5 Ways to Unwind and Destress From Work

With work-from-home blurring lines between work and rest, you may end up working longer hours without realising. It can also be more challenging to switch off from work mode, especially when your “office” is just a few steps away from the comfort of your home.

To prevent burning out, it is important that you carve out some time to rest and recharge. Make plans and engage in activities outside of work, which can help to manage stress levels. Whether you are returning to office or continuing to work from home, here are some ways to destress and unwind after a long day at work.

A proven coping mechanism, journaling can be an outlet for emotional release of your thoughts and feelings. Besides regulating stress levels, journaling in the form of expressive writing allows one to reflect on their thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space. Some studies suggest that this can also reduce stress, which in turn helps to improve the body's immune system.

Alternatively, you can keep a gratitude journal. By noting down what you are grateful for, it helps to increase mindfulness and allows you to appreciate the things that take place around you. For those who are more creative, you can also include drawings, illustrations or colours into your journal entries to better express how you feel.

Find yourself thinking about work and reaching for your phone to check emails even after you have knocked off, especially when you have been working from home? It may be time to embark on a digital detox. Research studies have found that email notifications and smartphone alerts correlates to an increase in stress levels.

To take your mind off work, try setting your phone aside or even switching it off for at least 30 minutes to an hour after your working hours. Take this time to indulge in some self-care – it could be as simple as taking a stroll in the park, taking a warm bath or even enjoying a well-deserved glass (or two) of your favourite wine. Make it a habit to disable push notifications of work apps, especially over weekends, so that you can rest and recharge fully.

Schedule in some time after work to try something new. Not only can this take your mind off stressors from the day, it can develop into a post-work routine that you engage in regularly.

Exercising is a great way to unwind. Why not take this opportunity to book spin sessions with your friends or try that beginner dance class you have always had your eye on? Besides reducing the level of stress hormones in the body, aerobic exercise also stimulates production of endorphins, triggering a positive feeling and improving overall mood.

If you prefer something less intense, consider activities that you can enjoy without breaking a sweat. For instance, get in touch with your creative side by enrolling for art-jamming sessions or pottery workshops. At the end of the day, you can even bring home your masterpiece with a new experience under your belt.  Or perhaps sign up for an online course that has always piqued your interest – be it picking up a new language or learning how to code.

For both social butterflies and introverts alike, make a conscious effort to meet up with your friends and family regularly. Whether it is over a quick cup of coffee, dinner, or even via video call in the comfort of your home, chatting with others is an effective way to curb stress.

As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. You may realise that you are not alone in feeling a certain way as your friends or family may share the same notion. They may also be able to offer fresh perspectives and help to lighten that weight off your shoulders.

Sometimes a quiet night in is all you need to recharge and unwind. The key to detaching from work while you are at home is to have a rough idea of your evening plans. From tuning into podcasts and catching up on the latest novel to picking up that PlayStation controller, scheduling downtime for these activities can help to ease your mind off stressors in life.

At the same time, take the opportunity to treat yourself to a DIY facial spa experience. You can even re-create the spa environment by lighting scented candles and playing soothing instrumental music in the background. When you’re ready to head to bed, try laying under a weighted blanket. Studies suggest that a weighted blanket can aid insomnia through decreased mobility and increase feelings of calmness - much like a giant, cosy hug!