Tag Archives: relief

Top Five Ways to Unwind After a Long Day

According to the American Institute of Stress, 80% of workers feel stress on the job and nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress. While we aren’t doctors, we came up with some ways that we think can help you decompress after a long day at work.

Flickr Creative Commons: Alan Cleaver

Flickr Creative Commons: Alan Cleaver

Whether you stare at a screen, pour concrete, or discover fossils all day, it is important to let out any tension that builds up while you are at work. Here are five ways to unwind after a long, stressful day. Let us know if you give them a try!

 

1. Stretch it out

Flickr Creative Commons: Nicholas A. Tonelli

Flickr Creative Commons: Nicholas A. Tonelli

Sitting at a desk all day leads to backaches, poor posture, and tight muscles. All that shoulder tension is uncomfortable, and even unhealthy. Light exercises can release all the frustration from a tough day. To help you relax after a long day at the office, try out these yoga positions from Huffington Post.

 

2. Make yourself dinner

Flickr Creative Commons: Nicole Abalde

Flickr Creative Commons: Nicole Abalde

It is easy to get caught up in the day and pop in a frozen pizza when you get home, but try slowing it down and cooking yourself a nutritious meal. Cooking is therapeutic and practical, so put on your favorite music, and start chopping away at those vegetables. Save yourself some money and calories with these easy recipes from the Food Network.

 

3. Take a bath

Flickr Creative Commons: Basheer Tome

Flickr Creative Commons: Basheer Tome

Luxurious bubbles and heavenly aromas.. taking a bath is the best way to calm down and relax your muscles. Did you know there are plenty of home recipes to make your bath even better? Try these natural DIY luxury baths at home!

 

4. Try your Hand at Gardening

The People's Garden at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Washington D.C., on Thursday, March 17, 2011. Volunteer executive master gardeners pitch in several times a week, at various times of the day (before or after work hours, or during lunchtime) to weed, mulch, plant, water and what ever it takes to grow a wide variety of produce. Although a few are ornamental, most are destined for charity kitchens. Located on the corner of Jefferson Dr. SW and 12th St. SW, people often stop to ask questions about the garden. Part of the volunteersÕ training is to be a spokes person for the People's Garden Initiative, an effort by the USDA that challenges its employees to establish People's Gardens at USDA facilities worldwide or help communities create gardens. People's Gardens vary in size and type, but all have a common purpose - to help the community they're within and the environment. USDA photo by Lance Cheung

Flickr Creative Commons: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Being out in the sunshine with the smell of dirt and wind in your face, there is nothing better than gardening. Don’t have a green thumb? Here is a list of kill-proof plants to put in your garden.

 

5. Play a Game

Flickr Creative Commons: Roger H. Goun

Flickr Creative Commons: Roger H. Goun

Games are a great way to take your mind off work, especially if you have a family, or pet to play with. There are many games that are great to play by yourself as well. Try picking up a Wii counsel, or a deck of cards to play solitaire. Here is a list of single player card games to try!

 

How do you unwind after a long day? Share your thoughts with us!

 

All photos used under this license.