It’s that time of day again. The work day is over and it’s time to head home, kick off your shoes, and slip on your coziest slippers. Now that you’re home for the evening, it’s time to decide how you will spend the remainder of the night. Will you lay on the couch and watch Bravo? Go to the gym? Invite a friend over for a glass of wine? It’s 5:30pm, the night is young and the options are endless. I went through a cycle of spending long days at work then coming home and watching my day go by in a flash. In an attempt to have more quality downtime, I decided to be more mindful of how I spend my nights.

Read a book

Before you whip out your phone and lose yourself in it, crack open a book and get lost in it. Reading is a great way to unwind because it will take you out of your own world and throw you into one that is more exciting. It also has great mental benefits because it strengthens the brain, builds vocabulary, reduces stress, aids sleep, and prevents cognitive decline. If you struggle with staying positive consider reading a growth oriented book that will strengthen your mindset and promote positivity.

Related: WANT THE STRENGTH TO BE TRUE TO YOURSELF? READ THIS BOOK

Related: NEED A DAILY DOSE OF INSPIRATION? READ THIS BOOK

Take a walk

Ever since coronavirus, walking has become one of my favorite pastimes. I love unwinding from a long day by throwing my headphones in, moving my body and spending time in nature. While you walk you could listen to a podcast, listen to music, mediate or even walk with a friend! You never know, your post-work pastime may just become part of your workout routine.

Listen to a podcast

Listening to podcasts are a great way unwind, relax, and learn something new. There are so many different podcasts available, there is bound to be one that is perfect for you. You can listen to a podcast about money management, growth, beauty, horses, pasta, anything! My favorite podcast are The Marie Forleo Show, Impact Theory, The School of Greatness. Listening to a podcast on the way home is also a great alternative to listening to music because you’ll spend your drive entertained and learning something new. Many podcasts can also be found on Youtube so make sure to check there if you are having difficulty accessing the one you are looking for.

Cook and enjoy a home cooked meal

I don’t know about you, but by 3pm my stomach is grumbling and I’m ready to head home and have something to eat. We all want a delicious meal when we get home, but we normally would rather order take out than cook something up ourselves. Try enjoying your favorite meal by first enjoying the process of creating it. Use the time to clear your mind and mindfully cook up your favorite dish. Feel free to crank up the music and allow yourself to get lost in each step. I’m guilty of often wanting to get cooking over with instead of really enjoying the process and having fun with it. I find that it is so much more rewarding to eat what I’ve made when I know that it has been made intentionally and with passion.

After spending so long wasting my nights away, I’m looking forward to living more intentionally and adding self care and effort into my daily life. These activities allow me to treat myself by making the most out of my life. How do you unwind after a long day?

Connect with me on Instagram:

@gabbywalters13

@vitamincgreentea