Regardless of how much we love our jobs, work can be stressful. Some days we keep an eye on the clock waiting in anticipation for the day to be over, and are often consumed by the thought of how we can relax after a difficult day.

The trouble is, life doesn’t stop after we get home. Kids have homework, the dog needs to be fed, the house needs cleaning, laundry has to be done, and the list goes on. It is important to remember that although our lives are busy, we need to make time for ourselves. We need to find the time to rest and recover, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day.

Healthy Ways to Destress After Work
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Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress after a long work day. This is the perfect opportunity to work out our frustrations on the treadmill or with weights so we’re not carrying that animosity with us. This also prevents us from taking our anger out on the people closest to us. Exercise helps with mood, focus, and concentration which are all important aspects of our daily lives.

The day goes a lot smoother when we are at our best. If time is limited, then there are multiple fitness apps that you can bring with you anywhere. Some apps keep working professionals in mind and sessions are as short as 8 minutes and don’t require any exercise equipment.

Take 5

Sometimes a 5 minute power nap is all it takes to recharge. If the house is usually in a state of chaos and a nap isn’t possible, spend 5 minutes in your car before coming inside. Use that time to breathe, collect your thoughts, and switch from work mode to home mode. You can also take a minute to walk out to get the mail which gives you some additional time to yourself.

Treat yourself

Sometimes what we need after a long day is “me time.” But as busy professionals, time is often in limited supply. If you’re pressed for time you can stop at your favorite coffee shop and pick up your favorite drink, get an express mani/pedi, take a stroll and window shop, get a quick chair massage.

Aromatherapy

Sometimes it’s not possible to take a break between work and coming home. If that’s the case, then you can bring the spa to you. Essential oil diffusers are relatively inexpensive, as are the oils. A few drops into a diffuser and you can get the luxurious scent of a high end spa right in your living room. Scented candles are also a nice touch. Sometimes just dimming the lights and taking a few minutes to sit down on the couch can make a big difference.

Change

Nothing says work mode more than work clothes. When you get home, switch off work mode with the action of changing into more comfortable clothes. Sweats and house slippers, are a good start. When we are comfortable we are more relaxed which is much deserved after a long day.

Dr. Anjani Amladi aka “Dr. A” has an extensive background in the areas of adult and child/adolescent psychiatry. She is the upcoming author of several children’s picture books including When the World Got Sick, which helps children and families talk about the hardship COVID has brought into daily life. Also in the works is Piggle Wiggle Wiggle Wobbles, a children’s picture book focusing on the presentation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the effect these symptoms can have on a child’s emotional well-being. The book also helps parents by providing ideas on how to support their kids, and also helps children to develop coping skills uniquely designed to support them and the way they learn. She also has other children’s books and even a coloring book in progress… stay tuned for details and release dates for those projects. The goal of her books are to shed light on illness and struggles in a way children understand. She has spoken and taught nationally on these topics.