How to De-Stress from a Workday: 3 Tips for Relaxing at Home

You can get stressed after a hectic job, but how you manage that stress at home makes all the difference. The majority of individuals now find it harder to distinguish between work and personal time, particularly as remote work becomes more common. Therefore, maintaining your emotional and physical well-being requires setting clear limits and finding methods to relax. Here are three tried-and-true methods to help you relax at home after a demanding workday.

1. Create a Transition Ritual

It's not always simple to shift from "work mode" to "relax mode," but creating a small ritual or habit when you arrive home might help ease the shift. This might include anything that allows you to relax, including taking a hot shower, getting dressed comfortably, or even going for a short stroll outside. By letting your mind know that the workday is done, a transition ritual enables you to release any remaining work-related stress fully. 

Playing calming music, lighting a candle, or lowering the lights may contribute more peaceful ambiance in your space. Setting the mood for relaxation may be greatly aided by all these minor changes. For example, taking a hot shower may assist in calming your nervous system and indicate a break in the day in addition to refreshing your body. To relieve any physical strain that has accumulated over the day, you might also attempt a little stretching exercise.

2. Unplug from Screens

Unplugging from screens, particularly those related to work, is another great method to relax. After work, restrict your gadget exposure—put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode, close your laptop, and resist the impulse to check emails. According to research, prolonged screen exposure might increase stress and disrupt sleep, especially if you gaze at screens before bed.

Rather, set aside some time for non-tech pursuits like cooking or reading, or simply indulging in an activity that you enjoy. These activities serve to distract your mind from job-related concerns and provide an escape from reality. If you’re used to ending your day with TV, consider balancing it with more relaxing options, like listening to an audiobook or podcast.

3. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

Commonly used techniques for lowering stress and focusing on today right now include meditation and the practice of mindfulness. The body's natural calming response may be triggered with a few minutes of deep breathing techniques or meditation with guidance, which can help offset the strain of the day.

Start with a basic breathing technique if you're new to meditation. Try taking four deep breaths, holding them for a second, and then taking four more leisurely breaths out. For a few minutes, repeat this cycle and give yourself permission to release any remaining tension. Guided apps like Headspace or Calm offer short, beginner-friendly sessions that can fit into even the busiest schedules.