We’re all prone to a bit of doomscrolling once in a while. I mean, the general state of the world will do that to you.
But making it the standard of your post-work routine can lead to unhealthy habits and reinforce negative feelings about work and yourself.
I’m here to show you, dear reader, that there is another path. Not only can you leave behind the stress of work, but you can actually turn your afternoon into something relaxing and fulfilling so days no longer blur into each other.
“How?” You may ask? Well, read on.
Pick up a creative hobby
Nothing helps you forget about that report due tomorrow quite like a creative hobby. Not only can a creative hobby reduce stress, but it can also help your brain in the long run.
Research has shown that participating in artistic activities can improve your mental health and give you a more substantial purpose in life. That’s not to say that you’ll miraculously find a sense of purpose if you feel burned out and like a cog in the machine. However, a creative hobby gives you an expressive outlet and an object on which your mind can focus while away from work.
Some examples of creative hobbies you might like to pick up could be painting, crocheting, or even woodburning. If you’re not really the artsy type, you could also consider dancing, gardening, or journaling.
If you’re stumped on what kind of creative hobby you might like, consider what types of activities help you unwind and satisfy you. I’m a huge advocate for painting mini-figures because it’s essentially just grown-up colouring books. My brain is locked in on making sure the paint isn’t bleeding into the wrong areas, and seeing it fully painted makes me feel fulfilled afterwards. A good creative hobby is something that makes you excited and can keep your brain engaged longer than the dreaded doom scroll.
Exercise
I hate to say it, but the opps are right. Exercise really does help the brain.
Whether you prefer going on a long walk or hitting the gym on the way from the office, any exercise will work wonders for your brain and body. your 9-5- and take a big ol’ three-hour nap, there’s no denying that you don’t exactly wake up feeling more “refreshed”. Speaking from experience, feeling extremely sluggish with a burning urge for a kebab tends to be the reward for a nap.
Regular exercise also improves overall energy levels, so if you’re prone to that 3pm. slump, you won’t feel like you’re about to crash out at your desk at the end of the day.
Create a post-work ritual
If you really struggle to wind down after work, it might be worth starting a post-work ritual. This can be a fairly quick routine to help your brain switch from “work mode” to “relaxation mode.”
Simple tasks like changing clothes into something more relaxing or having a warm shower to get rid of that office smell go a long way toward feeling refreshed. The goal here is to avoid walking in at home and immediately latching onto your phone. Take a moment to make some tea, sit on the couch, dramatically sigh and pause for a second. Then, you can get started with unwinding for the night.
Socialise
As adults, I know we all live very busy lives and struggle to catch up and connect with friends. I mean, that four-hour Fortnite session isn’t going to play itself. It’s why I strongly advocate for meeting up with friends right after work instead of waiting for the weekend.
Chat about what’s annoying you at work, share a good meme in person instead of sending it at midnight and waiting a few days for a “haha” react. To pull out the ol’ research again, having an active social life helps to combat isolation and significantly improves mental health.
So before you have time to cancel plans at the last minute in favour of crashing in bed for the night, consider planning your meet-up somewhere close to where you work or even joining a social club that’s convenient for you.
Turn off your phone
As someone who also has separation anxiety with their phone, I get it. But simply turning off your phone for a few hours at night and engaging in a different activity will work wonders for the brain.
Cook a big meal, watch your favourite comfort show, read a book—any task that will keep you away from your phone. It’ll help you avoid some absolutely cursed IG Reels, but most importantly, get you away from checking any work notifications you have on.
Unwinding after work is easier said than done. Who here among us hasn’t let their self-care slip in favour of binge-watching clips of House M.D in one afternoon? But like most things, moderation is key and it’s vital to not let it become the norm in your life.
As they say, touch grass (non-derogatory).
The post 5 Habits To Build If Your Post-Work Routine Is Doomscrolling All Night appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
