We all have crazy workdays! I have to admit it can be difficult to truly “unwind” after a long day of work and staring at a screen. For me, the last thing I want to do is stare at a screen more or have to be “on” – hence why the frequency of blog posts has come to a halt over the past month. In many ways taking a digital detox has been great for my mental health and attention span. But I continue to always look for more ways to unwind and clear my mind after work. Here are some suggestions I received from close friends and loved ones that I have been taking to heart; and actually helping me relax after work.

How to Relax After Work

Journal

Maybe it’s the fact that I’m getting closer to 30 and my memory isn’t as good as it used to be. But journaling has become a much larger part of my daily routine. I recently read and loved Michelle Obama’s book. I heard from a friend that one of the reasons her book was so vivid and fantastic is because she has kept avid, detailed journals for most of her life. Although my life isn’t nearly as exciting, I’d like to think that there are some nuggets in there that I will like to pass down in the future. For those of you who journal more regularly, do you prefer digital or paper?

Read

I shared my winter reading list back in January along with a lofty goal of 30 books read by the end of the year. I actually made decent progress on the list but still have a long way to go before I hit my goal for the end of the year! Reading is something I find so therapeutic. It brings me a lot of joy! So I am really trying to make a point of making it more of a habit than an afterthought. Any tips or suggestions for incorporating more reading into your everyday life? If only I could spend the two hours a day I spend in the car driving to and from work reading. (Yes, I’ve tried audiobooks. No, I do not like them as much as reading).

Turn off devices

Another lofty goal but one that my boyfriend and I have made a joint decision around. It can be tough to do given the nature of both of our jobs, but our goal is as little time on devices as possible once we are done for the day. In this sense I feel fortunate my job is not a full time blogger. I don’t actually *have* to be on social media all day long.

Catch up with friends 

Between work and managing a blog I’ll be the first to confess, my personal life more often than not goes to the wayside. Work/life balance is a challenge for everyone, but there really is nothing more relaxing than catching up with a good friend over a drink or good meal. The older I get, the more I value true, genuine friendships (and recognize how difficult good friends are to find!) and recognize the importance of keeping in touch with and cultivating relationships that are important to you. Like all things worth having, good friendships require work and effort (from both parties!).

Go to a yoga class

Honestly, I love a good relaxing yoga class. I don’t mean a crazy yoga sculpt or vinyasa class (although I do love those as well!). But a yin or restorative yoga class. I used to be obsessed with hot vinyasa yoga and yoga sculpt, but these days I’m all about a slower pace and more sustainable workout routine. Also, the idea of doing yoga with blocks and blankets is more appealing than chaturangas after a long day of work. I also have aspirations to meditate more, but view yoga as an appropriate substitute as well. The combination of restorative yoga + meditation does wonders for relieving stress.

Create a skincare routine

Light a candle (I’m a sucker for Diptyque candles even if you are literally burning money). Put your products to work! More often than not, I get lazy and just wash my face and slap on night cream. But I find the process of creating a spa like atmosphere, making a cup of sleepy time tea, and actually following my multi step skincare routine to be incredibly relaxing. The perfect way to get ready for bed.

How do you like to relax after work?