5 Ways to De-Stress After a Hard Week*

Because I’m self-employed, I’m usually on my laptop working. I know this isn’t healthy for anyone, it takes full-time to another level and while I do appreciate having full-time work, I know I need to prioritise myself, my family, and our happiness. To combat this incessant need to be working, i’ve been doing my research, and here are 5 ways to de-stress after a hard week;

Invest in an Essential Oil Diffuser

In the past, I’ve always been a candle-burning girl but recently I’ve been trying essential oils proven to help reduce stress and encourage a natural sleep without the use of tablets. I already use a lavender roll on for my pulse points on the nights I’m extra restless but New Directions Aromatics Essential Oils has a great selection of oils that can be used in a diffuser throughout the day to help with anxiety and stress. Rose, Camomile and Ylang Ylang are great if you lead a hectic lifestyle.

Take a Bath

I’ve mentioned this often in my Insomnia related posts but a bath really is one of the best ways to de-stress. Especially if you do that bath right. You can buy a special bubble bath for relaxing, muscle soothing, and even helping you to sleep. Dim the lights, put on relaxing music, and light a few candles so the room isn’t that stark white brightness that bathrooms are known for. Soon you’ll feel chilled out and ready to curl up in bed.

Go Outside

As a kid, my mother swore by getting out for some fresh air if things got a little wild in the house. A walk along the prom, a trip to the park, anything to run off some excess energy. The same goes if you’re an adult. Some people run for this very reason but you don’t have to take it so seriously. Heading out of the house for the day and getting some important Vitamin D can work just as well.

Work Out

With getting married next year I’ve taken up exercise for the first time in my life. I bought a treadmill and some other workout equipment in the hope that along with a healthy diet, I could shed some pounds and tone up. The unexpected side effect of this is that I’m enjoying it, I feel better for it and it helps me relax and clear my head. I even invested in some workout shirts and graphic gym tees that make me feel comfortable while I run. I might even go as far as getting some Christmas workout clothes to make the whole experience more fun. 10/10 would recommend.

Take Up a Relaxing Hobby

Finally, another thing my doctor recommended is taking up a relaxing hobby that’s nothing to do with my job. We had a talk about it and after going through things like knitting, going to the gym, scrap booking seemed more my thing. Just something that is absolutely nothing to do with my laptop, or any form of technology (apparently Netflix binging doesn’t count as when I get into the series I sometimes stay up past 5 to finish, WHOOPS) and spend my evenings during the weekend doing that. Reading is a popular one, some people like to bake, or even do cross stitch!

Lock picking is also a cool new skill to learn to help you in de-stressing. All you need is a basic lock pick set, some practice locks or lock puzzles, and a beginner’s guide to lock picking. There are a bunch of helpful, free lock picking resources online that you can look up to learn more about lock picking.

De-stressing and switching off from your job is a very important part of self care. Our generation seems to be constantly wound up like a string trying to simply survive so finding ways to switch off from everything is a vital part of life and something I’ve been skipping out on for far too long.