After a long day of building or running your online business, you’re likely beyond ready to relax and let go of the pressures of your day.
But do you ever find it difficult to truly unwind without thinking about your tasks for the next day or mentally adding to an upcoming meeting agenda? Often succumbing to the many email or Slack notifications that continue to pop up?
You’re definitely not alone, chica!
Turning your mind off is hard work! And finding healthy ways to relax can be even harder.
My first reaction when I close my laptop and wrap up dinner is often turning to Netflix. Don’t get me wrong, Netflix is a perfectly acceptable way to relax, but lately, I’ve just felt unfulfilled after mindlessly bingeing and piling up on the snacks while I attempt to zone out.
So, I made it my goal to find unique and different activities to relax after wrapping up work that don’t involve the beloved Netflix. This is my go-to list when simple activities like going for a walk and taking a bath just aren’t cutting it for me 😉
Here are six surprising ways to totally unwind at home after a long day of hard work…
1. Do an At-Home Wine Tasting
We did an at-home wine tasting last week and it was seriously such a blast and so relaxing!
Just buy a few bottles of wine, each from a different country, that you’ve never tried before. Then, set up your dining room or kitchen table to mimic a wine-tasting space — Think water glasses, charcuterie cuts like cheese and cured meats and some simple water crackers.
As you enjoy each wine, listen to a Spotify playlist that features music from the country that the wine is from. Close your eyes, let the music fill your soul, the wine satisfy your palate, and get ready to transport across the world with a simple sip…right from your dining room!
2. Try Out A New Recipe
One of my favorite places to relax after a long day of work is in the kitchen. There’s just something about the process of creating a delicious dish and the aroma that it creates that puts my mind at ease.
Lately, I’ve been allll about trying new recipes…especially to transport myself to one of my favorite countries right from my kitchen 😉
One of the easiest ways to do this? Cook your way through a cookbook! I’m currently making my way through Italy in this Italian Farmhouse Cookbook. After, your stomach will be satisfied and your mind relaxed!
3. Enjoy a Staycation in Your Backyard
It’s the perfect time to make your backyard staycation-ready so you can unwind after a long day of work! Just close your eyes, listen to the birds chirp, and relax under the sun. After being cooped up at your computer all day, fresh air and nature is the refreshment you definitely need!
Here are a few ideas to cozy up your backyard:
- Get an inflatable pool
- Build a fire pit
- Relax in a comfy lounge chair
- Hang a hammock
- String lights or ignite tiki torches
4. Go on a “road trip” around town
We love clearing our minds by going for a drive…even if it is just around town. Cruising around while jamming to your favorite playlist and sipping on your to-go mug of tea will strip all your worries away!
Want to make your road trip even more fun? Contact your local car rental agency and see if they’re offering any deals or discounts. Convertible tops make cruising around all the better! 😉
5. Unwind with Coloring, Trivia & Puzzle Apps
Looking for an artistic and entertaining way to relax? Scribble your way through coloring books, put your trivia skills to the test, or puzzle your way through a mystery. We love ending our day with a fun activity, especially after a long, intense day of working hard!
Here are a few of our favorite apps:
6. Take a Virtual Museum or National Park Tour
Enjoy a relaxing evening after work by exploring the outdoors or visiting some of the most famous museums around the world. Put your comfy pants on, snuggle up, grab a glass of wine, and travel from the comfort of your own bed.
Looking for recommendations? Here are a few museums and parks that we can’t wait to tour:
- British Museum, London
- Pergamon Museum, Berlin
- Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
- Louvre Museum, Paris
- Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
- Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
No matter what you choose to do, it’s so important that you take the time to decompress and relax after a hard day’s work. Not only will you sleep better at night, but your overall creativity, productivity, and inspiration will sky rocket!
If you’d rather watch Netflix to unwind after a long day, you do you, chica! Check out our favorite binge-worthy and uplifting Netflix shows for girl bosses here.
