Ways To Relax After A Stressful Day

We’ve all had days where nothing seems to go our way. All you want to do is relax and unwind to forget about the stresses of the day. Here are some easy ways to regroup, that will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to take on the rest of the week.

• Stretch Exercise involving the stretching of your muscles can help you to relax after a rough day. Try some of your own stretches or do some yoga or Pilates. These activities will help you to lengthen and loosen your tight muscles. A little exercise to end your day can also help you sleep better and will release endorphins that can improve your mood.
• Indulge Allow yourself to indulge in something special, such as a decadent dessert you may usually avoid or a glass of your favorite wine. Treating yourself to something you enjoy can help you to forget about the stressful events of the day.
  
• Take a bubble bath Taking a bubble bath is the perfect way to get some relaxed alone time away from the kids, work, and other distractions. Close your eyes and soak or grab a good book to let your mind unwind.
  
• Get some fresh air Spending some time outside can also help you to relax after a stressful day. Take your dog for a walk or simply lounge outside with a good book. Having some alone time outside of your home or home office environment can help you to feel refreshed.
  
• Get some sleep A stressful day can take a toll on your body both physically and mentally. Sometimes, the best way to recover from this is to turn in early and get some sleep. This will help you to feel rejuvenated the next morning, and you will be ready to take on whatever the day has in store.
  
• Do nothing Take 10 minutes every day to do absolutely nothing. Just sit (and try to resist the urge to plan dinner). Set an alarm so you don't have to look at your watch. Be content to do nothing, without feeling that anything has to be done. The reward is a peace of mind that will spread to other parts of your day.
  
• Listen to music Stream music from an app or put on a favorite CD. Research shows that music can help slow your heart rate and lower blood pressure. When listening to music, you'll unwind and find your daily chores less demanding.
  
• Control your breathing  Yoga, tai chi and meditation all recognize the healing power of the breath, and science has shown that controlled breathing can help manage stress. Anxious people tend to breathe from the upper chest. To calm down, take slow, deep, measured breaths that swell your abdomen rather than your rib cage.
• Drink tea There's nothing more revitalizing than a hot cup of tea. To really savor the experience, brew a pot from loose tea rather than simply dunking a tea bag in a cup. Try it without the sugar and milk-fresh tea leaves are full of flavor.
  
• Day dream Allow your mind to wander. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and picture yourself walking on the beach and listening to the splash of the ocean. When you create a meaningful connection with something you've imagined, your body and mind relax, even if it's just momentary.