Four healthy ways to relax after a hard day at work
Relaxing at home after work can be deeply satisfying, but the way it’s done matters. While diving into a whole bag of crisps might provide temporary comfort, repeated habits like that can lead to weight gain or long-term health concerns. The good news is there are healthier ways to unwind that still feel rewarding.
Relax in front of the television
Contrary to old warnings about TV “rotting your brain,” moderate viewing isn’t harmful and can actually be a soothing way to decompress. The key is balance—watching without letting responsibilities slide. Curling up in an armchair or stretching out on the sofa with a favourite programme can be both comforting and restorative.
To make the most of it, tools like mytelly.co.uk help streamline the experience, offering listings of current and upcoming shows so evenings can be planned without endless channel surfing.
Research also backs TV as a stress reliever. As far back as 1980, an EEG study showed that watching television increased alpha-wave activity, linked with relaxation, compared to reading. More recent studies suggest that rewatching favourite shows provides familiarity and predictability, fostering a sense of safety that allows both mind and body to recharge.
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So don’t hesitate to spend an evening in front of the television after a long day’s work. Finding a series to follow or rewatching a favourite film isn’t just enjoyable—research suggests it genuinely helps the body and mind relax and recharge.
Try meditation
Meditation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ease stress and invite calm. Even when work is fulfilling, fatigue often sets in by the end of the day—or even by midday. Meditation provides a buffer, dissolving stress before it takes hold of mood or energy levels.
There’s no single right way to meditate. Sitting quietly, closing the eyes, and focusing on the breath for just five minutes can shift the brain into a calmer state. Guided meditations, hand mudras, or energy-flow practices can deepen the experience if focus is difficult.
Regular practice can transform how the day feels. Many find that meditating even briefly during work hours helps stop stress from building. Over time, benefits compound: better sleep, improved mood, and a greater resilience to everyday pressures.
Exercise vigorously
While it might sound counterintuitive, vigorous activity is a proven path to relaxation. After work, physical exercise can feel demanding—but it often provides the strongest recharge. Many report finishing a workout with far more energy than they expected going in.
Movement helps clear the mind and burn away stress hormones, leaving the body in a lighter, more relaxed state. Whether it’s a gym session, a home workout, a brisk walk, or a bike ride, activity stimulates both physical release and mental reset.
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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 that helps you recharge your batteries.
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