6 Ways to De-Stress from Your Work Day

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We all have those days where stress at work leaves us feeling overwhelmed and both mentally and physically exhausted. Fortunately, I have for you today 6 tried and true ways to help you de-stress from your day.

6 Ways to De-Stress From Your Work Day

6 Ways to De-Stress from Your Work Day

If you’re wondering where I’ve been lately, let me just start off by saying that these past several weeks have been non-stop go, go, go at work, which unfortunately has led to a lot of stressful days and nights. On top of that, Saturday night consisted of a scary run to the E.R. with our youngest, who had to have stitches on his ear. Add in the fact that he just turned 5 years old which means he’ll be starting school this fall, and officially means my babies aren’t babies anymore. 🙁

Needless to say, my stress levels have been a bit above average lately and I’ve really had to put in a concerted effort to figure out ways to relax. While it’s completely natural to have a small amount of stress in our lives, high stress levels can be detrimental to our health and can negatively impact all areas of our life. When I feel myself getting overwhelmed from everything, these 6 activities help me to relax to better face the challenges ahead, and are great de-stressors. So if you also struggle with keeping your stress levels low, read ahead and find out ways to reduce your worries and ease the tension!

  1. Workout

Whether it’s kickboxing, pilates, yoga, running, or even just walking your dog around the neighborhood, physical activity has been proven to help improve your overall health and well-being and can help you successfully manage your stress. Working out is beneficial in releasing any bottled up aggression you may have and can help you mentally clear your head. When I feel frustrated from my day, I personally love doing a good kickboxing workout like this one, but ultimately I encourage you to do what makes you feel the best. Afterwards, not only will you feel better, but you will also have a clearer picture of how to tackle whatever issues that may be facing you.

  1. Listen to Music

Did you know that listening to music can help keep depression and anxiety at bay? Listening to music can also lower your blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, and ultimately help ease tension. The words in songs can also help us cope with issues in our life and understand how to appropriately handle situations. Music is good for both the body and mind, and listening to your favorite artists/songs is a sure-fired way to help you relax and toss your blues away. I personally start my day off by walking 1,000 steps around the perimeter of my building, while listening to some feel good music. Not only am I getting in healthy physical activity, but it also puts me in a good mood which in turn helps me better focus on the tasks ahead of me.

  1. Take a Relaxing Bath

At the end of your day, instead of just quickly hopping in and out of the shower, light some candles, grab some bath salts and bubbles, and run yourself a nice, warm bath. Taking an extra 15-20 minutes to really slow down and relax in a warm bath can help ease your tension and stress. Another good tip is to use an aromatherapy bubble bath to help you relax for sleeping. My favorites are the Dr. Teal’s Sooth and Sleep with Lavender and Dr. Teal’s Relax and Relief with Spearmint.

  1. Watch TV/ Read a Book

Have a favorite show that always puts you in a good mood? Or how about a book that you literally get lost in when reading? Finding simple distractions such as watching television or reading a book can help take your mind off of whatever stressful events have occurred during the day, and can help put you in a better frame of mind. I always enjoy watching a light-hearted comedy such as Friends or reading a good novel that provides me an escape from reality. (Leave me some book recommendations in the comments!)

  1. Disconnect from Technology

Don’t get me wrong, I think we all love technology, but sometimes social media, cell phones, and the internet are the furthest things from helping us successfully de-stress. While some individuals may find it helpful to talk to someone after a stressful day, others might benefit from a short break from the outside world. Turning off your cell phone and avoiding social media until you feel better, might just be the cure that you were looking for.

  1. Indulge in Chocolate

When all else fails, indulging in a small treat can help comfort us from a rough day. Eating a small amount of dark chocolate has even been proven to lower our stress hormone levels and can stimulate an increase in endorphins, which makes us happier. I’m not saying eat a whole Hershey’s bar or anything, but a little piece of dark chocolate can go a long way in making you feel better. And seriously, who doesn’t love chocolate from time to time?

So there you have it- 6 ways to de-stress from your work day and activities that will help put you in a better mood. I hope these tips are helpful in decreasing your stress levels and helping you after a chaotic day, week, or month! What other tips do you have for de-stressing? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by!- Cara

98 Comments

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  5. 1 & 5 are my top ones and I couldn’t nod along more while reading this post. I think this is so relatable, especially nowadays when we are not just strained from stress at work but also emotionally drained because of social media. Loved all of your tips. Also, a relaxing bath & a bar of chocolate defo do help as well 😉
    xox Nadia
    http://www.mielandmint.com

    Reply

    1. That’s so true, Nadia. I think society in general makes it more difficult nowadays to be “relaxed”. If we could all just learn how to unplug more, I think we’d be better off. 🙂

      Reply

  7. Yes to working out, listening to music and getting lost in a good book/movie/show! When I slack off on my workouts, I can feel myself fall into this lazy funk which makes me even more stressed out. Chocolate never fails to make me break out though, so I’d substitute that for a glass of wine. Lol.

    Reply

  10. As I went down the list, I found myself nodding and saying, “Yep,” after every single one! I feel like I need to print this out and hang it in my office as a reminder, haha 🙂

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  12. I’ve been in a period of big stress too; it really makes having anything left for blogging a challenge! I love all the items on your self-care list and I’ll have to make sure to tap into some of them soon 🙂

    Reply

  16. Disconnecting from technology and taking time to read are two of my favorite ways to unwind after a long day! Thanks for sharing these ideas, Cara!

    Reply

  17. Completely agree with them all, however not sure about the chocolate, lol.
    My new goal is to exercise more, i love the feeling i get after i’ve done a workout or gone for a run (i hate running). Reading really helps me too.

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  18. I love reading. Once I start reading a good book is almost impossible to put it down.
    Also I find it very relieving to work out after a stressful day, it helps me get all that negative energy out – if you know what I mean.

    Reply

  19. The bath is definitely the best way that I get better control over my day and let it all go… I especially love it with my fancy bathtub, lol. Now I just need to find the perfect bubble bath or bath oil!!

    Reply

  20. These are great tips! They are what I use to destress as well – well not working out anymore since I’m in physical rehab BUT I will start doing that again soon. I am living proof that too much stress is bad. I used to live a very high-stress life. I thrived on stress. Until I got strep and then it never went away and my autoimmune system freaked out – long story but it was bad. So now, I work very hard to stay stress-free – especially after work. I’m so glad to see I’m doing the right things! Now, I’m even more motivated to do them!
    Thanks!
    xoxo Lauren | Glitter & Grandeur

    Reply

  22. Oh, I love listening to music and actually do it at work! This is a great list! You’ve provided some wonderful tips.

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  23. I’m sorry to hear it’s been stressful lately for you. I completely understand as work can do that to me often. My favorite thing to do is take a hot shower and relax on the couch with a book. Great recommendations. Hope your little guy is doing okay and you get some peace soon! Xo!

    Reply

  24. I’m always listening to music and I typically take about ten minutes after everyone leaves to just sit and be still. As of lately, I have been taking a midday walk (because, Texas) and calling my suitor just to get some fresh air. Reading / writing in my journal is also a huge help.

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  26. Chocolate and a warm bath sound perfect! I’ve started to just take a nice warm shower at the end of the day to detox my body from the day’s stress, really helps clear my mind and sleep better!

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  28. I can so relate to all of these! Working out really helps put me in a good mood. I also love to watch some television. That is one of the only things that stops my brain from going. I have the hardest time turning my brain off and television helps with that. Great post!

    Reply

  29. All great ideas, but indulge in chocolate is hands down my favorite. I used to work as an elementary school teacher and chocolate saw me through some hard days. 🙂

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  33. Glad to hear your son is ok! I can imagine that being scary and stressful! I workout 3-5x a week and it def helps de-stress. Watching one of my favorite shows or a movie is also something that relaxes me. I miss reading but find it hard to juggle on top of blogging, yt videos, working out, and the rest of my life. Bringing a good book to the beach is something that I love to do in the summer. I wish I had a big spa tub to relax in! I never bathe in my bathtub because its really small but its def relaxing! Thanks for sharing these Cara!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Tanya, it was scary to witness but I’m glad he’s starting to feel better. I need to take a book to the beach with me this year, that’s a great idea. Also, a spa tub with jets is next on the purchasing list for our house lol.

      Reply

  37. This is a great list! A little bit of chocolate, yoga, and a cup of tea goes a log way after a stressful day at work. Thanks so much for putting this list together 🙂 Cheers, Mary Jane

    Reply

  38. By the time I get done with work (7:30 a.m. – I’m a night shift labor and delivery nurse) I’m so exhausted it doesn’t take anything to help me unwind … just show me the bed and my pillow. To de-stress, I love listening to music on my way home!

    Reply

  41. I have found that unplugging at the end of the day is really the best thing. When you are on your phone or computer most of the day, it is important to just disconnect for a while to recharge.

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  46. This is so great! And if you ask me, these are the 6 best ways for sure! Have a wonderful start to your week and may the stress be less!! Xo

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  50. I am right there with you on the crazy busy train! I hope your little one recovers quickly! I can only imagine how intense that experience was. On my way home from work, I like to jam to the radio. It starts the de-stress from my day. When I get home, I usually go for a walk and check on my chickens. They always brighten my day! If I need additional support to de-stress, I like to do a facial mask and treat my skin. It usually brings me back to my normal self.

    Reply

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