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Do you ever have a rough day or days at work and you just can’t seem to shake it off once you leave work? It’s hard not to take it home with you. It’s not good to take it home with you either. 

You should create a way to unwind from work so you are able to be 100% present in your life. The work-life balance as it’s called… Your mind needs a transition time to put work to the side and focus on your time outside work. These tips should help you get a start on creating the best way for you to unwind from work. 

1. Shift from Work Mode to Home Mode

This is the first opportunity you have to get your mind away from work. Once you leave work and on your commute home, you can pick something to listen to that will change your mind’s focus. You can get lost in a podcast or an audiobook that you love. . Put on a playlist you can sing to at the top of your lungs or if you are tired then put some relaxing music on. If you don’t want to listen to anything on the way home then focus on your breath. It’s a great way to help calm your mind down and regulate your breath. 

2. Understand that Work Stays at Work

This is a hard concept to grasp. It really is. You spend so much of your time at work that it’s hard not to think about it You can’t change anything that has happened or is going to happen at work but when you leave, you can put it out of your mind. It may be difficult to practice at first and if you are having difficulty, it’s ok to think about it but try not to stress about it. Easier said than done on some things, I know. 

3. Create a Comforting Environment

Once you are home, it should be a welcoming place that you can relax in. Create a space that you feel safe in and somewhere you can be yourself. Put on comfy clothes and snuggle up with a blanket. 

4. Hug Someone

Hugging can trigger the release of Oxytocin, a hormone that can make people feel happier and more bonded. Oxytocin is also called the” cuddle hormone.” Hugging can also reduce stress, have a calming effect, and help improve sleep. Now you can always substitute a pet for a hug or cuddle if they will allow it. 

5. Try to Meditate

You can focus on your breath and think of things that you are thankful for or there are so many guided meditations you can find on YouTube or Spotify. Some can be as quick as 2 minutes just to aid in refocusing your mind. 

6. Journal

Sometimes it helps to get all your thoughts about the day or concerns about the future onto paper so they are out of your mind. This is a great tool to work through things as well if you need to. You can get one with prompts in it to help start journaling like this one.

7. Go for a Walk or Exercise

“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” – Elle Woods, Legally Blonde

This is true! The chemicals that get released when you exercise help put you in a better mood. Go for a walk outside and enjoy nature, take a class at a gym, or workout at home. These are great options for you to help transition out of your work mode. 

8. Read a Book

As an avid reader, this is my favorite option. You can read whatever will give you pleasure. As long as the book helps you relax and enjoy what you are reading then this is a great way to unwind from work. 

9. Talk and Laugh with a Loved One

Talk with someone about your day and how you feel. If you do this on the way home or right when you get home and if helps you unwind from work then this is a great option. There are some days I will call my dad, or sister on the way home, and even if it’s to just talk about what we have coming up in the next week or catch up, it helps break away from work mode. I also talk to my husband and if I do talk about work, he is there with a listening ear. 

10. Do Something That You Enjoy

This is the biggest tip I have for you. Just do something you enjoy! You can take a bath, cook a delicious meal, watch a show or movie you can get lost in, or do a craft. As long as you enjoy the activity then it is the right thing for you to do to unwind from work. 

No matter what you choose to do to transition from work to home mode, as long as you enjoy it and you can take your mind away from work then that’s all that matters. I hope these tips have given you ways to create your perfect way to unwind from work. If you have certain things that you do after work, please share them below! 

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