Winding Down the Day at Home by Elizabeth Blanchard
Winding down after working or socializing is very important to ensure that you are ready for rest! It can be all too easy to simply crash on the couch as soon as you walk in the door, but I have found that it feels much better to ease that transition by slowly unwinding.
I like to start with making sure that I’ve had enough food and water. After a long day at work or school, I rarely have the energy to cook. Frozen dinners and bagged salads are a great way for me to make sure that I can still eat nutritious meals. Brewing tea is a simple ritual that is perfect for starting that transition to rest. I love mixing my own blends of tea leaves and herbs to make the perfect cup for whatever I’m feeling that day – or just stick with a classic, like peppermint.
Once I’m fed and hydrated, I like to do something creative to relax my mind. Making collages is my favorite thing to do, but I also love writing poetry and doodling or coloring. The most important part is listening to yourself, assessing where your energy levels are at, and not overdoing it. If I want to make a canvas collage but don’t feel up to pulling all of my supplies out of my closet, I might sketch it out – or at least write a note of my idea so I don’t forget it – then move on to something that requires less energy for me, like coloring. I also love coloring when I am listening to a podcast or audiobook – it doesn’t distract me from listening, but it is still engaging enough so that I don’t get distracted by anything else that would keep me from relaxing.
Lastly, I get cleaned up and cozy before crawling into bed. I am personally a huge fan of showering at night rather than in the morning – not only does it relax my muscles and signal to my brain that it’s almost time to sleep, but I also like to envision myself washing off all of the stress of the day. That way, I don’t have to bring it with me when I try to go to sleep – if I’ve washed it away, then all I need to do when I finally lay down is simply rest.
Next time you have a busy day, try these methods to relax, unwind, and connect with yourself! To learn more about our monthly meetings with the Hey, I’m Here Squad and ways to tap into your body and emotions, head over to our social media: www.instagram.com/heyimhereohio
Additional tools for when you may be in crisis:
U.S. Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Ohio Mobile Response and Stabilization Services: 1-888-418-MRSS (6777)