We all know that life can get pretty stressful sometimes, especially after a long day of work or school. That’s why it’s important to have some go-to strategies to help you unwind and destress.
Here are my 13 practical tips that actually work and will help you unwind and distress after a long day.
Take a warm bath or shower.
This is a classic way to relax and unwind. Taking a warm bath or shower can help you ease muscle tension and promote relaxation. The heat from the warm shower can also help to calm your mind and reduce stress. This is because warm water causes your muscles to relax and your heart rate to slow down, which in turn helps to calm your mind.
You can add Epsom salts or essential oils to your bath for added relaxation. Epsom salts can help to soothe sore muscles, while essential oils like lavender or chamomile can promote relaxation and calmness.
Listen to calming music
Listening to calming music is a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Research has shown that listening to music can have a calming effect on the body and mind. Calming music can help to slow down your heart rate and breathing and reduce muscle tension.
You can create a playlist of your favorite calming songs or use a music streaming service to find playlists that suit your mood. You could also try to listen to music before bed to help you relax and fall asleep faster.
Read a book
Reading can be a great way to escape and unwind after a long day. After a long day, sitting in your favourite chair and reading a nice book can help you to shift your focus away from the stressors of the day and enter a world of imagination.
Reading can also help improve your cognitive functioning, help you to fall asleep faster and have a more restful night’s sleep. Try to read something that you enjoy, whether it’s a novel, a memoir, or a self-help book.
Take a walk
Taking a walk can be an effective way to clear your mind and reduce the stressors from everyday life. Walk outdoors to connect with nature and get some fresh air. This can be beneficial for your mental health. Even just a short walk around the block can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.
Walking is also beneficial in boosting your energy levels and improving your overall physical health.
Watch a funny TV show or movie
As Charlie Chapline said, “Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain”. When you watch something that makes you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins are great at helping you reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
You can watch your favorite comedy show or movie, or try something new that you’ve been wanting to watch. Make sure to prioritize laughter in your life. The benefits are endless.
Have a cup of tea
Having a warm cup of tea after a long day can help to promote relaxation and reduce your stress levels. Certain types of tea, like chamomile, lavender, or valerian root tea, can have a calming effect on the body and mind, making it even easier to unwind. These teas can also help you to fall asleep faster.
Other herbal teas that are specifically marketed for stress relief, like passionflower or lemon balm tea, are also good. Just make yourself a cup of tea and take a moment to savor the flavor and aroma.
Practice yoga or meditation
Yoga and meditation are effective ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Both these practices can help you become more mindful, which can be beneficial in managing stress after a long day. Practicing yoga can help you release tension from your muscles and improve your flexibility, while meditation can help you to clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
You can find plenty of online resources or sign up for a class at a local studio. Try incorporating a regular yoga or meditation practice into your routine as this is a great way to manage your stress levels.
Practice deep breathing
Taking a few minutes to practice deep breathing is a great way to reduce stress levels. When you inhale deeply, your body takes in more oxygen, which can help to relax your muscles and calm your mind.
You can practice deep breathing exercises by inhaling for 4 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. Repeat this cycle for a few minutes to get full benefits.
Write in a journal
Writing in a journal can be a therapeutic way to express your emotions and reduce stress levels. When you write down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a new perspective on your situation and find ways to manage stress more effectively.
You can for example write about your day, your worries, or anything else that’s on your mind. Journaling is great because it can also help you to track your progress and see how far you’ve come in achieving goals that you have set for yourself.
Do a creative activity
Engaging in a creative activity can help you to relax and reduce stress levels. When you focus on a creative task, your mind can shift away from stressors and enter a state of flow, which is a mental state where you become fully immersed in a task. Many find this to be therapeutic and enjoyable.
You can try painting, drawing, knitting, or any other creative activity that you enjoy. Find what works for you and make time for it in your routine.
Connect with a friend
Social support can be an effective way to manage stress levels. When you connect with a friend, you can share your thoughts and feelings and feel less alone. This is a great way to receive emotional support and encouragement. You can call a friend, meet up for coffee, or have a video chat.
Make sure to prioritize meaningful connections in your life to help manage stress levels.
Practice self-care
Self-care is essential for managing stress levels and promoting relaxation. When you take care of yourself, you can feel more confident and less stressed. Self-care can include anything that makes you feel good, like taking a bubble bath, getting a massage, or practicing yoga. Find what works for you and make self-care a regular part of your routine.
Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude can help you to shift your focus away from stressors and focus on the positive aspects of your life. When you express gratitude, you can feel more content and less stressed. You can write down three things you’re grateful for each day, or simply take a moment to reflect on the things that bring you joy.
Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep is essential for managing stress levels and promoting relaxation. When you sleep, your body is finally able to repair itself and your mind can rest. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and try to establish a regular sleep routine. This can include winding down before bed, avoiding screens, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
A word from Omihoop
Managing stress levels is essential for maintaining your mental and physical health. Try to incorporate some of these tips into your routine to help you unwind and destress after a long day, and let me know what you think.
Remember, self-care is not selfish, it’s necessary for a happy and healthy life, so take care of yourself!
