Do you feel worn out and somewhat unhappy at the end of your working day?
Are your stress levels too high for you to relax and enjoy yourself when you arrive home?
A common problem with our go-getter generation, it is one we should address periodically in working to improve the situation.
Below are some tips and suggestions you can start implementing today that should help you to improve the situation.
Beyond these suggestions, be sure to think outside of the box, and this isn’t a complete guide.
Run Yourself a hot bath
After a particularly trying day, the first thing I like to do when I arrive home is run myself a bath. I know that some people worry about water consumption, and I understand that many of you prefer showers instead.
However, lying down in hot water will help your muscles to relax, and you’ll feel a lot better.
If you live with a partner, you could (in the nicest way possible) ask them to get everything ready before you walk through the door. Be sure to do the same for them when they’re experiencing something similar!
That way, you can just head upstairs for an hour and enjoy some time alone. That should assist you in forgetting about the stresses of your working day and concentrating on the things that matter.
When all’s said and done, everyone gets stressed at work. Even so, that doesn’t mean that stressed out feeling should continue when you get back to your normal life.
Listen to Calming Music
Listening to music is one of the best ways to unwind after a hard day. Link up your bluetooth speaker and play your favorite playlist of light music while you’re in the bath and for the rest of the evening if you should feel inclined.
Either way, the relaxing melodies should help your mind to stop orbiting at such high speeds. You’ll begin to forget about all the things that made you worry, and you’ll feel happier. It’s easy to get lost in music isn’t it?
Don’t make the mistake of listening to something too upbeat or energetic. You’re not trying to excite yourself; you’re attempting to slow yourself down.
While music is always a great choice for many, I have recently been opting for more natural sounds on relaxing/evening Spotify playlists.
It can a nice part of your routine, putting on a particular playlist before heading to bed, dolphin call CDs or something similar. The noises made by those animals are incredibly calming, (probably why they’re used at so many spas and retreats!)
Read a Book
Switching your TV off and reading a book is an excellent idea. We all know how worked up we can feel when we watch the news. It seems like the world is such a nasty place that we begin to feel depressed.
The easiest solution is to avoid your television and the nightly news broadcasts altogether. I’m not saying don’t watch the new at all, it’s important to remain informed. Perhaps just keep it for first thing in the morning, and throughout your day.
Choose a book in a genre you enjoy, maybe relaxing with a cup of coffee (decaf if needed, and add a little mocha!)
Be sure it’s a topic and genre you love as to not overdo it (which I do all the time, it can be hard to stop yourself.) Even if you’re at a critical point in the story, you should aim to close the book and settle down half an hour before you plan to shut your eyes.
Otherwise, your brain may remain too active, and you might struggle to get to sleep.
Get as Comfortable as Possible
This sounds like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised at how many people remain in their work clothes after returning home.
The first thing I do is slip into my designated “lounging” clothes. Softer fabrics and with a breezier fit, they’re exactly what I need after a day spent in office appropriate outfits.
Take a look around your place and be sure you’re building a comfortable space within your home. Maybe you need to purchase some oversized cushions for your armchair?
Perhaps you like the idea of sinking into an oversized beanbag. Inspiration can be found via Pinterest (or Apartment Therapy) and details at ComfySacks.com and similar domains.
Prepare Your Evening Meal in Advance
Nobody wants to spend a couple of hours in the kitchen when they arrive home from work or school.
So do your best to try to think ahead and prepare your meals in advance when time should allow. That could mean throwing some meat and vegetables in the slow cooker before you leave the house in the morning.
You could also cook your meals on the weekend and freeze them. That way, you only have to pop them in the microwave for a few minutes, and you have delicious, fresh meals to last the week.
Try to consume the healthiest diet possible if you’ve been encountering an especially stressful period. Doctors will tell you that eating lots of fruit and vegetables will help to boost your mood.
Invest in Your Sleep
Insomnia is a common issue for people who suffer from anxiety and have high stress levels. So you need to make sure your bedroom is the most relaxing place in your home.
Painting the walls a color that you personally feel promotes tranquility. For some that prefer minimalist surroundings it’s a stark white, while others gravitate to pale blues, greens, and beige.
Next consider your furniture. If your bed is less than comfortable, you’re never going to get a good night’s sleep.
Consider investing in a premium mattress as your budget allows. That is especially critical if you suffer from joint ailments like arthritis. Memory foam solutions may also support your body and stop you feeling so uncomfortable.
Those ideas may make a good starting point for your relaxation plans. Put them to good use, but stay open for alternatives you feel are a good fit for your existing routine.
Whatever you decide, I hope you manage to relax more in 2017.
What do you typically do when you’re having a stressful stretch, and are there any steps you take to create a more serene surrounding while at home?
