Fun Ways to Decompress After Work @kneippusa #DiscoverKneipp

This post was created in partnership with Kneipp. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!

The thought of inviting bed, a steaming cup of coffee, or just being outside your workplace sounds rather divine after having a very long day at work. The first you want to do is get back home quickly and drop headfirst on your bed and do absolutely nothing. And why not? We deserve it after being so productive the whole day.

But somehow, the stress from work is still there, which is why we may find it hard to de-stress.

We start to think about our deadlines, any pending work we may have, maybe some messy life situation… Basically, we do everything other than decompressing and relaxing.

In this article, we’ll help you get rid of this very problem. We’ll discuss a few fun and easy ways to decompress and refresh yourself so you’re ready for the next day head-on.

So, let’s get to it!

Go for a Long Stroll – Without Your Phone

In this technologically-advanced world of today, there is never really a time when we don’t have our phones in our hands. We are either going through our emails, making calls, or simply scrolling through our social media.

Additionally, we spend the majority of the day cooped up in rooms with the AC switched on.

This is precisely why you should go for a walk for about 15-20 minutes every day, and preferably, leave your phone at home.

The combination of light activity and fresh air can have a soothing effect on your senses, allowing you to destress. And when you don't have your phone, you won't be tempted to check your notifications or work messages.

Just imagine it: the wind in your face, the chirping sounds of the birds, fresh, crisp air to breathe, and the pavement under your feet. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Talk to Your Loved Ones

Sometimes, talking is the only relief you need. You’ll find yourself feeling better after a good heart-to-heart with a supportive person who can be your friend or family member who simply listens to you.

That said, the urge to vent out our job stress during your family gathering can be high, but we would recommend that you instead concentrate and discuss positive things.

Of course, you can feel overwhelmed by job stress and would therefore want to discuss that in more detail, but isn’t the entire point of destressing to leave work at work?

Indulge in a Little Pampering Session

Self-care has quickly become one of the latest buzzwords, with many people taking out time from their busy schedules to take care of their body and mind.

And why not? Why do you have to wait for a special occasion to indulge in some pampering?

Taking a hot bath with scented candles and relaxing music, getting your nails done, grooming yourself, or getting a spa day – there's so much you can do that can help you feel better and relaxed.

Not only will you feel better, but you'll also look better!

Kneipp Bath and Bodycare

One of our favorite ways to pamper ourselves and de-stress is with Kneipp.

Kneipp provides plant-based bath and body products that help nourish your skin naturally. They have been around for over 125 years so needless to say they know their stuff.

We've come up with a little bathing ritual using Kneipp products that help us de-stress in no time.

Step 1: Soak

Almost nothing is as relaxing as soaking in warm water for 15-20 minutes.

We like to settle into a warm bath infused with Kneipp Pure Relaxation Mineral Bath Salt. It has a nice lemony scent that just makes you feel good and forget the days troubles.

Afterward, you feel refreshed and ready to take on more.

If you feel a cold coming on, add Kneipp Eucalyptus Bath Oil to your water to relieve congestion and make you breathe better. We love its strong scent—a little goes a long way, and it is dyed green.

Or, if you are suffering from sore muscles, use Kneipp Joint & Muscle Arnica Mineral Bath Salt instead of Pure Relaxation. It'll help loosen up your muscle and detox your body at the same time! You'll feel so good you won't mind it turns your water an orange-yellow color.

Step 2: Wash

Cleansing yourself with Kneipp Stress-Free Body Wash helps alleviate any tension you may be experiencing.

It is scented with mandarin and orange blossom essential oils which smell amazing. So good, in fact, you'll be able to think about nothing else but its aroma. Which is exactly what you need after a hectic day.

Step 3: Restore

Did you know your skin can get stressed too? By applying Kneipp Restoring Body Oil after a bath or shower, you'll be providing your skin with much-needed nourishment and hydration.

It's another great smelling product, and we loved that it also absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

It makes your skin so soft!

Combine all these great products to make a Kneipp De-Stress Kit that's great for holiday gift-giving 🙂

Take Advantage of Mindful Meditation

When we talk about “fun“ ways to decompress after work, meditation isn’t necessarily the first thing that pops into our mind, but it’s surely one of the most effective ways to unwind after a long day.

In fact, many people claim that those who haven’t tried meditation are really missing out on its therapeutic properties for your mind and body.

Moreover, even research has suggested that daily meditation can make you more resilient to stress since it can alter our brain's neural pathways.

In other words, you aren’t just improving your mindfulness for a day, but you're also laying the foundation to avoid stress in the future as well.

Take Out Your Favorite Book

There are few things as pleasurable as reading a good book while lying on a comfortable couch.

Whether you prefer Stephen King or Jane Austen or E.L James, you can be assured of getting lost in a fictional world, away from the pressures of the workplace.

While reading from a Kindle can be convenient but we would advise that you go old school and read from an actual book.

However, if you do decide to read books online, try to finish half an hour before going to bed. This will help you fall asleep without any struggle.

Play Some Soothing and Calming Music

If you aren’t much of a reader, you can seek solace by playing some soothing tunes. You see, music has the power to influence our mood, and can promote feelings of calmness and serenity.

Having said that, it’s important that you stick to slow music that can help reduce your heart rate.

Playing loud and fast genres of music will only aggravate your present condition, and eventually, give you a headache. Classical music, for instance, can help you relax and make it easier for you to breathe.

Catch Some Zzzzs

Who doesn’t like to enjoy a good night's sleep? After all, there is no better way to restore your energy levels and feel rejuvenated for the next day.

However, sleeping comfortably through the night can be challenging for most of us. If you face any problem falling asleep, start by preparing early for bedtime.

Make sure that your bedroom is clean and distraction-free. You should try to avoid electronic devices, such as TVs, mobile phones, or tablets, at least half an hour before getting into bed as well.

Also, once you’re in your bed, make sure you don’t have your phone in your hand or the TV on – just close your eyes, and you'll find yourself falling asleep within minutes.

Have a Post-Work Ritual

Not many people are aware, but following a post-work ritual you can have a very calming effect on your mind and help you unwind after long days at work.

This routine doesn’t need to be too complicated – simple things like taking deep breaths, taking a bath, or arranging things for the next day at work can work wonders.

The idea here is to mentally go over things you look forward to doing for the remaining part of the evening.

Try experimenting with activities here, and eventually, you’ll find tasks that suit your routine the best. Make things that help you decompress a habit, and ensure that you keep doing it.