Feeling Worn Out but Struggling to Switch Off? Here are Some Tips on How to Relax and Unwind at the End of a Busy Day

We’ve all never lived busier and more stressed out lifestyles than we are nowadays. We’re all working more, resting less, and the ever constant presence of social media makes it very difficult for us to switch off from the rest of the world. We’re all experiencing the feelings of being worn out, however are completely unable to turn off from them – which is strange in itself. If this sounds like something you’re experiencing at current, then here are some tips to help you to relax and unwind at the end of another busy day and there is plenty of help available at BetterHelp.  

Surround Yourself with Wonderful Aromas 

One of the best ways of helping to body to unwind, is by surrounding it with relaxing aromas. After all, if you’re willing to invest in a load of air fresheners say before you sell your house, why wouldn’t you do it for yourself? 

It doesn’t matter how you do it – whether it’s scented candles, reed diffusers or the ever increasingly popular wax melts. Simply picking some of your favourite relaxing aromas and filling a room with them can start to do the trick.  

Did you know that smells are also linked to psychology? Well, they are! Our brains actually associate smells with memories, so if you have any memories of being particularly happy and relaxed and can remember the smells surrounding you at that moment, trying to replicate them could be a good place to start. If your memory isn’t that good, then the classic lavender is by far the most relaxing scent out there. Studies have actually shown that lavender can help to reduce anxiety disorders and promote mood stability too, and it actually contains components that can slow down brain activity. With that being said, it’s no wonder lavender is one of the most popular oils used in aromatherapy and always has been!

Listen to Music 

At the end of a long day, listening to your favourite music can be a great way to help you to unwind and let go of the stresses clinging to you.  

Although certain types of music are more likely to promote relaxation than others – for example classical piano pieces are far more likely to encourage sleepiness than heavy rock – listening to whatever you fancy is a good way of destressing. It doesn’t matter whether that be headbanging to classic rock or lying in the bath listening to Adele’s greatest ballads – you’ve got to do what’s right for you. 

Music is proven to relieve anxiety and to give your mind a break from all of the things it’s currently in a twist about, so give it a go. There’s no one in the world who doesn’t love at least one genre of music!  

Snuggle Up with a Furry Friend 

Do you have a pet? Then we’ve got some good news – cuddling up with your furry friend is likely to help you to relax a lot more easily. 

There’s something about spending time with animals, that spending time with people just doesn’t provide. It could be their complete lack of judgement, their unconditional love or even the warmth of their bodies. Animals for the most part are entirely accepting of us as we are, and it doesn’t matter if we’ve had a god awful day and are wearing our oldest pyjamas with all of the holes in – they’ll shower you with affection anyway. They mightn’t be able to use words, but they communicate with you in their own way.  

If you don’t have a pet – why not consider volunteering at your local cat and dog shelter? Not only are you doing an extremely generous thing, but it’s also incredibly rewarding emotionally. And who knows, once you’ve spent a little time there, you might get so attached that you choose to adopt a little friend and take them home with you. 

Read a Book 

Ever wish you could temporarily leave your life and step foot into an entirely different world where anything is possible? Well you can, and it’s pretty easy too.  

Finally, simply sit back and read a book. Even if you’re not the most avid reader in the world, even committing to a few pages of something you’re interested in can give you the chance to remove yourself from all of the feelings you’re currently feeling. After all, isn’t that what relaxing truly is? Plus it’s proven to help you sleep better, so that’s a win-win-win. 

** This is a collaborative post **