By: Briana Carlesimo for DynamicHR, Photo by JD Mason on Unsplash
It’s a known fact that there are just some days where work can be overly stressful – a day filled with meetings that go over and no time to work on your projects; so many items on your to-do list that you feel like hiding out in the supply closet instead; a project that has taken weeks to complete is scrapped at the last minute.
It happens, and it stinks, but all of that stress can pile onto your mental health as well, so when you leave the office, you’re not actually leaving the work behind. Since May is mental health awareness month, I wanted to post a few different ways you can de-stress after the work day is over (or even during the day when you need to cool off for a bit). Below are 5 different ways to take a step away from the craziness of the day and focus on what really matters: you.
- Escape the stress of the day: I don’t mean that you need to plan a trip up north (although, if you have the vacation days, that could be a great option), but instead try letting your mind wander and escape from reality for a little. Whether that’s driving out to a little lake near your house, escaping into a good book, listening to music, or writing in a journal, let your mind wander and relax. It’s also proven that meditation helps with stress and mental health, so that could be another option for calming your mind.
- Practice self-care: This could mean many different things for different people, but some common ways to practice self-care include taking a bubble bath, drinking some calming tea, diffusing essential oils, or even making sure you’re getting to bed at a decent time. Make sure that no matter what comes at you, you put yourself and your health first.
- Work it out: Physical activity always helps with stress relief, so get up and moving! Head on out for a little gym session, sign up for some yoga or barre classes, or even take a walk (and yes, to your nearest ice cream shop definitely counts!).
- Reach out to someone you love: Whether you call your mom or dad, best friend, or grandma, talking through your day with somebody helps to get lingering issues off of your chest. You can even take it one step further and get together with these people – hit up a trivia night, grab some dinner with your family, or go see a movie in theaters.
- Whistle while you work: Stuck in the office and feeling overwhelmed? Try some of these tricks to get some fresh air – take your meetings outside and make them walking meetings, take your lunch break outside with a good book, or step out of the office for a quick phone call to break up your day. Any of these will get you up and moving away from your desk and the stuffiness of the office, and they’re great ways to get away for a few minutes!
Do you have other ways to de-stress after a tough work day? Let us know! And while you’re at it, feel free to sign up for our newsletter here.
