How do you un-wind after work?

Anonymous

November 12,2022 at 9:08PM UTC

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How do you un-wind after work?

I am looking for ways to shut my brain off from work. I enjoy my job, and most of my co- workers. It can be stressful, and there is a lot going on, but I like what I do. I find it difficult to turn my work brain off and relax when I get home. I am constantly thinking about my next task, or what I need to do tomorrow. It's beginning to stress me out. I lie awake at night thinking about my to do list. Any advice for work/home balance?

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DanielleNovember 12,2022 at 11:01PM UTC
I always change out of work clothes and shower immediately. I then make food if I’m hungry or play with my dogs. I might watch a little tv or read. At bedtime, I spray my pillow with a lavender scented pillow spray, dim the lights, and put on a sleepy podcast. I typically fall asleep after 30 minutes. I recently added some plants for better breathing.
AnonymousNovember 12,2022 at 11:40PM UTC
I‘ll listen to a podcast, sometimes at work (if I’m doing easy work) or afterwards. Hooked on the podcast, crime junkie. I try to squeeze in a quick workout over lunch. Also watching Netflix (a light show) after work helps…love is blind was good! If I think of things that I need to do the next day, I’ll text myself so I remember in the morning. By writing it down it’s out of my head.
AnonymousNovember 12,2022 at 11:46PM UTC
Go for a run or strenuous workout. It will force your mind to disengage and you will feel better afterwards
AnonymousNovember 13,2022 at 11:42AM UTC
The best way I've found to turn off my mind abd calm myself is meditation. If you can focus on your breath you can train yourself to stay in the moment. Even for a minute or two. The small break turns off your your stress hormones and allows your body the chance to relax and calm your nervous system.
It also augments other mindful practices like stretching, yoga and just walking in nature. I find I sleep better and can focus better.
Give yourself a break and concentrate on a routine that allows you to calm. It's trial and error to determine your personal regime but once you've determined a few things that help (even a little bit) you will find ways to build on that.
Kathryn MontbriandNovember 13,2022 at 3:55PM UTC
One of the best ways I have found to turn-off is to engage in an activity that requires total focus of mind & body. For me that has been Krav Maga training and learning to spar. Because you are watching your partner/opponent and deeply engaged in the moment (if not you get hit or hurt!) you really can't be thinking about anything else.
There are plenty of activities like this: dancing, yoga, rock climbing, probably some artistic pursuits. Find something you like and build it into your schedule. Good luck!
AnonymousNovember 13,2022 at 9:56PM UTC
I play video games.
Marquisha ThomasNovember 14,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
Working out definitely helps! Yoga, kick boxing, dance, whatever is your cup of tea. Then, pair that with a good book in the evenings and a literal cup of soothing tea. I just started using a melatonin sleep spray and it really works wonders too!
Shelly EdwardsNovember 14,2022 at 2:37PM UTC
Find an activity that you enjoy, whether it's working out, taking a walk, reading a book, or whatever the case may be and do that every day after work. Make a deal with yourself that you don't check work emails or other electronics for at least one hour before you go to sleep. Have some quiet time right before you go to bed to let your brain decompress some more so you can get a better night's rest.
AnonymousNovember 14,2022 at 3:45PM UTC
I play pool with a league of players. Pool takes another set of strategies and skill that is unlike my job. I love the challenge, camaraderie and social outlet.
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.November 15,2022 at 2:15PM UTC
This is a sign of burnout, so finding something to let yourself unplug will probably save your job and mental health. I like to unplug by taking a walk and listening to an audiobook or podcast. Good luck, and take good care of yourself first so you be your best self!
misskelleypNovember 15,2022 at 7:23PM UTC
For starters, before you leave work for the day, write out your to-do list for tomorrow, then you can forget it. If you think of other items just send an email to your work email as a reminder for when you get back to work. Then do something that relaxes you, whatever that may be.
Sarah HernandezNovember 16,2022 at 1:13PM UTC
Honestly, I watch Food Network or reruns of my favorite show (X-Files). I like movies, and stories so this is very enjoyable for me, and I love getting food/cooking tips and inspiration. My husband and I now have a routine where we watch our reruns at the end of the night together and have simple chit-chat in between.
misskelleypNovember 16,2022 at 7:08PM UTC
Reruns of favorite shows are great, I don't have to think too hard, and it doesn't wind me up so that I then can't fall asleep!
Cynthia Armistead NewmanNovember 16,2022 at 1:34PM UTC
I keep separate to-do lists for personal and work tasks. After work, I switch gears and start on the personal list. I also study (I'm a college student), do needlework or knit, play tabletop RPGs, make music with my husband, and read escapist material.
PattyNovember 17,2022 at 3:26AM UTC
At the end of the work day, I assess my projects and tasks and make a task list and schedule for the next day. Having a plan helps give my brain closure. Then, I get some cardio exercise - run, bike, swim, or cross-country ski.
AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 5:48PM UTC
I asses my day and write up my priority list for the next morning to get it out of my head. If I think of things after that, I send myself an email reminder, or, tack it on to the list when I’m walking by my work area. I find that this helps, because I then have an immediate starting point for the morning.
Then I read or watch tv, or get out of the house for a walk, something that’s not related to work at all.