How To Calm Down After A Long Day
No matter how positive your outlook is on life, everyone can use some tips to calm down after a long day. There are so many ideas out there, it really is about finding the things that work for you and the secret is to be consistent.
Changing your lifestyle means to review what’s working and what isn’t and then finding ways to make life better. If you know it’s difficult for you to calm down after a long day, you’re not alone and this post should help you with easy ways to unwind.
Cultivating A Sense Of Calm
Many of us attribute our stress to work which is true in most cases. However, if you struggle to calm down, a few tweaks to your mindset will go a long way.
With any type of change in your lifestyle, I always recommend starting small. Choose one thing that you can do this week and be consistent everyday. The most important thing to remember is to review how you felt at the end of the week. If you can see the evidence of putting something beneficial into your lifestyle, you’re more likely to stick with it. If it didn’t help, then choose something else but don’t give up. You’re embarking on a change in your life, you have to be compassionate with yourself and try different things.
Why Should You Learn To Calm Down
When you’re in fight or flight mode with stress – I appreciate that many of us are always in some level of stress – if you don’t calm down, then you will actually exacerbate the issue. It’s the same with giving life to negative thoughts. If you keep talking about the problem, you perpetuate it. This isn’t helpful as it builds into something much bigger that could be resolved with some simple self-care techniques.
Learning to calm down as a way of life takes discipline and most importantly, a reason to do it. You’re much more likely to stick to your calming tools if you believe in why you’re doing them.
That’s where I recommend you start.
5 Easy Ideas To Cultivate More Calm
Write down why you want to be able to calm down after a long day. Ask yourself why at least 3 times. Then ask yourself what will happen if you cultivate more calm everyday. This is where the magic happens. When you know what life will be like if you make a change, you’re more likely to want to do it and stick to it.
1. SCENTS
Our senses tell us a lot about how we’re feeling and can very quickly affect our moods in a positive way. When you finish work, light a candle, burn some incense or oil and let the scents permeate your home. Consider the scents, enjoy them, appreciate them. Choose a scent that you love, that makes you feel good, calm, energised and allows your stresses to melt into the atmosphere.
2. MEDITATE
Even if you’re not a fan of meditation, just putting on some gentle music whilst you prepare dinner can be very relaxing. If you like to meditate, do it straight after you finish work for at least half an hour so that you can calm your mind.
3. TREAT YOURSELF
When I was younger, if I was stressed out, I would go shopping. This is not practical in my life now and doesn’t give me the same buzz but I still like to treat myself. Now I treat myself to gadgets, or soft blankets. Choose a food even (but not to excess) something like a juicy watermelon or papaya. Whatever you like really, just line up a couple of wholesome treats for yourself in the week that you know will make you feel good and turn your attention away from stress and into that thing.
4. SHOWER/BATH
Rather than plonking onto the sofa after work, why not wash the day off instead? It’s a metaphorical practice however, the stimulation of your circulatory system will energise you for the evening and in essence wash the stress of your day away. The key here is to do it straight away.
5. QUIET TIME
Carve out at least 20 minutes in your evening so just sit in silence. Literally, just sit in silence. Look out of the window, look at your hands, give yourself a hug. Being silent everyday can help you calm down over time
You have to want to make changes in your routine so that you start enjoying your life more and feel more balanced in your wellbeing. To calm down after a long day will be highly beneficial but will only work if you know why you’re doing it. The benefits must always outweigh the effort.
Puja McClymont – certified coach, wisdom teacher, speaker and host of the SELF Care 101 podcast.
As a life and leadership coach, I help mission-driven individuals who are seeking direction, to gain clarity, by expanding their inner awareness through the ancient wisdom teachings of Ayurveda and Yoga; so that they can lead more purposeful and fulfilling lives.
Discover tips and insights through my YouTube channel, podcast, blog and email edit.
