How do you de-stress at the end of the day?

Freelance or not, we all need a way of switching off and relaxing after work!

I know it’s not easy for anyone, but personally I’ve found it harder since working from home to make a clear line between when work stops and the evening begins. Particularly in Winter as well, when I usually don’t plan on leaving the house in the evening because it’s dark, cold and wet!

Below are a couple of things I currently do at the end of the work day to help me snap out of business-mode and relax. Then after that I’ve listed some things that I’d love to start doing as well!

1. Cleaning & de-cluttering!

This may sound totally weird but I’m hoping some can relate. At the end of the day, I actually really like the physical, menial tasks of washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen or vacuuming!

For someone who stares at a screen all day, it’s a good way to get me focused on something ‘real’, plus I always feel a buzz afterwards as I know I’ve been productive too!

2. Blasting out tunes & having a little dance

Sometimes after a long day the most fun way to symbolise THE END is to crack on some upbeat music and just have a dance around. This may or may not coincide with cleaning as well!

I love doing this just for a few minutes, especially in Winter, because it helps wake me up again after the afternoon lull. Otherwise I could easily just fall asleep at my chair!

3. Playing with or walking the dog

Of course, having a dog or puppy is very useful motivation to end the working day properly. Pepper usually needs a walk at around 5pm, or if it’s too grim outside, she’ll at least need a good play session to stop her from bouncing off the walls and chewing the cushions (classic #doglife).

4. Reading a chapter of a book

Again, this is a great way for me to get away from a screen for an hour or so! Otherwise it can be easy for me to go straight from my laptop, to having a flick through my phone before dinner, to watching TV after eating. From screen to screen to screen :S

5. Baking or trying a new recipe

After a quick flick through Pinterest or a new recipe book, it can be fun to spend time in the early evening baking or prepping food for the evening, or even the next day. Experimenting with recipes is a passion that comes and goes for me, so I have to be in the right frame of mind, but again it’s good to get me doing something that doesn’t involve a computer or my phone!

Plus, here are some things I’ve heard other people say really helps them switch off after the working day, and that I hope to try out for myself soon!

6. Meditation or yoga

I do love yoga but have never tried it as an ‘end of day’ switch-off activity… mainly because my dog would probably try to climb all over me! But this is still something I’d love to try. Also even just 10 minutes or meditation using the Headspace app I’m sure would be great for helping me shed the stresses of the day, ready to relax in the evening.

7. Taking a fitness class

Oh dear, Olivia may have persuaded me to try this! I know a lot of people who head to gyms after work for a de-stressing workout, but I’m someone who needs the motivation and guidance of a class to keep me coming back. Will have to see how this goes :)

8. Getting into pyjamas!

I have never been someone who gets into pyjamas before bed, but man, it seems like the way to live. Particularly in Winter, I may try this tip for shutting off the at the end of the day – change from work clothes into PJs for the ultimate relaxing feeling.

(This might work better if I actually wore work-like clothes during the day, rather than leggings which are basically pyjamas anyway, right?)

9. Writing a journal

Even if it’s just something quick like ‘The 5 Minute Journal’; I think it’s super important to practice gratitude in order to stay positive and mindful, but I’m sure it’s fun to reminisce over the day and see how you could make tomorrow even better too!

10. Take a bath

I haven’t had a bath in like 4 years, but maybe I will try this after work one day to see if I can actually switch off while I’m soaking. It might just be the perfect way to transition into calm, evening Anna – who knows!

How do you switch off and de-stress after work?

Never miss a post! Follow on Bloglovin:
Follow