We’ve all been there. That moment you step through the door after a stressful day at work, or a long day at home, feeling like a tightly wound coil ready to snap!
Relaxing isn’t just about indulging in your favourite pastimes; it’s crucial for your physical and mental health too.
That’s why I’ve created this guide, to walk you through different ways to unwind, destress, and decompress, to ensure you can reset no matter how hard your day was.
How to relax after a stressful day: 17 ways to unwind and decompress
Get ready to feel totally at ease!
Discover proven relaxation techniques to help you unwind after a busy day, learn the importance of self-care and find activities to make relaxation an eagerly anticipated part of your day!
So let’s get to it.
1. Do some deep breathing
You might not realize it, but deep breathing is like a superpower when you’re looking to calm down after a stress-filled day.
When you breathe deeply, your brain gets the memo that it’s time to chill. It fires off some nerve signals to your body to slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure, setting you up for prime relaxation mode, creating an immediate sense of calm.
Here’s a simple deep breathing guide:
Inhale slowly through your nose, hold that breath for a count of four, then exhale gently through your mouth. Repeat this cycle at least three more times (or as much as needed), and voila, all that tension will just melt away!
2. Go for a walk
After a draining long day on the grind, a brisk walk is exactly what you need to relieve some stress and lift your mood.
The fresh air will instantly rejuvenate you and clear your mind, giving you a chance to regain some much needed balance.
Take this time to indulge in nature’s beauty to re-energize you or the city’s rhythm for a little excitement. Whichever backdrop soothes you more, make it a priority to do after facing such a busy day.
3. Engage in exercise
Feel the days tension melt away with a little body movement.
Exercise works like a charm to set free stress, releasing endorphins (those feel-good hormones) and refocusing your mind.
Whether you’re into a heart-pounding run, a soul-soothing yoga session, an exhilarating dance or a strength-building workout, find an activity that resonates with you and aligns with your lifestyle.
It’s all about discovering what brings joy and energy back into your life especially after a busy day. Embrace a routine that sparks excitement, turning stress into vitality.
4. Get some fresh air
After a long day cooped up inside, your body and mind are practically begging for a breath of fresh air!
Once you step outside, you’ll find that it does more than just refresh your senses; it revitalizes your entire being.
For an instant boost, try a leisurely stroll in the park or simply enjoy a quiet moment on your balcony. These simple activities make a world of difference after a stressful day, encouraging you to embrace the outdoors as a part of your destress routine.
5. Massage your stress away
A massage is the PERFECT way to soothe your sore muscles and literally dissolve the days tension away.
You can either book a session with a professional or use an at-home tool like this massage set designed for your convenience. And to fully embrace relaxation, pair it with the Majestic Pure lavender oil for an experience that’s sure to calm every nerve in your body.
6. Do some reading
After a long day, sinking into a good book is the epitome of solace and escapism.
The world outside fades into the distance, allowing stress to slip away, page by page. And to truly give your mind a treat, create a snug reading corner with soft lighting and just the right amount of ambiance.
It may not seem like much but the simple joy of reading is a haven from the buzz of everyday life!
7. Meditate
Meditation is a beacon of calm amidst the storms of stress! It invites mindfulness and tranquillity into your life, especially if you’re having a rough time of it all.
If you’re keen on adding it to your daily routine, you can explore free guided online sessions like Tara Brach and turn those long, hard days into complete and utter bliss.
8. Disconnect to reconnect
In our digitally dominated lives, the glow of screens often becomes inescapable. You’ve likely felt the drain after a long day glued to various devices, responding to your battleground of an inbox all whilst your phone buzzes like a beehive!
It’s time to hit pause, take a step back and give yourself a breather.
Trade your screen time for ‘you’ time to totally unplug and reconnect with yourself. Dive into a book, explore nature, or delve into a hobby that doesn’t require a power button.
Try turning notifications off, putting your phone on ‘do not disturb’, or completely removing devices out of your reach.
Establishing digital-free time is such an effective way to unwind after a long day (or any other day really!) and give your brain a soft reset, ready for a fresh start tomorrow.
9. Take a power nap
After a hard day, a power nap is just what the body needs to reboot.
Napping for just 20-30 minutes can inject a new lease of life into your tired mind – the perfect way to decompress, ensuring you wake up refreshed, not groggy.
Aim for this sweet spot to strike the balance between restorative rest and diving too deep into a slumber sleep. Make your napping spot a sanctuary, ensuring it’s calm, quiet, and comfortable. Here, you’ll unwind after a stressful day, hitting the reset button with each nap you take.
10. Have an early night
The path to unwinding after a stressful day, whether at work or home, often points to your bedroom. Making an early night a non-negotiable remedy helps you hit the reset button with ease.
Creating a sanctuary for a peaceful sleep means investing in comfortable bedding, dimming the lights, and possibly adding a hint of lavender scent to the air.
By making these adjustments, you encourage your mind to slip into a state of relaxation, setting the stage for a rejuvenating night’s sleep. Embrace this routine as your secret weapon in the ongoing battle against stress, allowing you to emerge refreshed and ready to tackle another day.
11. Soak in a warm bath
A relaxing soak in a warm bath is a go-to for unwinding after a long day.
Allow the heat to envelop your body, easing muscle tension and calming the mind. And to elevate the experience? Consider adding Epsom salts or essential oils such as lavender or chamomile to transport you to a state of bliss.
It’s an ideal ritual to indulge in before bed, setting you up for a deep, restorative sleep.
12. Journal
Journaling holds more power than you think! Putting pen to paper helps you to destress and unload the weight of the day by releasing your thoughts and emotions.
But it’s not just about venting!
It’s a method to breakdown your experiences, understand your emotions, and regain control.
Whether you prefer bullet journal to capture the essence of your day, art journaling to paint your feelings, or narrative writing to tell your story, each stroke of the pen clears a little more of the days stress away.
And if you’re looking for a journaling guide, check out this post and these journaling prompts to help you with your writing.
13. Set the mood for relaxation
Transform your home into a haven of tranquility so you can fully relax in the comfort of your own sanctuary when the day has worn you out.
Here are a few simple ways to create a space of zen:
• Dim the lights and embrace the gentle glow of ambient lighting. It softens your space and creates a calming atmosphere for you to unwind.
• Add candles to infuse your room with a warm flicker and a subtle scent to sooth your senses.
• Surround yourself with comfortable, cozy items. Think plush pillows, a snuggly throw, or an ultra-soft underfoot rug.
• Introduce potted plants to purify the air and instantly lift your mood.
• For an added sense of calm, a little gentle music whispering in the background does no harm!
Once you’ve cozied up, you can use this space to do anything from reading, napping or anything else included in this guide. It sets the perfect atmosphere to release stress, helping you to truly reset and recharge.
14. Connect with loved ones
Leaning on people who uplift you can be a beacon of comfort. It’s the perfect remedy to turn a challenging day around, filling it with shared laughter and warmth putting stress firmly on the backseat.
Touch base with loved ones that lift you up. Their voices alone can be the balm to soothe your weary spirit! So why not pick up the phone for a quick chat? Or, better yet, plan a much needed outing with close friends.
15. Make exciting plans
Imagine yourself planning a weekend getaway or a relaxing island escape, where the stress of work or home life gives way to the excitement of adventure. Or perhaps organizing a day out with your nearest and dearest, filled with smiles and laughter.
These moments of anticipation can act as beacons of joy in busy schedules. Regularly scheduling exciting activities not only gives you something to look forward to but also injects your day with bursts of happiness, making hard days that little bit more bearable.
16. Do something creative
After a hectic day, getting a little creative can be the key to unwinding and resetting.
Engaging in activities like painting, writing, DIY projects, or whatever says creativity for you, offer more than just an escape; they serve as a therapeutic outlet for stress.
It’s not just about the end product but the joy and relaxation found in the process.
I recommend diving into something new and unfamiliar. This fresh challenge can shift your focus and help reduce stress, offering a satisfactory way to decompress and rejuvenate.
17. Focus on self-care
Selfcare stands as your power move after a long day. It embodies actions taken to preserve or improve your health and well-being which is crucial for stress management.
Think of it as a personal recharge session.
Diverse practices range from meditating to clear your mind, indulging in a soothing bath to unwind, or even choosing an early night to reset your energy levels.
Each act of selfcare whispers, ‘You got this!’ So embrace these moments daily and notice the uplift in your spirit and productivity!
Here are some great self-care activities to try that are totally free and can instantly boost your mood.
The bottom line
Whether you choose to be at one with nature, get captivated between the pages of a book, or to enjoy a warm soak before bed, each method is catered for pure relaxation after a long day.
So let loose and allow yourself to embrace these moments of self-care as they are essential to keeping you sane after a busy, stress-filled day!
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This article really hit home for me. I’ve been struggling with stress lately, and finding ways to relax after a long day is crucial. The suggestions provided are practical and easy to implement. Thanks for sharing!