After a long, draining day at work, there’s nothing better than finally coming home to unwind. Everyone de-stresses differently, and believe it or not, there are more ways to relax than just curling up on the couch with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in one hand and the TV remote in the other.
Unwinding after work isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity for maintaining mental and emotional balance in our lives. The demands of work can often leave us feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and mentally fatigued, impacting our ability to relax and recharge effectively. Research has shown that chronic stress and overwork can increase the risk of burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. By prioritizing activities that help us unwind and relax, such as engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or practicing self-care, we can mitigate the negative effects of stress and improve our overall wellbeing.
We’ve done some research and found 12 activities that are scientifically proven to boost your mood, help you de-stress, or simply distract you from what’s going on at the office. Take a deep breath, leave the stresses of the workday behind, and discover how to decompress, release tension, and reset your mind in a way that works best for you. Your mental health and well-being deserve it.
Read more: Is Your Work Mentally Draining? Learn How to Protect Your Inner Peace
Here are 12 ways to better unwind after work:
1. Go for a run or walk
It’s not a secret that exercising regularly will improve your health. It releases endorphins, reducing tension so you can unwind. When you come home from work, try slipping on your workout clothes and hitting the pavement. According to science, running keeps your brain young, fights off anxiety, and boosts your mood. If you aren’t a runner like me, taking a brisk walk, biking, or dancing will do the job just fine (and it gives you a chance to finish the end of that true crime podcast or Spotify daylist).
Read more: The Best New (to You) Podcasts You Can’t Miss in 2024
2. Journal
Okay, seriously, there are tons and tons of benefits to journaling. Skip the surface-level scribbles about your crushes and get to the juicy stuff. Writing down your daily emotions, goals, and realizations can help you cope with stress, clarify your thoughts, and problem-solve more effectively —not to mention you’ll get to know yourself better.
By putting pen to paper and expressing your innermost thoughts and feelings, you create a safe and private space for self-reflection and exploration. Plus, journaling provides a tangible record of your journey, allowing you to track your progress, celebrate achievements, and learn from past experiences.
Read more: How to Create a Self-Care Checklist (with Examples)
3. Read a good book
Reading is the perfect way to allow yourself to escape reality after work and dive into an entirely different world. Not only is it great for entertainment, reading can help improve your memory, increase your attention span, and reduce stress levels.
Whether you prefer curling up with a classic novel or delving into the latest bestseller, make time for reading in your relaxation routine—it's not just a leisure activity, but a gateway to personal growth and enlightenment. Helllooo, new library card.
Read more: 20 Self-Love Books to Boost Confidence & Happiness
4. Lay under a weighted blanket
Regardless of whether you watch a documentary, draw, or solve a crossword puzzle under a weighted blanket, the blanket will almost instantly put you at ease after work. There are tons of benefits to weighted blankets, some of the large ones being reduced anxiety, better sleep, and pressure relief.
Read more: 8 Tips for Dealing With Anxiety in the Workplace
5. Cook yourself dinner
Personally, cooking something delectable is my favorite way to unwind—I find it completely therapeutic. Turns out, I’m not alone. Cooking and baking are proven to boost your mood and your creativity —there’s something about measuring out ingredients and following a recipe that makes us feel in control, especially when we may feel helpless in other areas of life outside the kitchen. So, next time you’re feeling crummy (ha, ha) after work, pull out your mixing bowl and whip up something delicious.
6. Listen to your favorite playlist
Billy Joel once said, “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from,” and he was completely right. Music is definitely a way to heal and unwind after work. It can help you sleep better, reduce depression symptoms, and generally make you feel happier. Crank up the tunes!
7. Turn off your phone
When you leave the office, you should leave work at work and stop checking those emails. Keeping your eyes glued to screens all day can have detrimental effects on your sleep and melatonin levels. Engaging in screen-free activities such as reading, meditating, or spending quality time with loved ones allows your mind to relax and your body to transition into a state of restfulness.
By disconnecting from digital distractions, you create space for deeper relaxation and rejuvenation, setting the stage for a restful night's sleep and a refreshed start to the next day. So, the best way to unwind after work is to shut your phone down and enjoy some tech-free time—unless you want to stay awake all night counting sheep.
Read more: Social Media Detox 101: How to Take One & Why It Matters
8. Craft and create
Whether it’s knitting, painting, or making jewelry, crafting is a great way to unwind after work. Creativity-focused activities like these allow our brains release dopamine, which is a natural antidepressant. According to research, indulging our creativity not only bolsters our mental health, but our physical health, too.
Additionally, the process of creating something with your hands can promote mindfulness and relaxation, allowing you to escape the pressures of daily life and immerse yourself in the present moment. So, grab your crafting supplies and let your imagination soar—your mind and body will thank you for it.
9. Clean the house
Contrary to popular belief, cleaning isn’t always a dreaded chore. Cleaning and organizing your personal space can reduce feelings of anxiety and overwhelm and help you unwind while keeping you healthier and happier—and might lead you to view your home as more restful and restorative. A clean and clutter-free environment can promote better sleep quality and productivity. So next time you need to unwind after work, let out your pent-up stress by vacuuming furiously fast around the house.
10. Drink a glass of red
You’ve heard the rumors. According to real doctors, *a* glass of red wine a day for women can help stave off depression and improve your mood. Red wine contains antioxidants such as resveratrol, which has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and longevity. That’s right, kick your feet up, watch those wine legs swirl, and let loose.
However, it's important to note that moderation is key, as excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.
11. Watch oddly satisfying videos
There’s a reason why thousands of people have become obsessed with watching these oddly satisfying ASMR videos like soap and kinetic sand cutting. These types of videos are linked to mood management theory, and basically implicitly make us feel more calm. Just don’t get roped into hours of mindlessly watching someone play with slime.
12. Give yourself a massage
A little massage goes a long way. Massage therapy is proven to reduce stress and anxiety and can even increase your serotonin levels over time, according to scientists.
Serotonin, often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone, plays a key role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, making it essential for overall wellbeing. By stimulating the release of serotonin, massage therapy offers a natural and effective way to alleviate stress and promote mental and physical relaxation. Massages have also been shown to lower levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, leading to a reduction in muscle tension, improved circulation, and enhanced feelings of relaxation.
