Let’s be honest, most of us know that feeling of a hectic day weighing us down, right? It turns out, you’re definitely not alone.
Recent research from The American Institute of Stress actually found that a whopping 80% of employees are dealing with stress that affects their productivity and just generally makes them feel less good.
That’s a huge number, and it really highlights how important it is to find real, practical ways to shake off that tension at the end of the day.
That’s exactly what this article is all about – giving you a friendly, expert-backed guide to help you do just that: melt away the stress and find some calm.unset
Inside, we’re going to explore a bunch of great activities that specialists actually recommend for unwinding and recharging.
Think of it like this: as the saying goes, “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.”
We’ll dive into things like the simple joy of a nature walk and the wonderfully grounding practice of Pilates, among other expert-approved ideas.
The goal here is to give you real, actionable ways to hit that reset button. So, ready to find your own perfect way to feel more relaxed and bring some balance back into your life?
Keep reading – the expert tips and tricks are waiting for you in the next sections!
- Process Emotions Through Journaling
- Find Peace in Nature Walks
- Unwind with Pilates and Stretching
- Relax in Your Garden Sanctuary
- Ground Yourself with a Quiet Walk
- Release Tension with Strength Training
- Reset with a Simple Walk
- Unwind by Watching the S
Process Emotions Through Journaling
Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Icy Tales
Journaling is my number one activity to unwind after a long day because it gives me a framework to process emotions, reflect on experiences, and feel in control. In a world where workdays are often crazy and unpredictable, journaling helps me slow down and unpack the mental noise.
For example, after a particularly tough day with shifting priorities and hard decisions, I turn to my journal to document the events, my reactions, and any lessons learned. This does more than just clear my head—it turns overwhelming emotions into actionable insights. By identifying the common stressors, I’ve been able to adjust how I approach certain situations and reduce the same frustrations in the future.
The analytical part of journaling also helps me see patterns in my behavior and productivity. For instance, I’ve noticed that on days when I journal about gratitude or small wins, I feel more positive and motivated. This has made me make gratitude a regular part of my entries. Journaling isn’t just therapeutic—it’s strategic and helps me figure out what works and what doesn’t, professionally and personally.
Plus, this practice is super restorative because it combines mindfulness with problem-solving. Writing about challenges or uncertainties forces me to articulate them clearly and often leads to unexpected solutions or a shift in perspective. It’s like having a conversation with myself where I play the dual role of critic and coach.
If you want to unwind and recharge, journaling is more than a quick fix—it’s a way to get clear, become self-aware, and improve your mind over time.
Find Peace in Nature Walks
Amaury Ponce, Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
After a long and demanding day, my go-to activity for de-stressing is taking a walk through nature, whether it’s in a local park or a quiet wooded area. There’s something about being surrounded by trees and greenery that helps me feel grounded and at peace. As a certified arborist and someone who has spent over 20 years in the tree care industry, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for trees not just for their ecological value but for the calm they bring to our lives.
Walking among them allows me to disconnect from the stresses of work and focus on the beauty and stillness of the natural world. I often find myself observing the health of the trees or the way the light filters through the branches, and it reminds me why I chose this career in the first place: to care for and preserve this incredible resource.
This routine helps me recharge both physically and mentally. Spending so much time outdoors during my workday, I understand firsthand the restorative power of nature, not just for the trees I care for but for myself as well. It reinforces my passion for what I do and helps me approach the next day with a fresh mindset and renewed energy. Whether it’s problem solving on a challenging job or delivering excellent service to customers, this quiet time in nature allows me to stay focused and perform at my best.
Unwind with Pilates and Stretching
Peter Hunt, Director & Physiotherapist, The Alignment Studio
My go-to activity for de-stressing after a long day is a combination of Pilates and mindful stretching. I often finish my day with a 20-minute session in the studio, focusing on slow, controlled movements that target areas of tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and lower back. This practice not only helps me unwind physically but also clears my mind, allowing me to reflect and reset.
With over 30 years of experience in physical therapy, I’ve seen firsthand how movement plays a critical role in maintaining both physical and mental health. By incorporating my professional knowledge into my own routine, I ensure my body stays strong and resilient while reducing the physical strain that can accumulate during the day.
One particularly stressful period I experienced was during the launch of The Alignment Studio in 2019. Balancing the demands of managing the clinic, building a multidisciplinary team, and ensuring patient care remained at a high standard left me stretched thin. I committed to daily Pilates sessions during that time, and they became my lifeline. The combination of movement, breathwork, and mindfulness helped me stay focused and energized, enabling me to tackle challenges with clarity.
That period reinforced the importance of self-care, a value I now emphasize not only to my patients but also to my team. It’s about practicing what I preach and using proven methods to achieve balance and recharge, so I can continue to deliver the best for my clients.
Relax in Your Garden Sanctuary
Andrew Osborne, Owner, Ozzie Mowing & Gardening
After a long day, my go-to activity for de-stressing is spending time in my own garden. I have a section of the garden dedicated purely to relaxation and creativity, filled with plants I’ve chosen specifically for their calming properties: lavender, rosemary, and jasmine. These plants don’t just look and smell wonderful; they also bring a sense of peace and balance to the space.
Gardening has always been a hands-on way for me to unwind because it combines both physical activity and mental focus that gently pulls me away from the stresses of the day. Whether I’m pruning, planting, or just sitting with a cup of tea listening to the rustling leaves, I find myself reconnecting with nature and regaining perspective.
My years of experience as a horticulturist have deepened this practice. Understanding the science behind plants and how they thrive makes the process even more rewarding. For example, when I plant a flower bed with perennials that will bloom year after year, I know I’m creating something sustainable and beautiful that will continue to grow with time.
This is incredibly grounding. Over the years, I’ve also realized that applying my knowledge to create a personal haven isn’t just relaxing; it’s a living example of how gardening can positively impact mental health.
It’s a great reminder of why I do what I do and why I love sharing this passion with my clients.
Ground Yourself with a Quiet Walk
Ashley Peña, National Executive Director of Mission Connection, Mission Connection Healthcare
After a long day, my go-to activity is a quiet walk, no headphones, no distractions. From my experience with patients and myself, there’s something about moving your body and letting your mind wander that’s incredibly grounding.
I often encourage patients to find activities that allow them to step out of “problem-solving mode” and just be. For me, walking does that. It helps untangle the mental knots that build up during the day and lets my thoughts settle naturally.
The key isn’t what you do, it’s finding something that feels restorative, not productive. Whether it’s walking, gardening, or just sitting with a cup of tea, these little rituals remind us to slow down and reconnect with ourselves.
Release Tension with Strength Training
Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
After a Long Day After a long day of managing my legal process outsourcing business, my go-to activity for de-stressing is strength training. I’ve found that lifting weights helps me release built-up tension and clears my mind.
One evening, after a particularly stressful day dealing with client deadlines and project management, I hit the gym and focused solely on my workout. As I pushed through each set, I could feel the stress melting away, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. Strength training gives me a chance to disconnect from work, focus on something physical, and recharge.
It’s effective because it allows me to reset mentally, giving me the energy and clarity I need to tackle the next day with a fresh perspective.
Reset with a Simple Walk
Hubertus Von Aulock, Editor in Chief, Config Craft
My go-to activity for de-stressing after a long day is going for a walk, especially in a nearby park or quiet neighborhood. There’s something about the rhythm of walking and the fresh air that helps me mentally reset. I leave my phone behind (or at least on silent) and let my thoughts wander or focus on the sights and sounds around me.
It’s not just about physical movement—it’s like giving my brain a chance to breathe. On particularly stressful days, I’ll pair it with listening to a favorite podcast or calming playlist to really disconnect from work mode.
By the time I get back, I feel lighter, clearer, and ready to relax. It’s such a simple thing, but it works every time.
Unwind by Watching the Sunset
Mandi StGermaine, Co-Founder, MBS | The Woman Beyond the Cape
After a long day, my go-to activity for de-stressing is sitting outside with my family and watching the sunset. There’s something so calming about slowing down and being present in the moment, surrounded by the people I love most. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reset and reflect on the day.
I also find that reading a good book or journaling helps me unwind and prepare for rest. Journaling gives me a chance to clear my mind, express gratitude, or work through lingering thoughts, while reading transports me to another world, offering a sense of escape and relaxation.
To ensure my mind is truly ready for sleep, I make it a point to turn off all blue light devices at least an hour before bed. This practice has been a game-changer for both my stress levels and sleep quality. Together, these rituals help me recharge and approach the next day with a clear mind and renewed energy.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! When life throws those stressful curveballs, remember that you’ve now got a whole toolkit of expert-approved ideas to help you bounce back. From soaking in the peace of nature to finding your flow with Pilates, these aren’t just random suggestions – they’re the real deal, recommended by people who know their stuff.
And hey, that little reminder – about choosing your thoughts – it really does make a difference, doesn’t it? The key takeaway here is to actually try some of these things out. See what clicks for you, what makes you feel genuinely better.
Make those moments of unwinding a regular thing – it’s not being selfish, it’s actually giving yourself what you need to thrive. By making a conscious effort to de-stress, you’re not just tackling those tough days; you’re building a happier, healthier, and more productive you in the long run. So go ahead, pick an activity, and give yourself the gift of relaxation today. You deserve it!
