends or your hubby that doesn’t involve drinks. Drinking alcohol may relax you for a bit, but will do nothing for you the next morning when you have a hangover.
But there are still so many other things you could do. You can go try a new fitness class with a friend. That’s sun and workout in one. Again such a win-win, right? Or meet up with your friend and get your nails done or get a blow dry.
Just something fun.
#7: Music, books and wine:
Need I say more? haha.
I know I just said no alcohol, but wine doesn’t count right?
I mean just a glass.
Soft music, moody lights, wine and a good book is all I need to relax and unwind.
Reading is a great habit that I picked up a couple of years back and I mostly read books that are about simple living or hygge and the definitely calm me down. And I always listen to jazz nothing that too upbeat or loud. But of course you can listen to any kind of music you prefer.
There you go. 7 Simple and easy ways to relax after a long work day. All you need to do is find what works best for you. And make sure you do something for yourself everyday. And I hope this post gave you some ideas!
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