Top tips on relaxing after a long day at work

Eat. Sleep. Work. Repeat. A routine many of us are all too familiar with – and work seems to take up the biggest chunk of it!

If, like many of us, you’ve found yourself caught up in the daily grind of working life and feel in desperate need of some inspiration on ways to kick back and relax, you’ve come to the right place.

Work, work, work, work, work

Gone are the days when 37-odd hours of graft a week was the norm. According to research conducted by Ocean loans, on average, many Brits are working more than one job and spending a grand total of more than 50 hours a week grafting.

If you’re busy juggling jobs whilst trying to maintain a social life, family and household, it can seem impossible to get some ‘you time’. To help, we’ve put together some handy tips to help you unwind after the hard day’s graft is done. They don’t take up too much time, but you’re sure to agree it’s time well spent.

1. Get out of your work gear, run a bath and have a nice long soak to rid your body and mind of all the stress and tension from the day.

2. If you’ve got the energy for it, hit the gym and give your body a blast. After a long day it can be hard to motivate yourself to go, but more often than not you’ll feel better for it once you’re in the zone. If you’ve had a particularly pressing day at the office, the gym is a great way to relieve stress.

3. If you’re rushing from one job to another on a regular basis, you’re probably eating on the go, which doesn’t allow you to fully enjoy your food. If you’ve got a night off, take care of your taste buds, cook yourself something healthy and settle down in front of your favourite box set on the TV.

4. Cleanse yourself with a replenishing yoga or meditation class. Hatha yoga is all about slow and gentle body movements and is a proven way to wind down at the end of the day. Why not give it a go?

5. Whatever ‘me time’ means to you, take some! Whether it’s reading a book, listening to music, catching up on soaps, playing an instrument or crafting, take some time out to do something you enjoy for yourself.

6. Don’t look at the clock for a cue; just hit the hay if it’s what your body’s craving. People often hold out from climbing into bed because it’s ‘too early’, but don’t let that stop you.

7. If the weather permits it, spend a bit of time in the great outdoors. If you don’t want to venture too far, your own backyard or a local park will do. From strengthening your immune system to increasing happiness, energy and mental sharpness, there’s plenty of benefits that make fresh air a good pick-me-up.