Many people don’t realize that biological stress is actually a pretty new discovery. In fact, the first studied and documented case of stress wasn’t found until the late 1950s, by an endocrinologist named Hans Selye. Of course, stress was around long before Hans Selye discovered it, and is still going strong today.
There are many different causes of stress out there, but work is one of the biggest. Whether it’s trying to hit a deadline or hating your job, work can do a number on your physical, emotional, and mental health. In this blog, you will find a few of the top ways that you can destress after a long day at the office.
1. Treat Yourself
Go ahead, you deserve it! And chocolate is the perfect reward. Let’s face it, who doesn’t love chocolate at the end of a long workday — or anytime really! The good news is that dark chocolate is actually good for you, it works to release endorphins and increase serotonin levels, meaning that eating a little bit after work can help with stress levels quite a bit. Look for quality candies from companies like Chuao Chocolatier who offer options for snacking, gifting, and reducing stress.
2. Meditate Regularly
Meditation is one of the easiest ways to reduce stress after a day at work. You don’t have to go to the gym to do it. It can be done in the comfort of your own home. You can even do it at the office before you leave for the day or whenever you feel stressed. Many people come home from work and meditate before fixing dinner or even before bed to get a good night’s sleep.
3. Take a Bath or Shower
Sinking down into a tub of hot water with essential oils is one of the best ways to relieve the stress of a workday, and it can even take the tension out of your neck and shoulders. Everyone knows that a hard day at work can cause a tension headache to form, taking a long hot shower can relieve that tension and work to lower your stress levels as well. It is estimated that over 34% of people say that a bath or shower is just the ticket after a stressful day on the job.
4. Take a Walk
Taking a walk after work is the perfect way to lower those stress levels and relax enough to help with dinner or be with the family for the remainder of the night. No one wants to be irritable with their kids because of a bad day at the office, a brisk walk before dinner might help you combat the extra stress you’re feeling.
5. Change into Comfortable Clothing
Nothing feels quite like changing out of your work clothes and into your favorite jeans, sweats or pajamas (no judgement here!) After all, not much is more stressful after work than a tie that is choking you or a pair of high heels that are killing your feet. Shed those clothes when you walk in the door for instant stress relief.
6. Don’t Brood
One of the worst things you can do for your stress levels is brood on the day that has past. Try to relax and enjoy the evening, then get to bed early, so you can be well-rested enough to tackle the next day.
These are just a few ways to relax and destress after a hard day at work. Remember, not brooding is key and following the above tips will help you have a much more enjoyable evening as well.