For many people out there, going to work is not a relaxing thing; in fact, the workplace environment can prove to be incredibly taxing and stressful
For many people out there, going to work is not a relaxing thing; in fact, the workplace environment can prove to be incredibly taxing and stressful both mentally and physically. Over time, that stress can take a real toll on your body and affect you not just at work, but at home too. And while it may seem like the best solution is to find a new job, that’s not always possible, nor will it necessarily fix the problem as it may not be the particular job, rather the field you have chosen that is stressful.
So, what’s the solution? Do you just power through the stress and try to make the best of things? The short answer is no; instead, it’s important to find ways to de-stress and relax at home. Obviously, this is easier said than done, especially if you have no idea where to start. With that in mind, here are some simple tips that will help you to cope with the stress of your job and find a way to relax during your time at home.
Leave Work at the Office
This is the number one rule to being able to de-stress and relax at home. If you bring your work home with you, whether that means physically and/or mentally, then you aren’t actually taking a break. You need to give your mind that chance to switch off, and transition from work mode to at-home mode.
Now, that may mean you need to schedule your time a little better during the day in order to ensure you don’t need to bring work home, and you may also need to learn how to say no and not take on those extra tasks and responsibilities that spill into your free time.
Try Working Out at Home
When it comes to fighting stress, working out can be an incredibly powerful solution. Not only will it release the feel-good hormones in your body and erase all that work stress, it’s also great for your physical health.
You can choose to go all out and create a home gym in your house complete with various exercise equipment, or you can keep things simple and follow basic exercise videos that don’t require equipment, walk around your neighborhood, or take up biking. As long as you get your body moving and you elevate your heart rate, it counts as exercise.
Create a Relaxation Space in Your Home
It may also be useful to designate a specific room or spot in your house as your relaxation spot. This is a spot that is meant to be comfortable, free of distractions, and just allows you to kick back and turn your mind off. You can invest in some comfy furnishings like a plush bean bag chair such as those available through SumoLounge, use a sound machine that plays relaxing music and nature sounds, install soft lighting, and really make it the space that calls your name.
Don’t Over-Schedule Your Free Time
One mistake that people often make is trying to pack too much into their free time. As a result, you end up feeling rushed from one task to the next, which can create a whole new type of stress. It’s okay to say no to plans and invitations, and it’s okay to leave time in your day where you aren’t doing anything at all. Not every minute needs to be scheduled. Living in the moment and doing what you want right then and there can be incredibly freeing and relaxing.
Engage In a Hobby That Interests You
This is also a great time to do a little self-reflection and ask yourself what hobby appeals to you. Maybe it’s something you want to learn more about, or maybe it’s a hobby you have already taken an interest in. You can enroll in a class, join a club, or just get more serious about your hobby at home.
Some great examples of relaxing hobbies include drawing, painting, birdwatching, learning to cook, singing (karaoke), knitting, reading, beading, scrap-booking, and gardening.
Introduce Meditation into Your Daily Lifestyle
Meditation can also be another fabulous way to de-stress and relax and it is a practice that you can use any time and in any place. It can even help you get through an especially busy and hectic day at work, allowing you to take that five to 10 minutes to focus, relax, and center.
Keep in mind that meditation is something that takes practice, so you can’t expect to pick it up immediately. It can be helpful to use a guided meditation session or book at first, just so you can start to learn the basics and then perfect them.
Give Yourself a Break from Technology
Here’s a tip that sounds simple but can be extremely hard to follow. Taking a break from technology can do wonders for your mind and body, but it’s not always easy to get to that point. A great place to start is by putting down your phone and any mobile device and telling yourself you will not check it for half an hour. After a few days you can increase the time to one hour, and keep going up from there.
Get Together with Friends and Family
While it’s great to chat with friends and family over the phone or through your social networks, it shouldn’t replace face-to-face time. Make sure you give yourself time to socialize in person, share some laughs, and truly turn your mind off. Sure, you may not be able to get together with your friends daily, or even weekly, but aim for at least one social gathering a month to give yourself that break to look forward to.
De-Stressing is Important to Your Health
At the end of the day, finding a way to cope with your stress and actually combat it should be a priority as it is imperative to your overall health and personal wellbeing.
