Easy ways to unwind after work without leaving the house
After you’ve had a long day of emails, deadlines, and commuting, the prospect of unwinding after work at home can feel like just another task, and before you know it, your evening is gone. But you don’t need to buy fancy equipment, book lengthy spa appointments, or even step outside to decompress if you don’t want to do so. From the old standby of comfort TV to quick bursts of creativity, read on to discover eight low-effort ways to ease into your evening with intention – and none of them involve leaving the comfort of your house.
Create rituals to mark the end of the workday
Our brains are primed to respond to signals. So, shift into relaxation mode with a ritual that tells your brain ‘work is finished’. This might be slipping into a pair of fleece pyjamas, setting your devices to switch off all notifications at a certain time, or lighting a favourite candle. Whatever you prefer to wind down, just make sure to be consistent so you build a clear daily boundary between productivity and personal time.
Curl up to music or a comforting TV show
Don’t just think of comfort media as background noise. Pick a nostalgic sitcom from a quieter era, watch a documentary, or put on a curated playlist of whatever calms you, such as mellow jazz. Whatever your medium of relaxation, choose something that makes you feel safe, seen, or simply soothed, but most importantly, something different from what you spend your workday doing or listening to.
Embrace mindless fun with online games
If you enjoy light fun and mental stimulation but don’t want anything overly taxing, a few minutes spent playing a puzzle app or a thrilling game of online slots can be surprisingly relaxing. It is a way to ensure you’re not spending hours reaching difficult levels, just a small bit of entertainment to help bridge the gap between work stress and a relaxed evening.
Do a 10-minute home workout or stretch
You don’t need a gym to reap the benefits of movement. Working out for hours isn’t everyone's idea of a relaxing evening, but you’ll find even minutes of stretching, yoga done to a YouTube video, or even just dancing like nobody’s watching can release both mental and physical tension. You’ll feel a lot happier without draining your remaining energy.
Cook your way to calm
Making dinner can be grounding. A satisfying meal (even a one-pan pasta dish) can restore a sense of control and give you a chance to get out of your head and be creative, helping you reconnect with yourself.
Knitting and crafts: Start a creative hobby
Starting a creative hobby is one of the best ways to instantly pull yourself into a soothing flow state and completely forget the worries of the day. Try an activity such as knitting (known for being extremely meditative). Even doodling in the margins of a notebook can be an exercise in mindfulness.The key is not to be too ambitious or look at it as needing to be a certain thing; just go with the flow,as the aim is to destress, not create a perfect work of art.
Unplug and escape into a book
It’s always a good idea to put down the screens and pick up a book – even more so when you’re trying to unwind. Whether your book of choice is a graphic novel or a few pages of classic fiction, reading is a very popular and successful way to quietly shift your mind and slow your pace.
Bubbles, balms, bedtime: Self-care as ceremony
Run a warm bath, apply a soothing face mask, or just give yourself an extra 15 minutes for skincare. These rituals tell your nervous system it’s safe to let go and feel good doing it.
Wind down your way
After-work relaxation doesn’t have to be elaborate. With these simple routines, you can reclaim your evenings and rewire your stress response in the process.
