Learning to relax the mind is something that everyone can benefit from. It helps you clear your head and purge thoughts you don't need to contaminate your thinking.
I had a ridiculously difficult day at work? Check out this
guide for some easy ways to relax your mind after a crazy and confusing day at
work.
How often do you utter these words on the way home from
work? We all have it had that feeling of anxiety as well as a heavy head. After
an impossible day at the office, it can be hard to settle your thoughts and
relax your mind.
It affects not only your mood, but also your actions and
health. You feel rushed, brain-scattered and nervous, even though you are at
home in what should be your safe place to enjoy and recharge.
Don't forget to check out these happy Labor Day quotes to
remind you why rest is important. We also have a collection of startup quotes
for you to appreciate where you're putting your head. Be sure to read that too.
Also read about How
to meditate in the morning here:
Here are 10 ways to relax your mind after a crazy day at
work:
1. Spend some time outdoors
It's no coincidence that health retreats and many
rehabilitation facilities are based in places rooted in nature. The outdoors
makes the body and mind good!
When I'm feeling anxious about an upcoming event or session
with a new client, simply taking my dog for a 15-minute walk changes my
perspective.
There's something about feeling the fresh air on your skin
and seeing how big the world is that puts your worries and self-perception into
perspective. Just being outside instantly improves your psychological health.
But exercise—even light, low-intensity movements—has also been shown to have
significant effects on your physical health.
The next time you want to quickly relax your mind, take a
walk around the block or just sit outside on your porch. You can also crouch
down for a few moments to gather your thoughts while you watch the rest of the
world go by.
2. Relax your mind by reading
Losing yourself in a story other than your own is not only
distracting, but a relaxing activity. Grab whatever book you want to read now,
perhaps an old favorite or just a magazine, and find a comfortable, quiet place
to rest for a while and enjoy.
You can feel better in a few minutes, or you can even be
captivated, time passes and emerge as a new person in an hour. It will probably
take a few minutes for your mind to focus on what you're thinking. Read on, but
give it time and you'll feel your mind and body relax.
3. Try a hot shower
A hot shower or bath will relieve tension and soothe tight,
tired muscles, like your neck and shoulders, when you're stressed. Showers are
very beneficial as they allow your mind to wander.
When your body relaxes, your mind will be more open and
creative. You just might find solutions after all, the best ideas really do
come in the shower to the stress of your work day, or at the very least, to
focus on something more positive about your day.
4. Get Cozy: Take a Cat Nap
When you get home, change into more comfortable clothes or
your favorite shirt and find a cozy place to relax. Throw pillows on your bed,
curl up on the couch, or bring a soft blanket to your favorite chair. Take a
breath and allow yourself to be inactive.
Close your eyes. Even if you don't fall asleep, relax your
mind so it doesn't focus on stressors in your environment. Set an alarm if you
are afraid of falling asleep for a long time, BUT allow yourself at least 20
minutes to soak in lala-land .
5. Tune in to some relaxing music
A guilty pleasure or a current favorite, it doesn't matter,
just get the music flowing . Listen with your headphones on OR blast it out
with the stereo. Do everything you can when you leave the office.
Listening to music has been shown to reduce anxiety, so
experiment with different styles you like—from classical, uptempo, slow
acoustic, or gospel—to find what relaxes you the fastest.
6. Call a Lifeline
We all have those friends and family members that have a
calming effect on us. Whether they provide solid advice, provide a comic
distraction, or are just great listeners, use them to your advantage when
you're having a ridiculously crazy day.
If you're ready to talk about what's stressing you out, let
him. But if he's still too close to home, let them know he's had a bad day and
needs a distraction.
Your work stress will be reduced to a minimum and the chat
should help relax your mind. You may even enjoy hearing about the crazy thing
that happened to them or find yourself telling a funny story from the past.
7. Gym Quickie
People immediately classify exercise as a weight management
tool which can be, but should not be overlooked as a stress management tool as
well, and a very effective one at that!
According to the Mayo Clinic , exercise has been shown to
decrease stress in a number of ways: from boosting self-confidence to hitting
feel-good neurotransmitters , known as endorphins .
"Scientists have found that regular participation in
aerobic exercise has been shown to lower overall stress levels, elevate and
stabilize mood, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem. Even five minutes of
aerobic exercise can stimulate anti-anxiety effects." - American Anxiety
and Depression Association
Join a class in a studio or find a YouTube video at home to
follow along. You can also try any bodyweight workout. The important thing is
just to move! It can be yoga, running, strength training or barre, anything to
get your endorphins flowing and your mind on something positive.
8. Disconnect to relax your mind
Your phone and email are very tempting, so turn it off or
put it in another room. Out. Find a quiet place in the house to sit down and
reconnect with yourself outside of work.
9. Get creative
Have you ever been so involved in a project like cooking,
reading, writing, or solving puzzles that an hour goes by without warning?
This is known as the flow state. Getting into a creative
flow has similar effects on the brain as meditation, reducing stress, lowering
blood pressure, and producing dopamine - a natural antidepressant. Choose
something to do with your hands and allow yourself to get lost in it.
10. Meditate
You don't have to be a professional to get the benefits of
meditation. Even 5 minutes of calm, focused breathing will have positive
effects on your stress levels, blood pressure, and mood.
If you're feeling too scattered or new to do self- guided
meditation— I still am! Try a free app like Stop, Breathe, and Think, where you
can choose the focus and length of your meditation. These simple practices will
take you through breathing techniques that will relax not only your body, but
your mind as well.
No matter what your job is, there will be stressful days
where you can't seem to see the end. She can leave the office, but his mind is
still clicking on all the events that have unfolded. He comes home exhausted
and irritated, unable to focus on what is really important; your outer work
life.
One of my favorite quotes is applicable to this very
scenario:
"It's not stress that kills us, it's our
reaction."
How do you relax your mind after a hard day at work?
Try one or a few of these techniques the next time you have
a ridiculously stressful day at work and find out which one is best for
relaxing your mind!
How do you relax your mind after a long day at work? Do you
have any other tips to add? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments
section below.
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