Has it been one of those days? Long patient or client lists, no time for lunch, catching every red light home, the coffee spilled in your car. It happens! What matters is how you choose to respond. Here are 13 simple ways to mentally refresh after an exhausting day.
1) Alexa, “schedule some downtime”
It might sound like more work, but the act of scheduling downtime, rather than just thinking about needing it, can have a positive mental effect, especially if you live by the schedule! Seeing a calendar notification to relax pop up on your phone can be just the reminder you need to stop the hamster wheel and take some time to breathe.
2) Hit the shower
Wash your worries away in a warm shower. This idea isn’t just smoke either. The heat of a shower will increase blood flow, loosen tight muscles, and reduce bodily tension, which can have a soothing effect on your brain and body after a long day. Bonus—If you choose to shower before bed, you may improve sleep quality.
3) Exercise your anxiety away
Working out might sound like the last thing anyone would want to do after a hard day. However, endorphins are great for clearing your head and shaking out body tension. Just remember to keep things light. Yoga, a walk, or some light stretching can be enough to help you relax and rejuvenate your body and brain.
4) Practice mindfulness
Meditating after a stressful day is a great way to calm down. Try doing it to a soundtrack of relaxing music, the sounds of nature outside your window, or a guided meditation if that helps. Being mindful will increase alertness and productivity. Plus, the health benefits of mindfulness are extensive.
5) Don’t forget to disconnect
If you stay plugged into things that remind you of work, you probably won’t relax, no matter what you try. When you are done with work, disconnect from everything work-related by turning off your phone, laptop, and other electronic devices. Taking a break, even a short one, will help give your brain energy. If you need to do some deep thinking, leave the phone in another room.
6) Change up your surroundings
A change of scenery will help your body relax, especially in nature. Enjoy fresh air and green scenes to unwind and forget your worries for a while. Taking a walk or even just sitting outside can work wonders for a weary mind.
7) Enjoy your favorite people and pets
When it comes to ways to mentally refresh, silence and solitude don’t do the trick for everyone. Being with your family, friends, or pets can also be very soothing and can shift your mind off your work worries.
8) Hit up your habits
It might seem obvious, but time spent simply doing whatever you like to do can be a real day-changer. You don’t have to do anything ambitious, or that will take a lot of skill. A few hours of Netflix (or similar) and chill will suffice, as long as whatever you’re watching isn’t heavy or depressing.
9) Go “night-night”
Getting caught up on sleep is many people’s unofficial favorite hobby. A quick reminder of the benefits of quality sleep: brain cells are energized, your mind is rejuvenated, brain fog and anxiety waft away, and you have the time needed to fully calm down. Just be sure to leave your phone, tablet, laptop, and TV switched off.
10) Journal
If you don’t already keep a journal, filling one with your thoughts can help you process them. You might find it easier to solve your problems once you’ve put them down on paper. Your 10th-grade English teacher won’t be reading over your shoulder, so don’t worry about how or what you write. Just transferring your stress from your brain into a journal can give your mind the relief it needs.
11) Read
Cracking open a book can entertain or inform, which is a great escape from the negative thoughts swirling around. Be sure to choose something you know will bring joy, even if you really NEED to read that industry journal.
12) Immerse yourself in calming aromas
Scent can transport us to our favorite places and times. Chances are, you can find the smell of your grandmother’s apple pie or favorite beach retreat in candle or oil form. Surround yourself with soothing scents to help drive away stress. Fragrances like lavender and lemongrass can even help improve sleep if that’s what you crave.
13) Give podcast a go
From motivational monologues to thoughtful TED talks, the universe of free podcasts expands exponentially every year. Podcasts aren’t just distracting—they can teach, entertain, soothe, or calm.
Treat yourself like a friend
It’s not only OK to vent a heavy mental load, it’s essential. If you haven’t fully embraced the concept of self-care yet, think of it this way: It’s hard to help anyone else or accomplish important goals if YOU’RE not OK. As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Hopefully, these ideas will help spark a mental refresh that will give your brain a much-needed break. If you need someone to delegate important tasks while you take time to refresh and refocus, contact Watch Media Group for all your content marketing needs.
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