7 Calming Activities to Help Unwind After a Long Day

Everyone needs a chance to decompress, especially after a long day. Even when you have a busy schedule, make sure to fit in time to unwind. When you give your body a chance to relax, you are better able to cope with stress and feel at ease, physically and mentally. Need some inspiration? Try these calming activities at the end of the day to help you unwind.

Coloring Books

You might think of coloring as something for kids, but think again! Coloring relaxes the fear centers of the brain in the amygdala, according to a study from PsychCentral. You get similar benefits from coloring as during meditation. Adult coloring books have become immensely popular. They range from nature, fantasy, all the way to intricate mandalas.

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A Hot Bath

A long, hot bath does more than just get you clean. In fact, many cultures around the world consider bathing an important wellness ritual. Take Finland for example. Traditionally, those working in fields all day would soak in a bath and hot sauna to wash and soothe aching muscles according to the BBC. You can create your own at-home spa by adding salts to a hot bath and soaking after a long day. 

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Tai Chi

Bring out your inner monk with this relaxing form of martial arts from China. Tai chi blends slow movements with meditation. According to the MayoClinic, a  little tai chi in your life will help you manage stress and balance your mood.

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Walking

You may have heard the phrase, “No pain, no gain”. But when it comes to the healthiest physical activity for a long life, think more “slow and steady wins the race” Low impact exercise, like walking, reduces risk of injury and will help clear your head at the end of a long day. Spend about 30 minutes, three times per week, walking. You’ll reduce your risk of diabetes and depression and improve cardiac health, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

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Gardening

Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty! Research from ScienceDirect shows that gardening helps manage stress and anxiety—perfect to relax after a long day. Even beginners can learn to garden by choosing a few plants to start off.

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Yoga

Nothing helps relax after a long, stressful day quite like yoga. This ancient practice from India combines stretching exercises with breathwork and meditation. If you work at a desk all day, poses like forward bend can help relieve back pain. Or, try the wrist stretches on this video to reduce tension from typing.

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Laughing

When you feel stressed after a long day, phone that friend that makes you giggle or put on a funny show. Laughter is an excellent way to unwind, as it decreases the stress hormone in the body (cortisol), according to a study from the Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine. You’ll also get a hit of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that help the nervous system deal with pain. 

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