Relaxing after work isn’t always easy. No matter how much you look forward to the end of the day. We’re constantly connected. The world we live in has us “on” all the time. Sure, we shut down the laptop. Leave the office. But our minds keep spinning. Clients. Deadlines. Texts. Emails. Endless responsibilities. It’s no wonder we don’t know how to relax after work! But it’s possible. You can achieve work/life balance. Naturally. Yes, modern life is chaotic. Your life doesn’t have to be.
How to Relax After Work: 5 Ways to Unwind at the End of the Day
At Twin Waves Wellness Center, we’re holistic chiropractors. We take a whole-body approach to healing. We practice gentle touch chiropractic, known as Network Spinal. As network spinal chiropractors, we understand the role the nervous system plays in our ability to relax. It’s the bridge between body and mind. And when it’s off, we feel it everywhere. Incessant thoughts. Restless sleep. Tight shoulders. Neck pain. Emotional burnout.
Here’s the thing. The nervous system plays a huge role. Want to know how to relax after work? Give your nervous system some love.
1. Holistic Chiropractic Care
Maybe you sit all day. Or are constantly on the go. Tension builds up and gets stored in the body either way. This can cause the nervous system to get stuck in survival mode. Causing a fight or flight (or freeze) response. Even if you don’t realize it.
Body and mind are connected. Relaxing after work is impossible without regular self-care. Work stress and life can get in the way. When neglected, all this stress causes physical tension. It accumulates in the spine. Eventually, this mental stress can lead to chronic pain. It weakens the body. Causes different health problems.
Here’s where holistic chiropractic care comes in. Healing doesn’t have to be hard. Network spinal is gentle. This is embodied healing. It uses light touches along the spine known as contacts. There’s no cracking or popping anything into place. Instead, this gentle touch helps release tension that’s stuck in the body. The result? The nervous system learns new patterns. This helps you learn how to relax after work.
2. Incorporate Conscious Breathwork
Breath control equals mind control. It’s why breathing exercises are so beneficial for stress. Breathwork is easy. It can be done wherever. Whenever. One of the best ways to unwind after work is breath awareness. It automatically shifts nervous system energy. As a somatic practitioner, I see it all the time.
Try it now. Inhale through the nose for a count of four. Hold for a count of two. Exhale slowly for a count of six. Repeat this a few times. Notice how your shoulders drop. How your body naturally starts to relax. The way the mind slows down.
Conscious breathwork like this helps you center. There’s research showing slow breathing promotes changes in the central nervous system. Get in the habit of incorporating conscious breathwork into your daily routine, and relaxing after work becomes second nature.
3. Release Tension with Regular Massage
Bodywork is important for releasing stress stored in the body. Regular massage can help. It’s also super complementary between chiropractic sessions. Massage doesn’t just feel good. It helps reduce stress. Think of massage as a nervous system hug. One that helps you relax. And feel safe.
The good news? You don’t have to get a professional massage to reap the benefits. Self-massage at home can also help you relax. You can use a handheld massager. Or your own hands to gently work tension in the neck and shoulders.
4. Spend Time Outside
Nature is an amazing way to mellow out. Just a short walk outside can shift everything. It’s grounding. Supports mental well-being. It can help you recharge. This will help you relax. Getting outside after a long workday might be the last thing you want to do. But before you head home, try to spend a little time outside.
Walk barefoot in the grass. Watch the sunset. Sit under a tree in the park. I promise it will recharge your batteries. Give you a fresh perspective. Improve mental clarity. Just 20 minutes of nature will relieve stress. Choose to go outside when you wrap up your workday. It will make a huge difference.
You can be walking your dog, jogging, or enjoying some fun family outdoor activities. The goal is to create space in your routine for outdoor time in your schedule.
5. Allow Yourself to Express Your Emotions
Stress isn’t just in your head. It lives in your body. Suppressed emotions get stored as physical tension. Emotional expression helps release it. Maybe talk to someone you trust. Writing can help, too. Studies show that keeping a journal relieves stress. Just 10 minutes of journaling a day helps. Emotional expression shifts your perspective. Lighten your mental load. It’s a much better option than keeping everything in.
Now That You Know How to Relax After Work…
We all need to unplug. Work/life balance is so important. But it can be super difficult to maintain. At Twin Waves Wellness Center, we help people reconnect to their natural rhythm. Our goal is simple. Dr. Suzanna and I want you to experience life with more ease. Be more present. Increase your vitality. Feel truly alive. If work stress has you bordering on burnout, don’t wait until it’s worse. Curious about seeing an energy healer in San Diego? Or how holistic chiropractic can help? We’d love to help. Decide to relax after work naturally. Then work doesn’t get in the way of living.