Apart from your career, you dedicate time to your household while pursuing other passions. There's not enough time in the day, and your schedule is ever-growing. Whether you're a single, working mom or a stay-at-home wife, your responsibilities are significant, so recharge your batteries to maintain the momentum and stay strong and resilient. Spending time in front of the screen doesn't help you relax, so tempting as it may be to use your computer or phone before bed, don't. Here are different technology-free ways to relax.
Make Your Shower a Soothing Escape
There are good reasons to shower in the evening, besides better hygiene practices. The warmth and heat of the water can ease tension and anxiety, so the temperature change is comforting. Taking a shower is a way to balance your body and mind. When you wash the dirt off your body, you wipe the slate clean (metaphorically speaking, of course). If the day's experiences are stressful, you separate them from the present, which helps you sleep soundly. Not only does a shower help you sleep well, but it also creates a suitable environment for meditation, as you can escape stressors.
Before you turn the hot water on, there are some do's on getting the most out of your routine:
• Get therapeutic with essential oils. Fill a cup with warm water and a few drops of your preferred essential oil. Place that cup on the side of the tub or the shower caddy. The heat and steam of the water will disperse and diffuse the essential oil.
• Greenify your self-care routine. Plants can purify the air, eliminate bacteria, and absorb extra moisture. Why don't you turn your bathroom into a jungle oasis? Set up a plant shelf or hang a plant from the ceiling – whatever works best.
• Turn on the music. Tunes sound better in the shower, in case you didn't know. Listening to music will help you reach a state of relaxation that's harder to achieve without it. Singing along helps release endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine.
Chat With a Friend or A Family Member
If you have a reflective personality (i.e., you're an introvert), talking to others induces more stress than it helps, as you prefer solitude and silence. But if you're an outgoing, socially confident person, you could use someone to talk to, especially if you can't sleep and quiet your mind. When you're handling a situation on your own, chatting with a friend or family member can give you a fresh perspective on things, so you'll understand it's not the end of the world. Plus, your loved ones make you laugh, which is good for your health.
Put On Your Jammers
Breathable fabrics such as bamboo put you in the right mood for relaxation and rejuvenation. Having a separate outfit at home for day and night isn't a luxury anymore. These days, prices are much more affordable, so don't hesitate to look into bamboo loungewear – it's not the price that makes the difference, but the quality of the material. Bamboo jammers feel fresh in warm weather and offer much-needed protection against the chill of a cold day. They're soft and comfortable, so it's improbable they’ll irritate your skin; the loungewear is perfect if you struggle with allergies.
Attention must be paid to the fact that heavily advertised products contain a small percentage of bamboo fabric. The jammers are a combination of rayon and viscose. More exactly, brands are lying about what their sleepwear is made from in a bid to be more appealing than they really are. Do research before you buy to make sure you're making the best possible choice. If you want to leverage the benefits of bamboo fabric, including thermal regulation, quick-drying, antimicrobial properties, and odor resistance, go with a brand that uses only locally-sourced and eco-friendly materials.
Go For a Walk With The Dog
Having an active pet comes with certain responsibilities, one of which is a regular walk. Before you head out the door, ensure you have the right supplies: versatile walking shoes, plastic bags, treats, and a spare leash/collar. Seeing your pooch run around, wag its tail, and play fetch is one of the best sights you can behold. Allow your body to breathe in the fresh air and gaze upon the beauty around you. Just being around your dog lowers your stress levels, so your furry companion brings a sense of goodwill, joy, and happiness. Hook on the leash, go outside and be happy.
Read A Good Book
Reading long into the night can keep you from catching some Z's, but reading for a short period of time can help you fall asleep faster. You can travel to places far away, experience love and romance, or go on an adventure – without even leaving your home. Reading allows you to leave the presence of your reality and engage in something else, which explains why you feel more well-rested than when you wake up. When you read, you force your mind to concentrate on the words, characters, and storyline; this, in turn, helps you stay focused throughout the day.
If you do it incorrectly, your sleep might have to suffer. You're better off with print, so leave your phone and tablet aside. The devices aren't the problem, but the blue light they emit, as can cause vision problems and makes it impossible for you to fall asleep. If your mind is cluttered, immersing yourself in a story is a challenge, so spend five minutes practicing meditation. Once you manage to calm your mind, your body will follow, so you'll wake up feeling recharged. If you have business-related books, no problem.
Final Thoughts
Being a woman is a tough job (but it's also an added bonus). After a tiring day, you need to rest and relax, so identify what activities best suit your interests and work best for you. Instead of collapsing on the couch when you come home from work or finish your household chores, find better ways to unwind.