Four healthy ways to relax after a hard day at work
Relaxing at home after a long day at work feels amazing, but there are healthy and unhealthy ways to unwind. For example, eating a whole bag of chips might feel good in the moment, but it’s not healthy for your body. If you binge on snacks regularly, you might end up gaining weight or having other serious health issues down the road.
Next time you feel inclined to pursue unhealthy ways to relax, try something from the following list instead.
Relax in front of the television
Despite what you may have been told growing up, it’s not bad to watch TV and it won’t necessarily “rot your brain.” Granted, you don’t want to be glued to the television screen nonstop to the point where you start ignoring your responsibilities. However, it’s perfectly fine to lay on the couch or cosy up in your favourite armchair and watch television.
If you want to see what’s on without having to surf through every channel, just use mytelly.co.uk and you can get a list of current and future programming. This web-based app can even help you plan your nights ahead of time when you know something good is airing on TV.
If you’re still looking for scientific validation that watching TV won’t turn you into a brainless zombie, you’re in luck. Many studies have been done that support television being an effective anti-stress tool. For instance, an EEG study dating back to 1980 found people had more alpha-wave activity when watching TV compared to reading. Relaxation begins when your brainwaves move from beta to alpha. Another study found that when people watch their favourite shows over and over, the familiarity and predictability creates a sense of safety, which allows the mind and body to recharge.
So don’t be afraid to settle in for the night in front of the television after a hard day’s work. If you can find a show you love, or watch your favourite movie, science says it will help you relax and recharge.
Try meditation
Meditation is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and find some inner peace. Even if you are someone who enjoys their job, you probably feel tired when the day is over and it’s time to go home. Most people are exhausted by lunch. If that sounds familiar, meditation can help you dissolve stress from the day before it can impact your mood.
There are many different ways to meditate and all of them are valid. If you just find a quiet space, sit on a pillow with your spine straight, close your eyes, and focus on your breath for at least five minutes, that’s enough to bring your brain into a more relaxed state. You can take it further and learn different mudras to flow energy differently or use a guided meditation if focusing is difficult.
You might even want to try meditating while you’re still at work to prevent stress from accumulating throughout the day. Once you develop a habit of meditating, you’ll start sleeping better, feeling better, and your usual stressors won’t impact you as deeply.
Exercise vigorously
Although it might seem like physical activity is the opposite of relaxation, it has a time and place. Provided you have the energy to engage in physical exercise after work, you might discover that it’s the best-kept secret in terms of recharging your body. Many people report an increase in vital life force energy after a workout they were too tired to do, but went through with it anyway. There’s something about moving your body that can increase your energy levels on the spot.
Whether you hit the gym, work out at home, take a walk, or ride your bike around the block, being active can help clear your mind and reduce the stress hormones in your body. The result is a more relaxed state of being, physically and mentally.
Pursue a hobby
Hobbies are a great way to eliminate stress that follows you home after work, and they’re not just a blind escape. It’s psychologically healing to be creative and express yourself, so whatever you enjoy doing, make time for it after work.
Find what works for you
Now you’ve got four more ideas for escaping stress after a long day at work. Try them all to see what works best for you. There are countless ways to relax, so use the method helps you recharge your batteries.
The editorial unit
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