de-stress-tips-after-workIt is no secret that there is stress in the workplace. Unless you are one of the extremely lucky people that absolutely loves what they do everyday, you probably have to deal with at least some stress at work.

A lot of people that have stress at the workplace end up bringing it home with them. This is not a good practice because this stress will eventually be projected on to friends and loved ones. In order to avoid this there are some practices that you can do to manage the stress that comes from working.

This article will focus on some simple techniques that will allow you to cope with the stresses of the work week. These exercises will allow you to alleviate stress and get a full night’s sleep in order to be at your best the next day.

Outside Influences

There are so many distractions at the office all day long. Phones, faxes, cell phones, computers, xerox machines, and copiers are humming and beeping all day long. One of the best ways to de-stress after a long day at work is to turn off your phone and all the applications that come with it.

Turning off your phone and the internet, even for a few hours, will go a long way to de-stressing your evening. Turning on a movie, listening to music, or reading a book instead of using your phone are great ways to unplug and de-stress for a small part of your day.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to de-stress after a long and arduous work day. Depending on your level of fitness, you can go for a long run or a swim that lasts hours. However, even if you aren’t capable of marathons, simple exercises can have the same effect of relieving stress. Some of these exercises include:

  • Burst Exercises – These are short, intense exercises that you do for 30 seconds at maximum power and then rest for 60 seconds. Sprinting, jumping rope, and swimming are some of the power exercises that will help you release stress.
  • Yoga or Pilates – These two exercises are very popular for stress relief. They both can be done in varying intensities depending on how much of a workout you need.
  • Walking – A simple walk will do wonders to lower your stress level after work. Being outside with fresh air and moving around is one of the best ways to de-stress.

Comfort Food

There are some foods that can help you de-stress after a long day. While comfort foods are any foods that makes you feel better, some of them might not be too healthy!

Green tea has now been found to reduce stress. Green tea contains a chemical called theanine which helps the body to relax and also counteracts the effect of caffeine. Having a nice warm cup of tea after a stressful day is very relaxing.

Another food that helps with relaxation are bananas. Bananas help regulate the body’s blood pressure because they are very high in potassium. If you feel like your blood pressure is too high from the stress of the day, then a banana might just do the trick.

Even if you don’t have a cup of tea or a banana, make sure you have something to eat. Hunger induces stress. Some people are so busy at work that they forget to eat all day. Not only is this unhealthy, it gives the body additional stress that can also affect the mind as well. Having a nice meal at the end of the day will go along way to reducing your stress level.

Find Your Comfort Zone

After you get home from a stressful day at the workplace, it is a good idea to have a safe, stress-free place to go and relax. It doesn’t have to be a specific place. It can be a favorite movie or book. It can be lighting some scented candles. It can be going to a restaurant. A nice comfy couch and a good book is a good place to start!

The point is to have a place that will make you forget about the troubles of work for a few hours. This will allow your blood pressure to return to normal and forget about the stresses of the previous day.

Sleep

After a hard and stressful day at work, a good night’s sleep is the best way to relieve anxiety and stress. By having a warm bath, getting a massage, exercising or doing any of the other aforementioned ideas in this article, you should be in line for a solid night of sleep. A good, solid sleep will make the next day much more stress free.

There are many ways to de-stress after work. The key is to find the right technique that works best for you. Stress has a way of building up over time, which will negatively affect your health. Finding a way to relax after work will go along way to making your life healthier and easier.