How to Unwind After Work - Ten Tips

How to unwind after a hard day at the office with zero effort and huge effect.

Just as your private life can affect your job negatively, your job can also affect your private life negatively—especially if you can’t relax when you get home. If your work leaves you exhausted, tense and irritable, try one of these ten simple tips to help you wind down after a stressful day.

Tip #1 Meditation

There's nothing more calming than meditation. It takes a little practice, but it’s not as difficult as believed. Don’t bother with the lotus position if your body isn’t as supple as it used to be. Just sit comfortably with your back straight, close your eyes, breathe evenly, and let your mind wander. The secret is not to assess or analyze your thoughts, but to simply let them pass like clouds floating by in the sky.

TIP #2 DISCOVER NEW WORLDS

Escape the humdrum of everyday life. Inspiring music or a new audio book can sweep you to another world. Or just plant yourself on the sofa and let your fantasies roam.

Tip #3 A Sweet Treat

If you've survived a particularly trying day, reward yourself with chocolate. Because it stimulates the production of endorphins, chocolate is great for frayed nerves. It also has a slightly intoxicating effect due to a substance called anandamide, which is a cannabinoid.

Tip #4 Oxytocin and Endorphins

You don’t need pills to take advantage of these revitalizing substances. All you have to do is snuggle up on the sofa with your partner or a four-legged friend. Touching, stroking and cuddling stimulate the release of endorphins and the natural tranquilizer oxytocin.

Fragrance molecules stimulate the nervous system to influence state of mind. That’s why lemon, for example, makes us feel refreshed, lavender relaxed, and rosemary energized.

You'll find multiple aroma mixtures available in specialist stores designed to help overcome various negative emotions. Let instinct guide you—if you like it, it’s bound to be good for you.

Aroma products to choose from include scented stones, incense sticks, aroma sticks and essential oil diffusers to name but a few.

Tip #5 Ear Massage

If your working day leaves you drained, an energizing ear massage could be just what you need. According to Chinese medicine, 120 pressure points are located on the ears, which, when stimulated, have a positive effect on all inner organs. The result is renewed energy and a feeling of general well-being. Run over your ears for a few minutes, gently pinching with your thumb and forefinger.

Tip #6 Beat Headaches with a Neck Massage

A neck massage works wonders if you arrive home with a headache. Headaches are often caused by tensed neck muscles brought on by stress. Run your fingertips along your hairline from behind your ears to the nape of your neck applying moderate pressure.

Tip #7 A Scented, Candlelit Bath

If you find it difficult to wind down before going to bed, take a scented, candlelit bath. Warm water relaxes muscles while candlelight and soothing aroma ease the mind. Just add a few drops of essential oil to bathwater: most effective are lavender, rose and vanilla.

Tip #8 Scented Body Oil

Instead of body lotion, apply fragranced body oil after a warm bath or shower. Lavender works best to relieve stress and induce sleep.

Tip #9 Brisk Walk

Take a ten minute walk each evening. Make it brisk, and breathe deeply: increased oxygen leaves you with a comfortable sense of well-being.

Tip #10 Immerse Yourself in Green

Green is the color of power and vitality. To help you cope with the demands of career and family, eat plenty of green foods like spinach, chard, avocado, cabbage, lamb’s lettuce and broccoli. These are full of iron and other minerals and vitamins essential to both mental and physical health. Don’t just eat green, surround yourself with it! A simple walk in the woods does the trick—its effect on the subconscious makes you feel strong, relaxed and self-assured.