5 Ways to Unwind After Work

5 Ways to Unwind After Work

I don’t know about you, but when I come home from my office, I have a tendency to be wound for sound. My head keeps going and going and going. Sometimes it feels like an intense game of racquetball going on in my head. OY. So, I thought it would be a good idea to come up with some easily accessible and doable ways to unwind.  I’ve been applying them for the past week or so and I have to say, that they really do WORK!

Look at the sky (or ceiling) and count backward from 60 to 0. Did you know that gazing upward stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which thereby lowers blood pressure and slows the pace of the breath? I just learned this fact and looooove it!  By the way, it really works!

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, 5 seconds in and 5 seconds out. Do this 10 times. Deep breathing slows the heart rate and calms the body. Focusing on your stomach rising and falling, and your breath flowing in and out, will help you concentrate on your body, instead of outside distractions. I do this not only after work, but any time I feel stressy (especially before speeches!).

Hand Massage: Whenever my mind is going in circles, there’s nothing like a hand massage to instantly relax me (because hands in general can carry a lot of tension). They are especially helpful after I’ve been sitting at my desk all day typing. There is also something extra nice about the rhythmic nature of a rub-rub.

Do Some Yoga: Put your feet up against a wall. This is called a Vipariti Kirani yoga pose. I do this a lot and always find that it is not only a good stretch, but it really helps me relax and sends me to my happy, dreamy place.

Aromatherapy: I’m a big fan of aromatherapy. My favorite is lavender. I put it into the palm of my hand and inhale. It works by stimulating smell receptors in the nose that connect to the part of the brain that regulates emotions.

What works for you?  Would love to hear!