Chill Out: 7 Ways You Can Relax After Work

We get it, work can be stressful, and there’s nothing better than walking into your house after a long day and relaxing on the couch. But, sometimes it can be hard to unwind, especially when our phones make it easy to connect with work-related emails. If you find yourself still stressing about stuff from the office after hours, there are plenty of ways you can get yourself out of this habit. Some people enjoy a glass of wine or a beer when they get home, while others need to get those endorphins by exercising.

Stress is our body’s natural response to some type of threat, which can put us in fight or flight mode, thinking that we are fighting for survival.

How Does Stress Affect Our Brains?

Stress is our body’s natural response to some type of threat, which can put us in fight or flight mode, thinking that we are fighting for survival. Although our brain naturally reacts this way, most of the time our stress is not actually a life or death situation. Experiencing stress from time to time is normal, though sometimes frustrating, but if you find yourself constantly stressing out about work, it can have an impact on your brain. Recurring stress can lead to a lack of interest in socializing and impact your brain’s memory and learning functions. Don’t let that stress you out more. Try putting into practice some post-work activities that can lower your stress levels and keep you feeling happy and satisfied.

Ways to De-Stress After Work

1. Video Games

Avid gamers know how engaging a great video game can be because of its ability to take you into a completely different world. Sometimes, the reason we can’t unwind after work is because we’re so focused on our job all day that it’s difficult to turn that inclination off. But, when you’re required to step into a totally different world and you’re given a completely new responsibility (whatever the goal of the game is), it becomes much easier to let those work-related problems fade into the background. If you don’t already have a favorite game, try out some of the current popular ones and go from there. While you’re gaming, you can wear your vape around your neck to keep it close while you defeat those hordes of zombies.

2. Meditation

One of the most common de-stressing methods, meditation can be extremely beneficial to everyone, even those who find it easy to relax after work. If you’ve never meditated before, there are tons of YouTube videos and downloadable files of guided meditation to help walk you through the process. Get yourself into the habit for meditating for even five to 10 minutes every day after work to start seeing the results. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that studies have found meditation to not only have a mental impact but also a physical one as well. Meditation can help reduce high blood pressure and diminish feelings of anxiety. Even if you don’t experience these symptoms, meditation can make your thoughts feel clearer and motivate you each day.

3. Reading a Book

Much like playing a video game, books lead us into an entirely new world. Once you’ve found a book you really enjoy, it can be difficult to put it down. Of course, everyone has different tastes, but fictional stories are often the best genre to help you escape into a great story. Reading can completely take your mind off small daily stresses because it’s pretty much impossible to read a story and think about something else at the same time. Finishing a book also gives you a sense of accomplishment, so pick a good read and help yourself relax when you get home from the office.

Reading can completely take your mind off small daily stresses because it’s pretty much impossible to read a story and think about something else at the same time.

4. Working on a Project or Hobby

Working may sound like the last thing you want to do when you get home, but if you find a hobby you really enjoy, the physical act of practicing often helps our minds relax. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to? Maybe building model cars or creating a scrapbook? Make this your new after-work activity to give you something to look forward to at the end of each day and take your mind off those pesky emails waiting in your inbox.

5. Writing About Your Day

Writing is the ultimate way to de-stress. Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts, we start to replay the same scenario or problem over and over until it starts to cause more stress. When you get home from work, get into the habit of keeping a journal where you can put all your frustrations down on paper. The physical act of writing often leads to a sense of mental freedom. But, use your journaling as a type of self-therapy rather than just another vent session. Try writing down the things that you’re worried or stressed about, but also include all the things that went great during your day. This can help remind you not to sweat the small stuff and keep you motivated throughout the week.

6. Hanging with Friends

Being around people we care about is always a great way to elevate your mood. Friends are there to listen when things get tough, so if you’re stressed about work, text your buddies and ask for an emergency chill sesh. They’ll listen to you talk about what might be causing your stress and offer helpful advice. If you don’t want to talk about work after the day is over, your friends can also help take your mind off the stress of daily life. Head to a movie together after work, grab a drink at your favorite bar or just hang at the house and swap stories.

7. Get Involved with a Sports League

Exercise is one of the best ways to release tension, but sometimes it can be tough to get yourself to the gym after a long day. Instead, try finding a sports league for your favorite activity. Getting involved with a team sport can help you make new connections, exercise and release feelings of stress. Plus, having a regular event to look forward to helps you to be more productive and motivated.

Getting involved with a team sport can help you make new connections, exercise and release feelings of stress.

Don’t let work-related stress get the best of you. Instead of coming home and fixating on work, try implementing a new activity into your evening routine to relax and enjoy your time off. Whether you’re hanging with friends or playing a video game (or both!), you can bring your vape on a chain to help you unwind just a little bit more. No matter what activity you choose to add to your post-work routine, just remember you deserve some time to yourself.