Knowing when to stop and when to take some time for yourself or to unwind has never been more important. Over the last year, it’s become so hard to have a work/life balance. Your living room has likely become your office, and it’s hard to define where your workspace is.
I’ve become really prone to burning out recently, I don’t know when to stop working and I didn’t before but it’s much worse these days. So here are simple 9 ways to unwind.
Wash your face
After a long day, it can feel therapeutic to take some time and focus on yourself. I like to do this by washing my face, I can forget all my worries and struggles. I can take a little or as much time as I need.
Take a deep breath, fill your sink with warm water and then focus on each step. Take your time and take pride in each step. cleanse, exfoliate, tone and pat dry. Then massage your moisturiser into your face. Take extra time around your jaw and your temples.
It makes me feel lighter
It’s a wonderful way to take some time for self-care.
Exercise
Exercise is a proven way to help relieve stress and release endorphins.
There is something you can do for all fitness levels. You could go for a nice stroll, sit comfortable and do some arm exercises or even pop on HIIT work out on youtube. Any level of fitness can help you unwind and separate yourself from the day
Keep your hands busy
This is definitely one of my ways to unwind. When I’m stressed I like to keep my hands busy.
Macrame is my current goto, I can completely zone out and just let my hands tie knots. Find a craft you enjoy and use it to relax your self. Let your self zone out and see what you can make.
Read
I love to read, it’s so relaxing and it’s something I always put off?
I never find time to dedicate to reading but I really should. If you can find time to read, it’s worth and you should.
Write
I love to write, I love my blog and sometimes I just write absolute crap to unwind.
Literally, I’ll just write about my day, or a dream, or just absolute nonsense. If you love to write, take some time to write rubbish. You don’t always need to write your next blog or project. Write only for you to unwind.
Stretch
I know I’ve already said exercise, but do something simpler. Stand up and reach as high as your can or touch your toes. It doesn’t need to be a big yoga routine, just do something simple and get your blood moving.
Have a bath
The ultimate way to unwind for some.
Make your bath elegant – add bath oils, bath bombs, bubbles whatever you need. Pamper yourself and just lie there for however long you need. Listen to much or a podcast or just sit alone with your thoughts.
This time is for you, and you alone.
Watch your favourite shows
Do you have a comfort show or movie? Is there something you can watch that just takes no effort on your part?
Well, that is exactly what you should be watching.
My comfort shows are:
- Schitt’s Creek
- Grace and Frankie
- Gilmore Girls
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Change your clothes
To separate me from working at home, I like to put my pyjamas or something comfortable on as soon as I finish work.
It’s almost like a reminder that the day is done, and now is my time for me. I don’t need to look professional, it’s my time now.
I’m not saying to do all of these or any of these. Do what works for you just make sure you dedicate some time to only focus on yourself.
It’s ok to be selfish, it’s ok to not do anything productive and you deserve self-care. In whatever capacity you can give yourself.