It’s been months since I last wrote a blogpost and even though I just got home from a long road trip, I had this surge of energy to type one.
Who is this person? LOL
Kidding aside, I felt the need to write about different ways to unwind after work if you work from home because I too need to unwind after a long work week.
Aside from being unmotivated to write, I haven’t been blogging or even writing in my journal because I am so busy with work. I mean, what’s new. LOL But still, even after working online for more than a decade (has it really been 12 years?!), I’m still looking for ways to unwind.
Most people I know who are working in the office unwind by spending time at home, scrolling social media or online sites, watching videos or playing games.
The thing is, these are the things I do when I’m working. As a Social Media Manager, I spend most of my work hours creating content for different social channels, browsing through Pinterest for the latest trends and inspiration, scrolling on Facebook to see what’s the buzz and responding to comments, browsing through Twitter to know what are the popular topics and watching a LOT of Reels to see which audios, design and styles are trending.
I have been slacking too much the past months and even more in recent weeks so I’m finally pushing myself out of this rut and finding different ways to unwind so I can be more productive at work and even in my personal projects.
I feel so burned out for a few weeks now so if you’re feeling how I’m feeling, this blogpost is for you.
Find a hobby that you enjoy and make time for it
I used to make earrings, do creative journaling, painting, gardening, create origami, and do different arts and crafts but life and work got to me and I am not making time for any of these. When I have free time, I spend it watching series or movies which means more screen time for me.
I thought about how I could lessen my screen time since I am glued to my laptop and phone during work hours and I realized that making time for my hobbies like I used to is gonna be hitting two birds with one stone. It’s a great way to unwind and at the same time help me in my goal of less screen time.
What are your hobbies? Make time for them and schedule them in your calendar if you have to.
Take a workout break
I’m not a fitness buff but I try to workout whenever I can because it helps me keep stress at bay and it’s also a nice way to take a break from work. I usually workout in the afternoon as I have meetings in the morning and it’s definitely the best time for me to workout.
So find the best time that works best for you and stick to it. No matter what they say, working out at the same time each day will most likely help you stick to it and may become a habit. Just be careful not to miss a workout for three straight days or it’s gonna be hard to bring yourself to start working out again. Like me, I have missed more than a week now and I am so out of it. I will probably have to drag myself to the gym tomorrow. But the important thing is, I have to show up even if I don’t want to. Once I do it regularly again then it becomes easier to have workout breaks.
Spend time outdoors
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors. You can simply just go out of the house, enjoy your morning coffee or tea in your backyard or you can step outside for a refreshing walk. It’s a great way to clear your mind, get some fresh air, and transition from “work mode” to “home mode.
Practice Mindfulness
Take a few minutes to practice mindfulness or meditation. It can help you relax, reduce stress, and regain focus. I like to write in my journal while listening to soothing music like Chihiro by Yoste.
Disconnect from Technology
Put your phone, tablet, and other devices away for a while. This will help you detach from work-related emails and messages. Now this is probably the hardest for me since I work in social media so I need to be online most of the time. Checking my email is almost like a reflex to me now. Here’s a tip: leave your phone in another room in your house or leave it inside your bag if you’re out. Having it always in your pocket or somewhere at your arm’s length would make it hard to put any gadget down.
Read a Book
Escape into a good book to take your mind off work. Reading is a wonderful way to unwind and transport yourself to a different world. I like to read mystery, romance, thriller, or self-help books during my work breaks especially on the weekend.
Cook something new
Cooking can be therapeutic. Try preparing a favorite meal or experimenting with a new recipe. I usually turn to baking or cooking any pasta dish when I want to unwind in the kitchen. I don’t experiment as much now as I did before but I still cook every day.
Working from home can offer flexibility and convenience, but it can also make it challenging to switch off from work. Incorporating these relaxation techniques into your routine can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, reduce stress, and unwind effectively. Remember, taking care of your well-being after work is just as important as your work itself.
