No matter how much we enjoy our career, some days at work can be stressful or mind-numbingly dull. When we get home after one of those days, it can be difficult to shake off the negativity, and we either end up worrying about what the next day will bring, zoning out in front of the TV, or nodding off on the sofa. While it might feel easier to vegetate on the couch every night, getting stuck in this cycle of work, blurry boredom, sleep, and then back to work, can lead to a sense of frustration and unfulfillment.
If you struggle to switch off after work and make the most of your downtime, here are some tips and ideas about how you can unwind after a long day at work.
Do not check your work emails
When you are off the clock, you should not be checking your emails or even thinking about the fact you might be receiving work emails. Turn off your notifications, resist the temptation to check your email, and do not respond to any emails. You need to establish clear boundaries between work and home.
Take a walk outside
If the weather allows, take a walk outside for at least 20 minutes. Even if you do not live close enough to a park or natural scenery, exercising in the fresh air can do wonders for both your physical and mental health, especially if you can turn your phone off or, better yet, leave it at home.
Plan something fun
We usually cram all our fun activities and trips and social meetings for the weekend and leave the weekdays for work and rest. For a change, why not plan to do something on a weekday evening? You could meet a friend for dinner or dessert, try a new fitness class, get a spa treatment, or anything else that gives you something to look forward to.
Play online games
The Internet has obviously opened a whole new world of entertainment in terms of streaming movies and TV shows, but it has also brought about online gaming. From bingo rooms and puzzles to playing multiplayer games against people on the other side of the world, online games encourage us to use our brains and can give a real sense of achievement.
Take up a new (or old) hobby
It can often be difficult to stick to a hobby nowadays because there are so many demands on our attention and time, but that is even more reason to find a hobby that you love. Whether you want to learn to play a musical instrument, write poems, paint watercolor portraits, go dancing, play a sport, or anything else, discover a passion and a talent which will bring you joy and escapism.
Study an online course
Nothing is more fulfilling than expanding your mind and developing as a human being, and online courses have enabled millions of people to broaden their horizons and even change their career. There are lots of free and paid courses in just about every topic you can think of, so do some research and use your evenings to further your education.
