Disconnecting from work and finding a way to relax after the work day ends has never been tougher. Pings from smartphones and lingering thoughts from the work day always seem to interrupt an evening.
Plus, working from home always blurs the line between “work” and “home.” But, there has to be a way to disconnect and relax from a long work day, right?
To help answer this question, we sought tips from 10 seasoned professionals about the best ways to unwind from a long work day. Here’s what they had to offer.
Self-Spa Day
Treat yourself to a self-spa day of your own creation. Grab a few face and hair masks, some candles or essential oils and anything else that would create your own perfect at-home spa. Listen to music or read a book as you relax and unwind.
Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional
Camping
Getting out and camping! That is the best way to disconnect from the world and physically get away from working. Putting your cell phone away and enjoying the moment in your RV or tent will allow you to unwind and focus on the more simple things in life.
Randall Smalley, Cruise America
Rejuvenate Through Nature
Find a quiet place to disconnect and be with nature. With all the chaos and uncertainty these days, as well as added stressors from a workday, the conscious connection with the natural world can be a deeply nourishing way to unwind and rejuvenate. Whether that’s spending some time in your backyard, on a walk or on a vacation somewhere, spend time in nature!
Gwen North, Lake Rabun Hotel
Laying Down
It may seem simple, but lay down. Choose a bed or comfortable seat, lay back and close your eyes. If only for a few minutes, the tension will release from your body and your heart rate will steady. It’s a nice refresher before returning to home life from the work day.
Kenna Hamm, Texas Adoption Center
Exercise
Whenever I have had a stressful day at work, my favorite thing to do is workout! Even if it is just for 30 minutes, I feel like the dopamine rush really turns my whole day around. I know this may be difficult with gyms closed during COVID-19, but there are so many other ways to exercise. Try following workout videos on Youtube or going to the park for a run! Get moving and feel the stress from the work day wash away.
Nikitha Lokareddy, Markitors
A Physical Book and Analog Music
With work involving so many screens at any time, I don’t think there’s anything better than a good physical book and analog music combo. If you can, silence phones, turn off the computer, and just listen to some instrumental music while reading. There’s nothing better to help me wind down after a busy day.
João Pedreda, Webdiner
Progress in an Instrument
My best tip to disconnect, relax, and rebound all at the same time is to start learning an instrument. It presents a challenge yet it can be so rewarding when you get things right. Once you get started, it can be very addictive for all the right reasons. With lots of new learning apps like Yousician, Fender, and more, it has never been more accessible.
Liam Quinn, Reach interactive
Yoga During the Day
I don’t wait till the end of the day, I find since working from home I work longer, crazier hours. Taking breaks and doing a 30 minute online yoga class or taking a long walk (not in Arizona summer though!) help reboot and center me to be more productive and more relaxed when the evening comes.
Melissa Blatt, indipop
Transition Your Thoughts Before You Decompress
To borrow a line for Gordan Ramsay: SHUT IT DOWN!
Close your laptop, turn off your phone, and turn off the light in the office. Don’t just take a bath and sit quietly, though. Your mind has been in business mode for too long and, left to its own devices, your mind will continue to think about it. You need to cleanse your mind’s palate. Grab a book and read a chapter. Watch an episode of your favorite show. Ask a loved one about their day. Do something to take your mind out of the office before you try to sit quietly and decompress.
Phil Strazzulla, SelectSoftware Reviews
Keep Regular Business Hours
I think it’s really important to try to keep regular business hours. A lot of small business owners have a tendency to work far into the evening or night. It’s as if we have all of our waking hours to get work done. Unfortunately, this makes us less productive. So, I think if we keep to an end time, we then should physically remove ourselves from our workspace. I prefer going for a walk or working in the garden.
Diane Helbig, Helbig Enterprises
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