After a long, busy day, it can feel great to be home. You’re ready to check out, slide into comfy pants and enjoy peace. However, it’s not always that simple. You may find yourself struggling to relax. Your mind wanders to everything that still needs to get done. Perhaps you are fixated on the to-do lists and daily concerns. It’s hard to turn it all off.
How do you shut it all down when there isn’t a switch? You create a routine that supports your body, encouraging it to release tension and put away those nagging thoughts. Learn how to help settle down in the evening by implementing the following six tips.
-
Give Yourself Pamper Time
All day you focused on others, answering emails, completing assignments and attending numerous meetings. Now, it’s time to dedicate some time to you, giving yourself some well-deserved pampering. Start by doing something that makes you feel good, like cleaning your face.
Skin maintenance can be done shortly after you walk in the door. It doesn’t take long, but setting the tone for the evening is essential, putting you first after a hard and trying day. Wipe off the grease and the grime to start new at home. Begin with a cleanser to strip away the buildup. Then, follow up with a moisturizer and hydrating face serum. You deserve to feel good in your skin and refreshed after the day’s craziness.
Stretch and Breathe
Do you find yourself on high alert when you get home? It’s hard to go from on edge to chill within a few minutes. Instead, learn to recalibrate and seek your calm by completing medication and yoga. Focus on the moment and enjoy the present, trying to put away the day’s events.
Tuck the Electronics Away
It’s dark outside, work is done and the kids are tucked into bed. It’s the perfect time to catch up on your favorite show. Right? It’s not. According to WebMD.com, computers, phones, televisions and tablets rev up the brain. This stimulation could keep encouraging racing thoughts, anxiousness and nervousness.
Therefore, while you may want to scour social media, watch a show or play an online game, you’re better off putting those aside. After all, you don’t want to increase alertness; you wish to support rest and calm.
Do Something Quiet
What should you do if you shouldn’t watch a show in bed? Pick a relaxing activity such as reading a book or listening to your favorite music. These activities lack the blue light stimulation, provide enjoyment and allow your mind to focus on something positive. They are, in essence, distractors from the day. Your brain gets to spend time on something other than worrying about the daily necessities. You stop replaying every minute of the day, thinking about how to improve it. Use it as a detox tool to get your head ready for bed.
Turn Down the Lights
As humans, we recognize visual cues. Light makes us feel alert and energetic. The sun comes up, and it’s time to go for the day. When darkness sets, exhaustion kicks in, and the body starts to wind down. Harvard Health notes that exposure to light in the evening hours, especially before bedtime, impacts your body’s rhythm. About an hour before bed, turn the house lights down, and block out environmental light with blackout curtains.
Sip Herbal Tea
Do you like a glass of wine at night? Swap it out for a cup of hot herbal tea. Sit down and sip slowly, taking in the moment. Make sure you have something without caffeine, opting for chamomile, peppermint or lemon balm.
Help your mind and body learn to unwind from a stressful day. After running around so much and working hard, it’s hard to stop and relax. Give yourself steps to reduce the strain and focus on the positive. Adopting a few small habits can support your rest and help you feel calm.
