6 Ways to De-Stress and Stop Overthinking after Work

We all have those days when we’re feeling more stressed out than usual – like we simply can’t relax and detach from work even though we’re at home. If you tend to take your work with you wherever you go, these tips will help you disengage from work and stop overthinking after your shift is over.

Turn your home into a serene, stress-free place

Is your home a place you would describe as relaxing? The things you choose to surround yourself with play an important role in your overall state of mind after you get back from work.

If you wouldn’t actually use words like serene, calm, or peaceful to describe your home, maybe it’s time to change that. You want to design a peaceful retreat you’ll be eager to get back to after a long day. Fortunately, all it takes is a couple of simple actions to turn your place into a stress-free zone for unwinding. Too much visual clutter? Eliminate those distractions. Messy desk? Re-organize your papers. Still stressed? Turn up your favorite song.

You get the point.

Create a post-work ritual you’ll stick to

Even though we’ve left our office physically, work-related thoughts will sometimes continue to swirl around in our heads, leading to complete mental exhaustion. Therefore, it pays to have a certain routine you’ll repeat every time you get back from work. 

Post-work rituals help us mentally detach from our workplace and shift from our role as employees to our roles as parents and spouses. Start by getting all your chores done while you’re still on your feet, and tackle any other responsibilities you have for that day. Then go for a brisk walk to clear your head and try to incorporate some stretching into your daily routine as well – this will help you de-stress and take your mind off of work.

Spend some time in nature

On those days when you’re feeling worn out and drained, spending some time in nature might be just what you need. Recreational fishing, in particular, has proved to be one of the outdoor activities that can do wonders for your mental health.

Some of the benefits that come with this popular self-care hobby are relaxation, stress relief, increased focus, and improved mood. Fishing is also a great way to practice mindfulness as it teaches us how to live in the moment. Therefore, grab your fishing rod, sunglasses, some cold beer, and your fishing license, and enjoy a couple of hours being surrounded by perfectly soothing and relaxing scenery.

Give meditation a try

If you haven’t tried meditating already, you could be missing out on something quite useful and enjoyable. Your first association is probably chanting ‘ohms’ while sitting in a lotus pose, but the truth is, meditation can be practised in many ways.

It can be a relaxing car ride in the evening, sitting in a park on your lunch break, or a morning meditation while commuting to work. Take your practice on the go – it’s a great way to hit a mental refresh button and it can be done whenever you’re feeling stressed out. It also doesn’t take up a lot of time, so it fits into even the tightest of schedules (even 10 minutes a day can make a significant impact).

Melt away stress with an intense workout session

If meditation and some lighter activities like yoga don’t really feel like something you’d do, perhaps you should look for something a bit more energetic.

Exercising is a great way to melt away the stress you’re feeling after a long day at work. It also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones, making you feel happy while also fighting off anxiety and depression. Whether you prefer hitting the gym, jogging, or doing a HIIT workout at home, exercising will help you unwind, sleep better, and shed some pounds along the way. It’s even better when accompanied by a great playlist!

Wash away the tension with a hot shower or bath

Sometimes, the best way to distance yourself from all the tension you’re feeling is to literally wash it away from your body. 

Just the sound of water has a deeply calming effect on our mind and body, not to mention how soaking in a hot bath or showering with warm water can help rejuvenate our senses and ward off anxiety and stress. Want a quick energy boost? Try alternating hot and cold water while showering. This will help energize body cells, boost circulation, and free your body of negative energy.

In a modern culture that encourages long work weeks and overworking seems to be a trend among hyper-productive workers, being able to detach from work may seem like an impossible thing to do.

However, that’s the only way to preserve your mental and physical well-being and ensure a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Try some of the tips above, see what works for you best, and stick to it.