Self-care is such an important part of staying happy and healthy, but work can get so overwhelming that it’s the first thing you forget about.
Work is a big part of life for most of us, but it often comes with stress that follows you home and gets in the way of enjoying your time off with family and friends.
In this post, I’m sharing nine self-care ideas and habits that help me relieve stress and actually enjoy my evening after work.
1. Take a Walk
Some gentle movement can help your mind and body reset after a long workday.
If you’re stuck indoors all day, try a walk around your neighborhood or on a local trail to get some daylight and much-needed fresh air.
Even a few minutes of exercise can release feel-good endorphins, helping you relax and feel happier.
A short walk before going inside can be the perfect transition from work mode to home mode.
2. Listen to Music
Music can soothe the soul and help your mind drift away from work worries.
Some research suggests that slow songs at around 60 beats per minute may encourage alpha brainwaves – the kind linked to a relaxed, calm state of mind.
You can find songs like this in all kinds of genres, so make a playlist to listen to on the way home or once you sink into your favorite chair.
A comfy pair of noise-cancelling headphones makes your playlist feel like a private little bubble, even on a noisy commute.
3. Water Your Plants
Houseplants can have such a calming effect, and caring for them is a big part of it.
Watering and pruning plants can be a lovely little mindfulness activity.
A lot of it comes down to the senses – live plants have different textures, scents and colors, which makes them a great way to ground yourself in the moment.
Having greenery around the house can also make your space feel fresher and more relaxing to come home to.
If you’re new to plants, a snake plant is a popular, easygoing choice that forgives you for forgetting to water it now and then.
4. Read
Reading a lighthearted book is a wonderful way to destress after a long day.
A good story can carry your mind far away from whatever happened at work.
Plan to read a set number of chapters after work so reading becomes your go-to way to relax when you get home.
I’d skip anything too intense or heavy in the evening, though – those books can have the opposite effect.
5. Take a Bath
A relaxing bath is one of my favorite ways to unwind after a stressful day.
Make it a little ritual – light your favorite candles and pour a cup of herbal tea or a glass of wine. (I can never resist beautiful glass candles.)
Bubble baths aren’t just for kids – relaxing in the warm suds can help your body and mind calm down.
A few fizzy bath bombs make it feel extra special – I love watching the colors swirl while I finally slow down.
A warm shower is also an option if you don’t have time to fill the tub.
6. Engage in Some Aromatherapy
Different scents can affect your mood and how you feel.
For example, citrus scents can feel energizing, while peppermint and ginger are often used to ease mild nausea.
Lavender and eucalyptus are some of the most relaxing scents, and you can use their essential oils in a diffuser, a body spray or a roll-on to calm down after a stressful day. If you’d like to try mixing your own, here are my favorite essential oil blends for a better mood.
An essential oil diffuser by the couch is such an easy way to fill the room with a calming lavender scent while you unwind.
Just take it slow if you’re new to essential oils, never apply them undiluted to your skin, and talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or have any health concerns.
7. Eat a Healthy Snack
Self-care is about both your mental and physical health – and fueling your body is part of that.
Treat yourself to a healthy snack after work as a little transition point from your workday to your time at home.
Whether it’s carrots and hummus, some pretzels or your favorite fruit, an afternoon snack can help keep your energy up as you get ready for time with family and friends. I usually skip a late coffee, though – sometimes it perks me up, but sometimes it just makes me jittery and anxious, and it can keep you up at night.
8. Journal
Journaling is one of the best ways I know to get things off my mind. I journal after my evening tea, which is my calm moment of the day.
If the day left you overwhelmed, write down your thoughts and feelings so you can process them and set them aside for the evening.
A gratitude journal is another lovely way to relieve stress.
A gratitude journal with short daily prompts makes this habit easy to keep, even when you’re tired.
Writing down a few things you appreciate can help you stay mindful and feel happier as you head into the evening.
It doesn’t have to be a fancy journal – just something private where you can write your thoughts before closing it and enjoying the rest of your day.
9. Take a Nap
It might sound obvious, but a short nap after work can refresh your mind for a relaxing evening.
The key is to keep it short – sleep experts suggest a nap of about 20 minutes, earlier in the day rather than late in the evening, so you recharge without struggling to fall asleep at night.
Rest can do wonders for your mood, especially after an overwhelming day at work. If evening naps mess with your sleep, a few quiet minutes lying down with your eyes closed can help too (and here are my tips for the best sleep every night).
Keeping Your Evenings Stress-Free
After a long day at work, it can be really hard to unwind.
Thoughts from the day tend to linger while you’re trying to enjoy time with family and friends.
A little self-care can help you clear your mind and have a better evening. If you’d like more ideas, check out my post on wholesome ways to spend your evening after work. I hope these ideas help you unwind after your next long workday.
