Adulting is hard, and the work week has a special way of proving that. If you are looking for ways to unwind after a stressful week, read on.

Take A Long Bath

This seems very cliché , but it is very effective. Soaking away your worries from the previous week in a steamy tub. Pair this bath with the right candles and bubble bath for the ultimate soft life experience. A bath can also help you to relax your muscles and completely de-stress.

Girl looking at mirror
Photo Credit: ANTONI SHKRABA

Avoid Sugar-Loaded Foods And Alcohol

Foods loaded with tons of sugar, starch and carbs may be delicious at first, but they are a disaster for good sleep. A good, long night’s sleep is important for feeling centered. Although Friday night might seem like the perfect time to be liberal with alcohol and junk food, it can significantly disrupt your sleep.

Photo by: Creative Vix
Photo Credit: Creative Vix

Get A Massage

Some people do well with massages, but others do not. If you don’t mind getting a massage, this can be a great way to bring closure to the end of the week. A good massage can relieve nerves by reducing stress, muscle soreness, and tension to improve blood circulation.

Unplug From Social Media Completely

If it is possible, disconnect completely from social media and external “noise” for the entire weekend. There is something inherently peaceful and calming about disconnecting from social media for a bit to reconnect with yourself. Depending on your preference, this can be for a few hours or a few days.

 

Image of woman holding phone
Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto

Drink Tea

Sometimes tea gets a bad rep, but it can be one of the most relaxing and refreshing drinks. The right type of tea can leave you feeling rejuvenated, recharged, and centered. For the ultimate experience, opt for loose tea and ditch milk and sugar to avoid disrupting the effect of the hot drink.

Woman drinking tea
Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio

Indulge

The rest of the week forces us to be uptight, stressed, and wound around too tightly. The first step to moving away from that is to do something for yourself that you deprived yourself of during the week. This could include a manicure, pedicure, or a shopping trip.

Image of woman shopping
Photo Credit: Porapak Apichodilok

Go Outside

Not many of us are avid outdoor people, but being outside, even for a few minutes, can be amazing. This applies to cooler days as well. Taking time to reconnect with the natural world is a powerful feeling and can do wonders.

Do Something That Calms You, It Could Be Anything

Relaxation is subjective. A calming activity can induce stress in another person, so find something that specifically calms you and invest time in doing it at some point each day throughout the weekend.

Sleep Early

Most of us often underestimate the value of good sleep. Beyond helping your body and mind relax, Sleeping early can do amazing things for your mental health and overall well being. Ditch the bad habits that are keeping you awake, and take advantage of a full, uninterrupted night of rest.

Woman with afro sleeping
Photo Credit: cottonbro

Nurture Mindfulness

Many times we do things without thinking, but being mindful and intentional about relaxing can help us truly get in the right zone and take our minds off of the stressors of life, no matter what they are. Cultivating mindfulness can help you reconnect with yourself so that when the new week starts up again, you are operating from a vantage point of mindful abundance. Meditation is a great way to develop this skill.