When I first started working full time, I didn't realize the importance of unplugging once I clocked out. I quickly learned that sometimes people took their work home with them, staying in their email or constantly connected. While I wasn't someone who felt tempted to log-in after hours, I had other hurdles to my peace: What seemed like an endless array of distraction.
For me, this was (is) YouTube.
I would come home from a long day of sitting behind a screen to (you guessed it) sit behind another screen. For me, this was a way to unwind from the day's stress, but it also started to distract me from what I really wanted to be doing: Writing, reading, taking walks, talking with my family. Living a bit more slow-paced in the hours after work so that I could rejuvenate myself again.
I'm still not perfect at getting the work-life balance right and I definitely still watch my fair share of YouTube, but here's what I've learned in my quest to nourish myself long after I've left the office:
Get into a routine.
This is something I'm still striving to do, but it helps if, once you get home, you have tasks already lined up for you. For me, I know I need to eat dinner, meal plan for the next day, pick out my clothes, maybe catch a walk, etc. Having these routines can give you a natural rhythm to your evening and help you destress quicker.
Sweat.
There is nothing better after a stressful work day then to get a quick workout in. This will help channel your stress into a healthy outlet and also give you a better night's sleep. I like running, walking or doing a Fitness Blender HIIT workout.
Leave it behind.
Bad day? We've all been there. It's ok to talk to someone about it, but make sure your venting doesn't become the focus of your entire evening. Write it down, pray it out, but then LET IT GO. A bad day at work is never a reason to let it consume your off time.
Get out of the house.
Especially now that it gets darker earlier, I can find myself going a little stir-crazy in the evenings. The best thing for this is to get out of the house! Take a 20-minute walk or run a few errands to take stress off of you for the next day. OR GO TO TARGET. We can all agree that Target trips qualify as the sixth love language. It's a way of life, people. Bonus points if you get out of there without spending your entire paycheck.
Rest.
Be the best you can be for the next day of work by just getting some rest. Take a nap, read a book, relax on the couch with a movie and your family (might I recommend Moonrise Kingdom?). Unplug from tech an hour before bed and let yourself unwind. Have an established bedtime so your body gets used to your routine each day.
Make time for yourself.
It's super important to remember, after a long day of representing a company, that you are still YOU. Your job isn't your identity, however great it may be. Fuel your uniqueness by doing what you love, even if it's only for 15 minutes. For me, this means making time to write and read, but it might look different for you. Make lasagna, learn another language, write techno music. Whatever it is, make sure to make time for it.
What about you?
How do you unwind after a long work day? Do you have a special after-work routine?
Am I the only one who loves post-work Target trips?!
Am I the only one who loves post-work Target trips?!
Yasss Fitness Blender!!! Love their workouts.
ReplyDeleteThis post could not come at a more perfect time for me. <3
Right? They are seriously wonderful. Such real, genuine people with a passion for working out. :) Love that it was timely for you, Evangeline! Hope that you are having a wonderful weekend. <3
DeleteI am so grateful to my boss who taught me to leave my work laptop at work. With time I realized that everything work related stays behind my office doors the minute I leave it. That's a wonderful skill.
ReplyDeleteThat's a seriously great tip! It's super important to leave behind work at your place of employment. That way you can relax and enjoy creativity and freedom at home! :)
DeleteOOF I have the exact same problem with YouTube. I watch a lot of it and really enjoy it, but I've gotten addicted to watching a few videos before bed. Even if I'm exhausted, I'll make myself stay up and watch some (that I'm barely processing and not really enjoying) because I feel too weird not doing it. I've been trying to get better about it, but it's hard.
ReplyDeleteI also go stir-crazy in the evenings some times! And actually, getting out and doing something (even if it's just going to the grocery store) distracts me + makes me feel better if I'm having a bad day. My favorite place to go is a hole-in-the-wall Lebanese cafe a couple blocks away from my house; I've been a regular for so long they'll just plop down a plate of hummus and a cup of tea in front of me when I walk in, and I'll just relax and read the evening away.
Eleanor | On the Other Side of Reality
GAH I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with this! It can be difficult for sure. Maybe try replacing your YouTube videos with another calming ritual? Such as drinking a glass of tea or reading a poem or two. That way you still have something relaxing to do right before bed.
DeleteOh my gosh, yes, the grocery store is like second best to Target on my list of places to go when I just need to get out of the house. Me and my sister seriously talk about how much we love our grocery store trips all the time haha! :) That cafe sounds amazing. It is the most fun thing to be a local in a place where everyone knows you and your order.
Thanks so much for commenting, Eleanor! :) <3
I need to do better at unwinding after a long day. This is definitely inspiring for me. :)
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to set better habits, and what better time than in this new year? :D
Oh, so do I! It's something I hope to constantly get better at in 2019 because it's so important. So glad this could inspire you, Ivie! :) It's a perfect time to kick start new healthy habits and begin anew. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts! <3
DeleteWow how timely!! This is a brand new lesson for me, since I just started working away from home.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I do when I get home is change into comfortable clothes (especially before I eat anything). It really helps me relax and take the load off. My work keeps me on my feet all day, so evenings are my chance to chill and watch films or do computer stuff. But yes, I need to find motivation to work out even though it's too dark when I get off to do anything outside, haha : )
love this post.
k.
Glad you liked it, Keira! :) <3 YES I am totally a proponent for getting out of the work clothes into some comfier threads because it immediately changes my mindset. I feel you, it can be so tricky for me to try and get a workout after the long work day, but sometimes even just a short night walk can be lovely. Thanks so much for reading! :)
DeleteOhh this is good! I've been struggling with the whole de-stressing thing after work since I began full time. Currently I come home, eat, and then crash, and it's not made for healthy habits -- especially after a stressful day. I loved your tips and encouragement!
ReplyDeleteGAH thanks so much Kara! :) I think we all struggle with it for sure, because sometimes it's hard to find motivation to do something other than just sleep lol!! Glad the tips could help. I'm honestly still trying to follow my advice and take it a little bit at a time. Thanks so much for reading and I hope you hit your de-stressing stride soon!!
DeleteOOF yeah I definitely spend way too much time on YouTube. As a college student, my schedule is quite a bit different from someone who works, but I also need to get better at unwinding so that overall I can be more healthy. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteOh man, me too, Hanne, me too! College can definitely be like work, though, too, since you have different hours and of course homework. I remember when I was in school it definitely was a full time job! Thank you so much for commenting. <3 I hope your semester is going well and that you are able to enjoy some peace and downtime. :)
DeleteFor me, going to school full-time is a lot like work, so this is such a great reminder! Thank you <3
ReplyDeleteOh, it definitely is! Full-time school can be a complete job in and of itself. I'm glad that this post could help you, Rosie! I hope your semester has been fun and interesting so far and that you have had a good start to 2019. :)
DeleteThese are some great tips! Exercising is really great after work though because my job involves a lot of running around I often am reluctant but must have sun lol. Taking at least an hour out of my day for relaxing me time is such a great thing. I’ve felt much less stressed since I’ve started doing that.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Victoria! :) <3 That's great that you get a lot of steps in during your work day! I totally agree, sun is essential. Even if it means getting up super early, I love to catch the sunrise on Saturdays when I get my morning run. That is so awesome that you have been able to prioritize restful time for yourself! There is nothing better. :) Thanks so much for commenting, it means a lot. <3
DeleteHaving a routine is so important!! A lot of time with school I come home and I want to get on my phone or do something else that is not homework and I just need to not haha.
ReplyDeleteNabila | Hot Town Cool Girl
It's seriously vital! It helps keep me reminded of what I have to do next. :) Oh I can relate! You do need some down time right after work or school, but then it's nice to jump into a bit of a schedule so everything gets done. Thanks for commenting, Nabila! :)
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