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We all know work and school can be pretty stressful! Especially around this time of year when fall is approaching, school is starting back up, and internships or brand new jobs could be beginning. A lot of the stressors that are factored into the mix of these new beginnings can really take a toll on us if we are not careful. Children needing new school supplies, needing to buy new clothes for yourself, or the simple stress of trying to get back into a routine. I don’t know about you, but when I am stressed out at work or school, that bad mood oftentimes follows me home – whether I mean for it to or not.

When I began to realize this, that is when I started to be more mindful and value the idea of having a “get home and wind down routine.” I began to incorporate things that bring me joy and peace – even if it’s just for a half an hour after arriving home. I started to figure out which activities would really shut off my anxious mind, boost my mood, and allow me to come home from work or school feeling less stressed. And that is when I came up my most-used 5 practical ways to wind down after work or school! I noticed that these were the top 5 activities or habits that I found myself doing over and over again to destress and have a peaceful evening. And I hope you find some of these tips helpful for you as well!

 

 

 

1. Take an evening walk 

 

After a long and stressful day of running around and working, I love to get out of the house and take a walk around my neighborhood with my dogs. I believe that the fresh air and scenery of the outdoors can do wonders for decreasing any stressors or anxiety that has built up throughout the day. Relaxing your mind by taking a walk is also a great way to move your body and stay active, without putting too much strain on your body or working yourself too hard.

Along with that, taking time to walk, whether outside or inside on a treadmill (depending on the weather), is a great way to put yourself into a relaxed state of mindfulness. Allow yourself to take in and focus solely on the scenery of the outdoors, the weather, the sounds of nature, etc. It can really help to calm your anxious mind after a long and stressful day!

 

2. Cook yourself a simple, healthy meal 

 

This one may seem a little odd to some, but I love coming home and making myself a healthy dinner. If I have the time that is lol! But when I do, I find it so relaxing and mindless. I love to put on some uplifting music or a podcast to set the mood while I cook. This seems to instantly decrease any stress or worries that are trying to creep their way into my thoughts and, not to mention, it makes me feel good knowing that I am taking the time to prepare a healthy meal for myself.

Personally, a lot of things can cause me to stress out. And one thing I have noticed recently is my nutrition. When my diet/nutrition is not how it usually is, or if I find myself slacking on important nutrients from my daily intake, I tend to notice the way I handle stress.

So to ease the stress and to reduce my levels of anxiety, I like to give myself the time to really focus on my nutrition and prepare a healthy dinner for myself. It really boosts my overall mood compared to when I order takeout or grab a protein bar from my pantry and call it a “healthy dinner.” You’ll be surprised how quickly your mood will change for the better!

 

3. Color in an adult coloring book 

 

There’s just something about adult coloring books that are so calming and simple. Adult coloring books are the perfect source for distracting your brain and allowing you to be mindful while focusing on coloring in abstract patterns and shapes. After a busy and stressful day, I’m sure the last thing you want to do is sit down and keep thinking about the stressful situations that you endured.

So, that is why I turn to the pages of my adult coloring book on those days where I need to eliminate anything that is causing me added stress. I turn off my phone, the television, etc. and I sit down to draw and color in the patterns. Along with some instrumental music! It is such a healthy and therapeutic way to ‘turn off your brain’ and de-stress.

 

Related Post: “How To Get Out Of The “Busy” Mindset”

4. Read

 

Now, I will be honest with you, I haven’t always been the biggest reader. For me, even right now, it really takes a certain type of book to get me to sit down and keep reading. However, in recent months, I have come to find that novels that fall into the personal development and self-help genre have become my current favorites! Now that I have found my new favorite genre of books, I cannot put them down.

In the past couple of weeks, I have been making it a habit to sit down and read a few chapters of my current book to ease my mind and relieve any build-up of stress from the day. Whether I read in the bath, in bed, or on the couch under a blanket! I have never loved reading as much as I do right now, and I am so happy that I have taken the time to develop this new habit.

A few that I recommend are definitely “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis, “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero, and “Declutter Your Mind” by S.J Scott! You can also check out all of my other favorite books that are currently on my little bookshelf on my “Get The Secrets” page! I love all of these books, and each one of them has their own unique way of inspiring and encouraging you to invest time into improving your mind, health, confidence, self-esteem, and overwell wellness!

 

5. Make some tea & put on a face mask 

 

I guess this last tip would really count for tips 5 and 6! But, this tip is probably my current favorite way to de-stress after a long day of work or studying! Lately, I have been making myself a warm cup of Peppermint tea in the evening and putting on my favorite detoxifying facemask at the moment! It makes me look/feel like Elphaba from Wicked and honestly, I’m not mad about it lol! I am obsessed with this mask recently because it leaves my skin looking incredibly healthy, smooth, and glowy! It is also a refining mud mask that contains four mineral-rich clays, purifying charcoal, and papaya enzymes for exceptionally luminous and vibrant skin! Along with my facemask, I make myself a cup of warm peppermint tea! If you haven’t read any of my other posts where I rave about peppermint tea, then you have to read those next!!

 

Related Post: “The Healthy Nighttime Routine You Will Want To Stick To”

 

But, for the TL;DR version, peppermint tea contains numerous health benefits that can help you sleep better, improve digestion, relieve bloating, promote healthy weight loss, and reduce levels of stress and anxiety! Perfect for those evenings when you just feel like relaxing on the couch with your tea, facemask, and favorite tv show!

 

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What helps you de-stress or unwind after work or school? 

 

I would love to hear your helpful tips in the comments below!

xo, Cydney