We all know the feeling of getting home after a hectic work day with our heads still spinning from the day’s events. Sometimes, it’s hard to switch off and focus on your precious time at home. We looked into the best ways to relax so you can let go of the day’s stress and focus on being in the moment.

Switch off technology

If you’re guilty of having your work emails on your mobile, get in the habit of turning your phone off when you get home – even if it’s just for an hour or so. It may be tempting to zone out and spend a few hours on social media, or continue the work day by reading and responding to emails. However, this will only prolong the feeling of stress. Get away from technology for a while and spend a bit of time focusing on the present.

Try a guided mediation

Meditation teaches us to take control of our nervous system and focus on the moment we are in. Even just a 5-minute guided mediation can put things back into perspective and leave us feeling refreshed. Plus, doing this before we go to bed can help to lull us into a deep sleep.

Cook a healthy meal

The food we eat can have a big impact on the way we feel, and while it may seem like the easier option to grab a take-away, this could leave us feeling worse. Take some time out to cook a healthy balanced meal and focus on the task at hand. It may take less time than you expect, and your body will thank you for it.

Get out in nature

Much like getting away from technology for a while, taking a walk outside can help to clear your head and reconnect with the present moment. If you can walk through a park or out in the countryside that’s even better!

Try some gentle exercise

Gentle exercise like walking, swimming or yoga can help to distract us from the day’s stress and soothe our busy minds. The endorphins released in your brain when you exercise can also help to reduce stress and help us sleep.

Read a book

If you love reading but never seem to get around to it, see if you can squeeze in just ten or twenty minutes into your evening to enjoy a good book. Our brains love narrative, which is sometimes why we end up replaying the day’s events to ourselves. Reading can help to replace the day’s narrative with a new story.

Breathing exercises

Changing the way we breathe has the power to take us from a fight or flight state to a relaxed and restorative one. If you’re too busy to do anything else, just take a minute or two to take some slow deep breaths. Elongating the exhale will help to put your body into a relaxed state, meaning you can enjoy your evening that little bit more.

Treat yourself to a massage

Research has shown that massage can help to lower blood pressure, stimulate the release of endorphins and ease muscle tension. Maybe it’s time to book one in!

Have a laugh

Don’t you just feel like everything is so much better after you’ve had a good laugh? Laughter really is the best medicine, so taking some time to catch up with a positive friend or just watching a comedy on TV can really help to melt those troubles away.

Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is vital to our overall wellbeing, and we are much more capable of dealing with stress when we are well rested. Take a look at our bedtime routine for a good night’s sleep, and make sure you have the right mattress and pillows. You might be surprised by the difference it makes!

Which of these tips have you tried? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!