Work can stress anyone out. It doesn’t matter what job you do, whether you work in the office all day, are outside building houses in the freezing cold or perhaps a stay at home mom. Everyone needs a chance to unwind from the daily grind and relax. It is the only way you can really stay sane and be able to get up in the morning and do it again. Unfortunately sometimes it can be hard to fit time for just ourselves into our schedules. I myself have had the trouble of trying to implement “me” time into my hectic schedule.
I work in a collection center (imagine how stressful that could be!) collecting on car loans, credit cards, and personal loans that have defaulted. I also work 4 days a week from 5:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. By the time I get home I usually scramble to make dinner, sometimes I manage to get some chores or errands done and have enough time to cuddle up on the couch with my husband and watch a movie. Of course half the time I don’t even get to watch the whole movie because I have to go to bed at a decent time to get up by 4:30 am and do it all over again. Now I do have the pleasure of getting 3 days off, but before I started working on “relaxing” I have to admit I slept half of my weekend away. I would literally go to bed on my Friday at 9:00 pm and not wake up until 10:00 or 11:00 the next morning. Talk about a waste of time! Here are a few things you can implement into your schedule that do not take a lot of time.
Take a Bath: This is what honestly works best for me! Usually when it is getting close to my bedtime, I will light about 4 large candles, turn off the bathroom light or dim them if you have the option, and fill the bath with your favorite bubbles. I usually will play one of my favorite cds so I can zone out and reflect on things…other than work of course! Sometimes I will spend extra money if I have it on different scented body scrubs, lotions, soaps, bath beads, bath bombs and other bath goodies. It gives me a chance to pamper myself but costs much less than going to a spa, since that is more of a once in awhile treat as opposed to a nightly ritual. This is great for men too. I know it is commonly perceived to be something women do, but a man can take a bath too minus the bubbles and candles if it makes him feel better It works great for relaxing muscles and it makes you sleepy so you are ready to go to bed!
Read a Book: What better way to forget the daily stress and situations you are going through, than to get lost in a book full of it’s own problems and interesting scenarios. Nothing is more captivating that another person’s life and reading about things that you have never experienced. Sometimes I will read for 20 to 30 minutes before I go to bed because it helps me wind down and forget about things. Designate a quiet room or spot in your house to do this away from playing kids and barking dogs. Light a couple of candles or purchase a simmering pot and burn a relaxing scent.
Try Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils from plants to relax and calm you. You can purchase different scents, massage oils, soaps, lotions and body butter. Have your significant other give you a quick massage using the essential oil of your choice. It really is relaxing and calming. You can usually buy any aromatherapy products at a health food store or herbal store.
Yoga: Yoga stress relief has a number of positive influences on our body and mind. Not only does it help perk the flexibility of different joints and muscles in your body, it takes care of the body’s immune system through different postures. Yoga is a healthy way to relax your body, calm your mind and cleanse yourself of anything stressful.
Take a Quick Walk: Take a 15 to 30 minute walk at a park, on a trail or even just around the block if you can. Granted this may be something you can only do when the weather cooperates but it gives you a chance to get out in the sunshine and experience something pleasant. I even do this on my lunch breaks at work because it gives me time to “get away” even if it is only a short trip, it helps me to relax a little before I have to go back and work through the next 5 hours.
Just doing one of these things after work each day will help you calm down, de-stress and get ready to battle the next day. Occasionally if you can afford it go to a sauna or get a massage. If you have a public pool or fitness center in your area take 20 minutes and do laps in the pool. For me personally swimming and doing laps is a great feeling! Take the time to try some of these ideas or implement your own, the goal is to discover what calms you, and then use that to move forward!
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