Last Updated on March 10, 2022 by Ellen
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Wondering how to unwind after work? Leaving work for the day seems rather easy. You clock out, get in your car, and start the drive home. These everyday steps for the office worker have become somewhat ritual, at least for me.
How to Unwind After Work
Many working adults have a difficult time being able to unwind after work after the day is done. This holds especially true for those in a higher-level position at the office. If you’re someone who struggles with detaching from work after office hours, then you’re in luck. Today I’m sharing my best tips to help make it easier for you to relax and unwind after a long day at the office.
Make a plan
The number one reason many people struggle with being able to unwind from work is that they can’t stop thinking about their office to-do list. The best way to cure this overthinking about your workweek is to make a plan. Every Monday create a list of tasks for work. This list is something that will help guide you forward in being productive at the office. During your busier office days try to schedule an extra break. The extra break provides you enough rejuvenation to arrive home from work more relaxed.
Develop an after work ritual
So, how do you unwind after a stressful day? Many of us need some rituals to transition out of our work mode to family mode. There are different rituals people use to unwind from work after office hours. Some ideas include a brisk walk, a bath, reading a book, or simply taking 15 minutes in the car listening to music before going inside your house.
How to destress after work
Develop an after-work ritual that will help you transition your mind from office thoughts to family and home thoughts. Make this ritual part of your schedule for the week so that you can remain a present part of your household after office hours. It’s important that this ritual allows you to clear your mind and relieve stress. Even if you think your job isn’t particularly stressful, there will always be something from work that causes some amount of work whether it’s a deadline, a comment from a coworker, or a reminder of something that needs to be done.
Set boundaries
It’s hard to unwind after work hours because we give more of our time than necessary. It’s wonderful to be committed to your job, but your self-care matters too. When it comes to detaching from work after office hours, you have to be strict with boundaries. If you’re not paid to work while you’re at home, then refrain from answering any work-related outreach. This boundary will help you stay focused on home life during your family time. You could put your phone calls and emails on do not disturb status to avoid being tempted to answer any work-related outreach.
Simple ways to unwind after work
- Try a few of these yoga poses from The Fitness Tribe. Yoga is one of my favorite ways to unwind after work.
- Consider journaling. Check out these tips from Jebra to start a self-care journal.
- Think about learning to meditate. These simple tips will help you get started even if you’ve never meditated before.
- Relax with music. It doesn’t have to be soft and slow. If you prefer, turn it up loud and dance around the room. You can check out a few ideas here.
- Cut down on the amount of time you work at home. My goal is to have a four hour work week. And, that means doing less work at home than I normally do.
- Take a long, hot bath with these stress-relieving bath salts. Using essential oils is a wonderful way to unwind after work. Check out one of my favorites here.
These three tips to detach from work after office hours will help you feel happier and healthier. In time you’ll find that you’re more present with family when you opt to make a plan, develop a ritual and set boundaries for work-related tasks. Learning how to unwind after work isn’t always easy, but it is definitely worth it once you’ve found a technique that really works for you. Here are a few stress management activities that might help.
Ellen is a serial entrepreneur who owns 9 profitable blogs, two printable stores, an online vintage jewelry business, and a variety of other work at home endeavors. She shares tips for working at home successfully.