Working a long 9 to 5 day can be exhausting. You need proper time to rest and allow yourself to recharge for the rest of the week. If you have trouble taking the time for yourself and taking care of your mental and physical health, here are a few ways to give time back to yourself and be ready for whatever the rest of your work week looks like.
Time for Yourself
One of the best things you can do to recharge is taking some time away for yourself. Do whatever makes you feel good, whether it’s working out, yoga, or anything physical to get the blood flowing. You’ll be able to knock something off your to do list and clear your head all in one activity. Working out has great benefits not only for your body, but also your mind.
Relax and Unwind
A great way to leave it all behind is to take a nice bath, a hot shower, or something that sends a message to your brain that it’s time to unwind. It can be very difficult to leave the workday behind, but it is essential to take moments for yourself that do not involve to-do lists or tasks. Sometimes the best thing you can do to separate work from home is to immediately take a nice shower when you get home. It sends a message to your brain to get off of work mode and enter relaxation mode.
Tomorrow is Another Day
Whatever you do try to leave your work at the office. Realize that tomorrow is another day and that is when tasks that still need to be done can be completed. It’s hard in this day and age with a 24-hour cycle, but you need to set boundaries because no one else is going to do it for you. Do whatever you need to set your boundaries – whether it’s putting your work phone away, or only responding during work hours to emails – but definitely protect yourself and your mind from being invaded at home during your relaxing time.
Be Lazy
Give yourself permission to be “lazy” once in a while. We as a culture think that it is irresponsible to lay back and not do anything, but in reality, it is a necessity for being ready to go in life. If you burn yourself out by trying to take on too much and don’t allow yourself time to rest, it will make your work week and job a lot more difficult.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
It’s easier said than done but try to leave work stress at the office. See the work stress at face value and stay calm working the problem instead of getting mad and frustrated. Once you leave work, make a point to leave the stress with it. You will have enough stress and things to deal with at home, so it’s important to keep these separated.
Taking time for yourself to relax and recharge has never been more important. Make a concerted effort to give yourself the time you need and see if your work and job become easier and less stressful as a result.
