It’s been a long day. You’re tired, stressed, and just ready to relax. But how? There are so many options, and you need help figuring out where to start.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are the top ways to relax after a hard day’s work. From simple things like taking a hot bath to more pricy options like getting a massage, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So take a deep breath, find the best relaxation method for you, and let the stress melt away.
Smoke a bowl
There’s a reason people have been using cannabis to relax for centuries. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate mood, pain, and appetite. So, if you’re feeling stressed out, a little THC can go a long way toward helping you chill out. You need to have the best stuff to enjoy the relaxing weed smoke.
Plus, there’s the bonus of potentially getting a nice buzz going. And what’s more relaxing than that? Just be sure to enjoy your smoking session in moderation. Too much of a good thing can sometimes have the opposite effect.
Take a hot bath.
There’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot tub after a long day. The heat can help to soothe sore muscles and ease tension headaches. Not to mention, it’s just plain relaxing.
You can always take a hot shower if you don’t have a tub. Or even sit in a sauna for a bit. Getting your body temperature up will help you relax.
Get a massage
There’s a reason people pay good money for professional massages at Massage Spa near me. They feel amazing. The physical touch can help to release all sorts of feel-good hormones in the brain, leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
If you can’t afford a professional massage or don’t have one of the many excellent massage spas near me available, ask a friend or partner to give you one. Even 10 minutes of head, neck, and shoulder rubdown can work wonders.
Stretch it out
A little bit of stretching can do wonders for your body and mind. It helps to release tension in the muscles and improve circulation. Plus, it just feels good.
You can do all sorts of stretching routines, from simple neck rolls to more complex yoga poses. Just find something that feels good for you and go with it.
Take a nature break.
Sometimes, the best way to relax is to breathe fresh air outside. Spend a few minutes walking around the block or sitting in your backyard. Or better yet, hike in the woods or swim in the lake.
Being in nature has lowered stress levels, improved moods, and boosted overall health. So next time you’re feeling frazzled, head out and explore.
Listen to music
There’s a reason people use music to relax. It can help to slow down your heart rate and breathing and lower levels of stress hormones in the body. Not to mention, it just feels good.
So put on your favorite tunes and let yourself drift away. Whether you’re into classical or metal, there’s a type of music that can help you relax.
Do some deep breathing.
When you’re feeling stressed, your breathing tends to quicken and shallow. This can make you feel more anxious. But if you focus on taking deep, slow breaths, it can help to calm you down.
There are all sorts of deep breathing exercises you can do. Just find one that feels good for you and focus on exhaling fully.
Read a Book
Lost in a good book can be one of the most relaxing things in the world. When reading, you’re entirely focused on the story, not your life and problems.
So next time you’re stressed, try picking up a book and escaping into another world for a while. We guarantee you’ll feel better when you’re done.
Take a Nap
Sometimes, the best way to relax is to give in and nap. When you’re tired, your body and mind are more susceptible to stress. So, try taking a quick nap to rejuvenate yourself.
Even a short power nap can make a difference if you don’t have time for a full nap. Just set an alarm so you don’t sleep too long and feel groggy.
Avoid Feeling Groggy After Waking Up?
The trick to waking up refreshed from a nap instead of groggy lies in capping it at the right duration. Sleep experts suggest limiting nap times to no more than 30 minutes. Anything longer than that allows you to enter slower, deeper stages of sleep. Waking abruptly from stages 3 or 4 sleep triggers something called “sleep inertia” – that bleary, disoriented feeling.
However, brief power naps of 10 to 30 minutes provide rejuvenation without reaching those phases of more intense slumber. You get the benefits of boosted mental clarity, mood and alertness without the unfortunate side effects. If you feel a pressing need to sleep longer than half an hour midday, it may signal inadequate nighttime sleep. Addressing broader sleep issues can prevent relying on lengthy recovery naps.
But an occasional short snooze gives your system a lift without negatively impacting nighttime sleep patterns. Just be sure to avoid napping after 3 p.m. so you don’t sabotage your ability to fall asleep at bedtime. Above all, listen to your body’s signals – if a brief afternoon nap leaves you sluggish, it’s your body’s way of saying it’s not the right habit for you.
These are just a few of the many ways you can relax after a hard day’s work. So, next time you’re stressed, try one of these tips and see how it goes. You might be surprised at how much better you feel.
