Psychologist: How to stop obsessing about work in your free time

For example, if you have a load of laundry, use each washing and drying load to time your breaks. A few laps around the block can help you forget previous tension and relax so you return to the situation calmer and more collected. However, the act of stepping away for a few minutes to make tea can be therapeutic. Studies show that 1 gram of apple cider vinegar may take over 95 minutes to work its magic, while matcha may take up to an hour to work. But when the stress boilover happens during work, at a party, or in public, dropping everything to take a nap is definitely not a good look.

It just so happened that we were all driving home or logging off at around the same time. Whether by learning a new skill or language or exploring a new subject, reading opens your mind and world. If you’re reading fiction, you can become immersed in another world, rooting for the main character facing the story’s antagonist. If reading seems like a disguise for more work, you may be wondering how to unwind after work with a book.

Separating Your Work and Personal Time

Also, the essential oils act by inhalation and make you feel relaxed, thanks to their soothing aroma. After dealing with stress at work all day, it’s best to get some fresh air and contact with nature. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. The best bit is it also gives you an opportunity to visually see your progress as you tick items off when you’re back in the office on Monday. Another fascinating result of regular exercise is that it gives your body the opportunity to practice responding to stress.

When you’re ending a difficult workday (or workweek), it’s important to leave work at work and move on with your personal life. Instead of turning toward junk food or television, try listening to music or meditating as a way to feel calm. Keep some healthy boundaries so that you don’t get sucked back into work and can do the things you want to do. To combat stress and burnout, employers are increasingly offering benefits like virtual mental health support, spontaneous days or even weeks off, meeting-free days, and flexible work scheduling. Despite these efforts and the increasing number of employees buying into the importance of wellness, the effort is lost if you don’t actually recover.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Unwind After Work

Through prayer, we can connect with God and receive his comfort and peace while dealing with a stressful work situation. Listening to a Christian podcast or attending a mid-week service is another way to connect with God during a hectic week. While I was a teacher, coloring was my go-to after work de-stressor.

Give someone a call who leaves you feeling uplifted to kick start a state of relaxation. If you want to keep it simple, breathe in for the count of four and breathe out for the count of four. This helps me get out of the work how to destress after work mindset as I’m thinking about other aspects of life. By the time I get home, it’s easier to resist the urge to open the laptop again. Picking up a hobby that you can do during the week is an awesome way to unwind after work.