After a long week, you’re probably ready to crash. You’ve worked super hard and deserve a much-needed break and relaxation. While you’re likely pleased to be done with the daily grind for the week, you may not know what to do with your free time for maximum unwinding potential or a sense of accomplishment. Don’t worry. We’ve been there. Here are the six best ways to unwind after a long week, so you can get the rest you deserve.
1. Make A Vision Board
When you’re not working, use this time to your advantage by creating a vision board to visualize your future goals. If you find this activity enjoyable, you can use it to unwind by treating it like an art project. Cut out pictures that inspire you and post them on a board or do so digitally. Not only will this bring you a sense of accomplishment, but it can also be used for inspiration on what to do with your free time in the future.
2. Do Some Self-care
Unwinding after the week means taking care of YOU. Take up some self-care rituals that feel exceptionally nurturing to your body, mind, and soul. You might meditate, take a bubble bath, journal, groom your eyebrows using your small slant tweezer, or watch a funny movie. Do whatever makes you feel good and detach from your long week of stress.
3. Take It Easy
Sometimes it takes the mind a little extra time to fully recognize that you are done with the work week. You may feel like you have more things to accomplish or feel as if you’ve forgotten something important in your daily wellness routine. This is just your mind coming down from the hustle of the week.
Give your brain some time to catch up while the rest of you relaxes. Spend some time decompressing and engaging in activities free of work-related information. Lounge in front of the television, chat with a friend, read a magazine, etc. Anything that is separate from work is enough to get your mind to cool down so you can fully relax.
4. Do Something As A Family
On your days off, spend time with family and make the most of your free time. Go to a weekend farmer’s market, shop at the mall, go bowling as a family, or have lunch at a park. You work hard all week to provide for yourself and your family, so enjoy your time off with them! As long as you’re spending quality time together, it doesn’t matter what you do.
5. Get In Some Exercise
Even if you were on your feet during the week, your body needs stress relief from your long week. Spend some time exercising as a leisurely activity. This is the time to focus on enjoyable workouts like walking, hiking, and restorative yoga.
If you crush your HITT workout during the week, take it easier on your days off and engage in exercises you genuinely enjoy. Spend time stretching after training to ensure you care for your sore muscles.
6. Treat Yourself To Dessert
If you’re working hard on watching what you eat or find it challenging to find time to eat in between all of your work, when you’re done with your long week, it’s time to treat yourself.
Enjoy a dessert or even a hearty meal if that’s what you need. You can still reach your goals and have the occasional cupcake. Life is about finding balance. With all you’ve accomplished this week, you deserve some comfort food!
The Bottom Line
To unwind after a long week, consider the suggestions above. See if any of the activities mentioned resonate with you and what you might look forward to doing after a long week. Engage in some self-care and prioritize the things and people that matter most on your days off.
