We all have hectic days where we get home, walk in the door, and simply feel a need to switch off, but that’s sometimes easier said than done, especially if you feel wound up from workday stress. However, if you can find a healthy way to shake off the day, you’ll find yourself feeling better physically, mentally and emotionally…and more ready to take on the next day.
Every person’s version of “unwinding” varies, so check out this list of different ways to relax after charging through a full day:
- Go for a walk. It may sound counterintuitive if your job involves standing or moving all day, but this sort of movement gets the endorphins going and sets those good feelings of accomplishment flowing. Plus it’s just good exercise and a great stress reliever.
- Read a book. Take twenty minutes and dive into that book you’ve put off for months. Whether you read a “real” book or use an e-reader, it keeps your mind sharp and engaged in a way that TV simply doesn’t, yet it helps put you in a relaxed state. The escape and relaxation that reading provides helps if work stress keeps you up around bedtime.
- Leave work at work. All of the technology we have makes us easily accessible just about anywhere. Let your co-workers, superiors, and anyone else know that once you leave for home, you’re not available. Doing so doesn’t lessen your commitment to your job. It simply means you’re off the clock and taking care of the other side of your life. Trust that nearly all of your work stress can wait until tomorrow when you’ve had some time to unwind and recharge.
- Exercise. The next step up from a walk, getting into a good exercise routine will definitely help get rid of stress and keep you physically healthy. Similar to walking, exercise releases endorphins and rechannels your stress into sheer physical activity. You don’t have to buy a new gym membership. Find what you like to do and stick to a regular schedule that lets you focus on something other than work.
- Meditate. Sometimes you just need quiet, and meditation allows that to happen. Try an app such as Insight Timer or Headspace that will help anyone from a beginner to someone more advanced in their practice. As a nice side benefit, many of the meditations to help you fall asleep have soothing music, and you can reap the benefits in as little as ten minutes.
Find your own way to unwind after a long day at work. Whatever you choose, make it something that both calms and re-energizes you for tomorrow. Reach out to our medical staffing team at Medical Professionals today!
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