At the end of the day, do you feel frazzled, quick to anger, and/or anxious? If so, you’re not alone. With all of our day-to-day obligations, the pressures of home and work life, and other issues you and your loved ones may be facing, it is easy to get caught in a whirlwind of stress, frustration and anxiety. These tips can help you wind down and regain a sense of balance at the end of your day.
Exercise
Take a walk around the neighborhood, practice yoga in your living room, and go break a sweat. Exercise is a tried and true method of stress relief as it gets your heart pumping and releases feel-good hormones that can help give you a sense of well-being.
Recognize and release tension
Select the area of your body where you hold stress. Inhale and tense this area (for example, if it’s your forehead, wrinkle your forehead and furrow your brows) and inhale to the count of three. Next, release the tension while slowly exhaling to the count of four. Repeat as needed, or try this technique on other areas of your body in which you may hold stress.
Take a break
Try dedicating 5-10 minutes at the end of your day to taking a break to see if you feel better. Just taking even five minutes to sit quietly and follow your breath can help you feel less fragmented and more connected and balanced.
Go outside
Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the sounds of the environment, and take a good look at the sights. It will help you feel more connected and refreshed after a stressful day. Remember to dress for the weather as we inch towards autumn and winter.
Lose yourself in something you love
Did you previously have a hobby that you just couldn’t get enough of? Well, what are you waiting for—get back to it! Hobbies are a great way to wind down and get some “me time.”
Take time to unplug
Spend time free from technology and screens by simply savoring a quiet moment with your eyes closed. Pick a drawer or other out-of-sight place to stash your devices, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Find a bedtime routine
By doing the same activities each night before bed, you can train your body to wind down in preparation for sleep, which is crucial for sleep quality and quantity. Choose a relaxing activity such as reading a book, listening to music, meditating, having a cup of decaffeinated herbal tea or glass of warm milk to help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.