After a working week, looking after yourself can feel like an impossible task, but there are so many little things you can do to help your body and mind recover from the stresses of work and the mundane routine that comes with it.
Here are six ways to look after yourself after a working week, from having a workout at home to relaxing with a little treat. You can adapt the following tips to suit your circumstances, no matter where you work or what type of job you have.
1. Stretch it Out
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While working in an office all day, it’s easy to let your body become stiff and tense. Make time in your evening to stretch out – this will help with backache, sore legs, and cramps. A little exercise can make all of these go away fast!
2. Treat Yourself!
It can be easy to forget that our bodies need rest and care just as much as they need sustenance. But, if you really want your body to work at its peak, you’ve got to treat it right, and that includes allowing yourself a treat every now and then.
That’s not to say that spending the entire weekend in front of the TV eating snacks is a good idea. However, don’t be afraid to give in to your wants at the weekend – if you’ve been craving a takeaway all week, allow yourself this small treat at the weekend. Similarly, if you want to stay home and watch a movie instead of going out with friends, don’t be afraid to say no sometimes.
Relax – you deserve it!
3. Invest in High-quality Sleepwear
Invest in a few high-quality items that will make you feel great. Try silk or bamboo sleepwear, which is much more comfortable than cotton, and may make you sleep better as well. It may seem like an extra cost at first, but it’s worth it in terms of how rested and energized you’ll feel.
It’s also essential that you get enough sleep at night. Most adults require seven to eight hours of sleep every night. If you can, try and schedule your sleep pattern to go to bed before 11 pm and wake up before 7 am. This way, your body can settle into its natural rhythms and avoid stress caused by working late at night or waking up early in the morning.
Even at the weekend, it’s best to stick to the same sleep schedule if possible – night owls are more likely to suffer from conditions including heart disease and obesity.
4. Take A Hot Bath
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Before you go to bed, indulge in a hot bath. Studies have shown that taking hot baths and relaxing can help promote better sleep for people who are suffering from insomnia or otherwise finding it difficult to get a good night’s rest.
The heat will also relieve tension within your muscles and soothe away any aches and pains that might be bothering you. A warm bath is a great way to pamper yourself after working hard all week.
5. Relax and Disconnect
You’ve earned some rest and relaxation. It’s important to unplug and not take your work problems home with you; it’s also good for your mind and body to disconnect entirely from work – even just for one evening.
Try going out on Friday or Saturday night without checking your phone even once. Focus on your friends, family, and self-care instead of that report that needs finishing by Monday morning.
6. Get Some Fresh Air
It’s easy to fall into habits – working in an office, staying inside or near your place of work, only socializing with colleagues. But these things make it hard for you to get enough fresh air and sunlight.
Getting outside can improve your mental health and may even help you sleep better at night. In fact, research shows that daylight exposure is one of the best things you can do for your sleep cycle. So, try to take a short walk on the weekend; it’s sure to lift your spirits and leave you feeling ready to face the office again on Monday morning.
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