In December, I had my gallbladder removed and while I hated being in the hospital, I LOVED the recovery week. I had no option but to lay on the couch in my coziest clothes, under my coziest blanket, eat jello and binge watch Grey’s Anatomy. I was forced to just lay there and let my body take care of itself.
Since leaving my ‘regular’ job and balancing a few different streams of income, I’ve had a really hard time knowing how to stop. Some days I’ll babysit from 5:30 pm – 8:30 am, work on Poshmark listing + closet sharing + sourcing from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and then babysit from 5:30 – 8:30 am. I’ll get home, open up WordPress and try to force myself to squeeze something out. and (shocker…) there’s often nothing to squeeze because I’ve been working for like 36 hours straight.
I have a hard time letting myself rest, because every moment is a potential work hour. I’ve started to brainstorm ways to help myself transition out of “work mode” and into “rest mode” at the end of the day, and I thought I’d share my top 15 with you. I’m always down to hear more, so please drop me a comment with what you do to unwind at the end of the day!
- Take a nice warm bath. extra points for a bath bomb.
- Go for a walk.
Lucie Fink recently shared that she goes on a walk when she gets home for work and it’s blown my mind. What a great way to get in some exercise and fresh air! - Read a book.
Well, not a whole one (unless you have the time!) just read a chapter. - Drink a glass of water
Stand in your kitchen and drink a big glass of water. Don’t chug it, just drink it and take a moment. - Do some stretches
- Diffuse some oils.
A good calming blend is equal drops Vetiver, Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Cedarwood. Just don’t close your eyes or else you may find yourself dozing off a bit. If you want a sample of this blend, drop me a message and I’ll send you a sample of this relaxing blend! - Put a few things away.
Don’t go on any major cleaning spree, but if there’s anything out of place that interrupts your space, put it back where it should be. We’re talking minor stuff like an empty water glass or mug or a book. - Journal.
- Put your phone in another room.
If being away from your phone stresses you out, set a 20 minute timer and stay away from your phone for 20 minutes. Take time to just BE with yourself and your space. - Change your clothes
Put on pants that don’t button. y’all know what I mean….
- Put on a playlist of relaxing music
Doesn’t have to be Enya. John Mayer ALWAYS does it for me when I just want to unfreakingwind. - Paint your nails
Preferably while diffusing oils and listening to John Mayer… wearing pants without buttons. - Meditate for a few minutes
Use an app like Headspace and spend a few minutes meditating. - Put on a face mask.
Not trying to get ultra into DIY spa mode, but putting on a face mask forces you to just kind of take a breather. - Watch an episode (or two) of your favorite TV show
I put this one at the end because it can become a huge time suck. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with unwinding by watching a show and diving into the fictional world of other people’s lives and problems.
Okay YOUR turn – what are things you do to unwind at the end of the day?
ps currently diffusing the blend I mentioned, burning some candles, drinking some coffee and watching Grey’s Anatomy. I took a bath (plus face mask!) and changed my clothes. So I’m living my best, most unwound life right now.
