Voice of London

Ah…deadlines. They can be stressful and make you want to pull your hair out. It can feel as if everything is piling upon you and you can’t get a break.

But fear not! We have some tips to help you relax and catch your breath for a minute. They are not only for relaxing, but to kick your feet up and have some fun as well!

1. Cooking

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel via Unsplash

This is therapeutic to many people who love to cook and also to people who love to eat. Cook something that makes you feel at home. Cuddle up in front of the TV or your laptop and watch a comedy or feel-good movie.

2. Dancing

Image: Blake Cheek via Unsplash

It doesn’t matter whether you know to dance or not. Or even if you are any good at it. Just play some music and dance around your room like nobody is watching. It releases endorphins that make you feel refreshed and ready to get back to work.

3. Taking a bath

Image: Anita Austvika via Unsplash

A hot bath with aromatherapy and candles  can create the perfect atmosphere. It’s cliche but for a reason. Create a playlist of your favourite songs to listen to or play some music that calms you down. You could also read your favourite book for extra bonus points. If you don’t have a bathtub, you could always follow the other tips!

4. Going for a walk

Image: Mehdi-Thomas Boutdarine via Unsplash

If you have a park near where you live, wake up early one morning and go out for a nice slow walk, ideally before the rest of everyone else’s day begins. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the silence around you.

5. Colouring

Image: Mint Owl via Unsplash

The rise of colouring books for adults has given us so many more options to explore our inner artist. You can colour the drawings in any way you like with your favourite colours. There are many free apps you can download on your phone, tablet, or laptop! You could also draw or paint or do anything creative that works for you!

6. Meditation

Image: Jared Rice via Unsplash

The thought of sitting and doing nothing can be terrifying. But meditating is one of the most effective ways to relax your nerves and unwind after a long day. Meditation can also be extremely effective when done in the morning before starting your day. By meditating, you potentially respond to stressful situations much better, as well as have more energy to finish every task that you need to get done throughout the day.  

So there you have it! Six tips to de-stress and re-energise yourself after a long day. If you follow at least one of these tips, you are likely to be more calm and active, as well finish off your day on a high note.

Words: Shruti Tangirala | Subbing: Taylor Paatalo

Featured Image: Max Vertsanov via Unsplash