4 Ways to Unwind at the End of the Day
At the end of a busy day, it can be difficult to relax. Too often it feels like the end of the day is the halfway point and all there is to look forward to is more work in a new environment. That is because you don’t have something you know you can look forward to. Pick one or more of the following options to help you feel excited and relaxed once your workday ends.
Television time
Watching television intentionally can be an excellent way to relax at the end of the day. The key is not to sit and mindlessly channel surf, which can actually contribute to your overall stress levels by making you feel as though you have wasted time.
Instead, find specific shows you really enjoy and have them recorded and ready to go as part of your reward for making through the day in one piece. DIRECTV prices have dropped substantially over the past several years, making it more affordable than ever to have the exact program when and where you want it.
Energizing exercise
Exercise is a fantastic way to burn off the stress of the day and release endorphins that will improve your mood for the rest of the night. You can do this by playing a few rounds of basketball after work, training for a marathon, or even walking the family dog.
Whatever exercise method you will greet with joy at the end of each day is the perfect one for you. While working out to lose weight or build muscle mass also has benefits, this may end up feeling more like another part of an unending to-do list. So it is imperative that if you choose exercise as your preferred method of relaxation at the end of the day, it is something you actually enjoy.
Mellow meditation
Meditation has been making news over the past decade as a wonderful way to increase focus, relaxation and quality of life. It is no wonder so many professionals swear by it and encourage others to give it a try. The remarkable thing about meditation is that even small amounts done regularly can have substantial benefits.
For those who are completely unfamiliar with the process, there are numerous books, websites, videos and apps to available to learn the basics. It is important to find instruction that makes you feel relaxed and avoid those that register as annoying when you engage with them.
Regimented routines
The relaxing thing about routines is their predictability. Creating an evening routine, no matter what it happens to be, will instantly help your mind change gears and prepare for the final part of your day. Knowing that you always take a shower before making dinner, for instance, can be incredibly soothing.
Likewise, knowing exactly what you will be making for dinner before you arrive home due to a well ingrained routine of meal planning and routine shopping can instantly bring down the stress levels. Find little ways to build routine into your life in order to dramatically reduce evening stress.
Whether you prefer watching a favorite television show, training for a marathon or meditating in the garden, it is important to carve out time at the end of each day to look forward to. By doing this you will effortlessly teach your mind to relax and unwind as that scheduled appointment draws near.
Article by Layla Davis
This article was written by the guest author listed at the end of the article.