How to recuperate after a long day

It’s 6pm and you’re willing for the day to end. Your brain is fogged up from stress, concentration and exhaustion, and you cannot seem to focus on anything other than your chaotic thoughts.

While going to bed to sleep it off may seem the easiest option, it is very likely you will wake up to a mind that is still stressed, rather than one that is refreshed.

To ensure you go to bed happy and wake up the next morning with a clear head, read our tips below on how to successfully unwind and relax after a long day:

Indulge in a warm beverage

Coffee, tea, hot chocolate or warm water with a slice of lemon – whatever your choice, a hot beverage will help you unwind in a matter of minutes. Breathing in the warm aromas will open up your sinuses and make you feel refreshed, while wrapping your hands round a warm mug and snuggling down in a comfy chair will bring instant peace and calm.

Write 

Writing things down is considered great therapy for chaotic, anxious thoughts. Journaling is a good way to reflect on issues in life, including relationships, illnesses and stresses, and allows you to look at them from a different perspective. If you prefer to draw, jot down your worries and thoughts in the form of artistic doodles. Doing this in the evening after a long, stressful day will help you to feel you are unloading a heavy weight from your shoulders.

Listen to music

Numerous studies show that music is therapeutic and can help boost mood and productivity. When you get home after a long day, pop on your favourite songs and focus on the lyrics and how the tunes makes you feel. If you have a favourite song it will remind you of happy things which can instantly help to shake off tension and stress.

Exercise 

No matter how exhausted you may be feeling at the end of the day, doing some exercise will do wonders for your mood and energy levels. Not only can you ‘sweat out’ built-up tension and negativity, but you can bask in the glow of endorphins – feel good chemicals which are released when you exercise.

Take a bath

One of the best things you can do to relax the mind and body is take a bath – complete with the soothing scent of bath oils and candles to create the perfect atmosphere. Try to make time for a bath at least once a week so you have something to look forward to when things get stressful.