Simple Tips to Help You Relax and Unwind

As I’ve gotten older I’ve found it harder and harder to allow myself to actually relax and unwind at the end of a somewhat hectic or stressful day. I find myself more often than not holding on to whatever it was that was bugging me vs just letting it go and calling it a day.

That may sound strange, but I feel like there’s always something on my mind that often times holds me back from being able to fully decompress in the evenings.

When dinner has been cooked and the chores are done all I want is nothing more than a stress-free evening filled with happy, peaceful thoughts and curling up with my dog on the sofa.

But that’s when it happens.

Thoughts of work, to-do lists, grocery lists, upcoming appointments, they all hit me the hardest when I want nothing to do with them.

I knew I was tired of this cycle and so I started to incorporate a few useful ways to help alleviate the stress and shut out the noise.

I actually found them to be very helpful and so I wanted to share a few of them with you today.

Here is what has worked for me. Maybe give some of these a try if you find yourself in a similar situation as me.

Do Not Bring Work Home with You

In this modern, digital world we are only ever a click away from our jobs. These days most people have their work emails and messaging apps directly on their personal phones. Making it easier than ever to access them day or night.

But just because we can easily get to them doesn’t me mean we should.

When the work day ends, that’s it. It has ended. Coming home after a long day should be about unwinding and relaxing. It should be about putting your needs first and giving yourself the love and attention you deserve.

This also goes for those of you working from home too! It can be oh so tempting to keep sending just one more email or respond to that lingering, last minute message.

But do not be tempted! It can absolutely wait until tomorrow.

It’s time to walk away

If you find it hard to ignore those pesky late night messages don’t be afraid to set yourself to DO NOT DISTRUB until tomorrow. This time at the end of a busy day is now all for you. So take this time that you deserve and do yourself a favor, let work go until tomorrow.

In order to be your best, most positive, most productive self you need to allow yourself this time to relax and unwind.

Make sure you are giving yourself that!

Listen to a Guided Meditation

I love listening to guided meditations in the evenings. Especially if I’m finding it particularly difficult to let go from a hectic day. My mind is racing and it can be hard to gain back control.

But guided meditations help me collect my thoughts. I’m following the voice of someone else telling me to clear my mind and this helps me greatly when I’m struggling to do it on my own.

I get so lost in the peaceful, relaxing music and the calmness of the teacher’s voice that I begin to forget all about the worries and stresses from earlier in the day.

Some of my favorites are from Boho Beautiful. This one in particular I use a lot. It’s quick, but super effective and Juliana’s voice is seriously the most calming thing in the world to me.

Ambient Lighting

The right lighting really can set the mood. If you’re ready to relax and unwind for the day, then soft, diffused lighting can help instantly create a dreamlike atmosphere. Which is exactly what we’re going for here.

Harsh, bright lights in the evening will make it harder for us to actually fall asleep at night.

Softening the lights in the evening helps to signal to our bodies that we are winding down and gradually preparing ourselves for restful sleep.

Your type of ambient lighting can be whatever you prefer. For some it’s just dimming the lights down low, for others it’s candles. For me in particular I have a lamp in my living room that offers the most perfect glow.

I have a small living room so this one little light is perfect to help light up the space just enough where I can still read or write, but not too much where it becomes too harsh.

As soon as I turn on this lamp I instantly feel calmer and more relaxed. It’s amazing how much light can really affect our moods, but it absolutely does.

So find what light source works best for you. Pop on your comfy pjs, turn the light on or light some candles and enjoy your restful evening.

Writing

There are days when it feels nearly impossible to leave work at the office (or home office).

Your mind is still overflowing with thoughts like “did I remember to do this for tomorrow’s meeting?” “Did I actually hit send on that last email?”

When your mind is still elsewhere it can feel nearly impossible to let it go and get into a relaxation state of mind.

Taking some time to get all of these tangled, jumbled up thoughts out of your head and onto the paper is a powerful technique to help untangle the mess.

You see, your brain is trying desperately to untangle them as quickly as it can, but it doesn’t know where to start. Writing everything out on paper helps to sort through the mess, making it easier for you to relax and unwind for the evening.

This doesn’t need to be a long exercise. But if you find yourself struggling to get work out of your head, then actually physically do that!

Get it out of your head and onto paper.

You’ll feel a huge weight lifted off of you once you’re done.

Create a Consistent Routine

A consistent wind down routine can greatly impact the flow of your evening. Having specific rituals that you do every night will send messages to your body and mind letting them know it’s time for rest and relaxation.

Your routine should be about things that bring you joy, but also help trigger relaxing and calming emotions.

For example I wouldn’t necessarily recommend an intense cardio workout late in the evenings if you plan on going to bed around 9 or 10pm. A strong, sweaty workout will have the exact opposite effect and will instead reawaken and invigorate you.

Maybe save the cardio for the mornings.

Instead focus on low impact exercises if movement is something you’d like to add into your routine.

Things like simple stretches or yin yoga might be a better match. You are still moving your body, but you’re doing it in a way that still evokes emotions that will help you relax and unwind for the night.

Take Things Slow

Once you’re finally home after a long day the last thing you should do is start rushing to get everything done at home.

But I know what you’re thinking. Dinner needs cooked, the laundry needs done, the dog needs walked. The list goes on.

But don’t overwhelm yourself and feel like you need to rush through it.

Instead take the time to truly enjoy everything.

Take the time you need to cook your food. Enjoy the process and actually enjoy eating it. Don’t just hurry through it. Savor every last bite.

When it comes to laundry I personally find this to be pretty relaxing in itself. Especially plopping those wet clothes into the dryer and hitting that on button. I love that soft hum the dryer makes as the clothes begin to tumble.

Anyone else feel like this? Is this just me?

And when it’s time to take the pup out, enjoy the walk. Being outside naturally has a calming effect on us. So use it as a way to signal to your brain that you are winding down for the night. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise.

Don’t overwhelm yourself. Enjoy the process.

Before I go

I hope you found these tips and tricks as helpful for you in your life as I have found them to be in mine. I know we’re all moving a mile a minute, but sometimes we need to take a little extra time to slow down, relax and just enjoy being.

Sometimes it can be just as simple as that.

Until next time friends.

Ps: Looking to add a dose of weekly wellness rituals to your life? Grab this completely FREE Weekly Wellness Project Printable to help you do just that!