Friday is finally here! After a long week at work, when you’ve been dreaming about the weekend in-between calls, emails, and meetings, you can finally relax. You come home and get ready either for a night out or a lazy evening on the couch; you’re happy and excited, or so you think, until you realize you’re still tense and a little on edge.
Does it sound familiar? Sadly, it’s not that unusual. According to Expedia, only a little more than a half of workers who come back from their holidays are actually well-rested. Considering that the other half has problems relaxing while on leave, it’s no wonder we find it so challenging with only two-day weekends. And since we all know how harmful chronic stress can be, we keep looking for ways to find the perfect balance. The good news is that not all is lost – just like with everything else, all you need is a better routine.
Cutting yourself off work for the whole weekend is only the beginning. Depending on your preferences, you can put your mind at ease with mediation or physical activity, a talk with a friend, a hot bath, or journaling. Try to set the right mood with scents, or browse through some recommended natural stress relievers. Join us as we go through these tips one by one below.
Try Natural Stress Relievers
The benefits of a simple herbal tea are staggering, and now even science backs up what our grandmothers have been saying for years: tea is good for you. Not only does it keep your body hydrated and refreshed, but also with its complex blend of flavors, aromas, and medicinal properties, it can be the perfect mindset reset. Some of the best relaxing teas include chamomile, lavender, rose hips, lemon balm, and valerian. Some people prefer to brew their own tea mix with various herbs.
Another option worth trying is CBD, a cannabinoid that has been proven to have anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. It can help reduce chronic pain, anxiety, and stress-related symptoms. CBD comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can easily buy CBD gummies or other edibles, oils, tinctures, balms, and more products that contain little to no THC.
Take a Hot Bath
There is so much more to a hot bath than just comfort. A steaming tub of warm water is like a tiny spa in your home, and it can work wonders for your health. Not only does the water cleanse the skin, but it also flushes out toxins from the body and relaxes the muscles. It’s an excellent way to relieve stress, especially if you have a tension headache or muscle soreness.
One way to make your bath even more effective is to add Epsom salt or sea salt to the water. Both have a high concentration of magnesium and sulfate, which effectively relax the muscles and boost blood circulation.
Another great tip is to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the bath. You can choose from lavender, peppermint, rose, or sandalwood oil, among others. Essential oils not only smell nice and soothe your senses, but they also have health benefits. For example, lavender oil is great for skin conditions and inflammation, while peppermint oil helps soothe headaches and nausea.
Add a good book, some soft music, or your favorite magazines. Stay in there until you feel relaxed and refreshed, then get cozy under the covers for a good night’s sleep.
Get Physical
Even if you are too tired after a long day at the office, you can easily squeeze in a few minutes of exercise; even just ten-minute power walks can do wonders for your mood for the rest of the evening.
You don’t have to hit the gym and do an intense cardio session either; just be active and move around. Go play with your dog in the backyard, go swimming, play beach volleyball, get on your bike, or invite your friends over for volleyball in the park. The more active you are, the less stressed out you will feel.
The benefits of exercise are countless. Apart from helping you lose weight and banish cellulite, exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and a host of other conditions. You’ll sleep better at night, boost your mood, improve your immune system, as well as manage stress and anxiety.
Spend Time with Your Loved Ones
Time with your loved ones does not have to cost you a fortune or be exhausting – in fact, it can actually be quite simple. All you need is good conversation and a relaxed atmosphere. You can start by calling your best friend for some good laughs over coffee. Then go for a walk with your partner, dog, or kids. If you’re single, you can always ask for a cup of tea or coffee with a friend, invite them in for dinner, or watch a good movie.
Sometimes, all we need to get things off our chest is a friendly ear. If you feel like your mood has been ruined by a stressful day at work, talk it out with someone you can trust. You can call a friend or loved one and share your thoughts, or even write them down in a letter or a journal. Whatever you choose, it’s important to make sure you don’t hold your feelings in.
Take Time to Reflect
Make yourself a cup of herbal tea and spend some time alone. Sit in a quiet spot, take a deep breath, and relax. Grab a notebook to count your blessings, write down your thoughts and worries. Don’t try to solve anything, just let it go. Learn some breathing techniques, or if you’re into yoga, try a few Sun Salutations. Look around and appreciate the beauty around you. It will give you a fresh perspective on your current worries and problems.
Alternatively, you can try some mindful meditation. Take a few minutes each day to sit quietly with your eyes closed, focus on your breathing, and count the breaths. The more you practice, the better you will be able to do it without any effort after some time has passed.
Conclusion
It’s so easy to get caught up in the rat race of everyday life, but sometimes you have to stop and take a step back. Put your mind at ease and enjoy a well-deserved break.
These are just a few simple tips and tricks to deal with the stress of the weekdays. Remember that you can’t eliminate all your stress, but if you learn to manage it, you will certainly have an easier time with it. And remember that even on a bad day, there are still plenty of things you can do for yourself to lift up your mood before bed.
Finding a balance between relaxation and productivity is the key to staying healthy and happy throughout the week.
