Have you ever had one of those days when you counted every second until work ended?
The only thing on your mind was heading straight home to put on your most comfy lounge clothes, pouring yourself a tall glass of wine and watching one of your favorite evening shows while cuddled up to your favorite blanket?
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone!
According to a 2014 Gallup Poll, adults employed full time in the U.S. report working an average of 47 hours per week, almost a full workday longer than what a standard five-day, 9-to-5 schedule entails (Gallup, 2014). It’s no wonder employees want to drive straight home and leave the world behind. The day-to-day stress of work can leave individuals both mentally and physically exhausted, but leaving work and heading straight home may not be the only way to de-stress after work.
I know you probably didn’t want to hear this but I have a few ways to help you stay healthy even if you have a stressful and demanding job without resorting straight home and heading to the couch. Do you want to learn how to stay healthy after work?
Great, I’m glad you said yes! Here we go!
4 Ways to Stay Healthy After Work!
1). Exhale: Once you leave your office exhale! Too often we take the stress of the office home with us and this can lead to chronic stress which can lead to high blood pressure and other stress related issues. Therefore make a deal with yourself that whatever happens at work stays at work!
2). Just Breath: After a long day of demands and responsibilities, it’s normal to feel tense and possibly frustrated. Therefore once in your car before pulling off, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale positive energy and exhale negative energy! Don’t pull off until you feel calmer.
3). Just Move: Research shows exercise releases feel good endorphins that can assist the body with relaxing. Therefore find a fun physical activity you can do with a group or by yourself after work. Pack your gym bag the night before and place in your trunk. If you need accountability, sign up for a group exercise class near your place of residence. Once you’re done with your class you can head straight home.
4). Turn Up the Music: As adults we often take ourselves too seriously. Therefore the next time you get in your car after work turn on your favorite radio station and blast your favorite song. You can sing as loud as you want. If you’re the brave type, roll your window down and share your joy with others. You’ll be amazed at all the smiles okay and frowns you may get!
Life is such a beautiful gift and so is your health. Therefore don’t allow work to drag you down! Apply these four tips and you’ll be well on your way to feeling calmer and healthier after work!
Laticia “Action” Jackson has been called one of the most dynamic and energetic personalities in the health promotion, body awareness, women’s health, fitness and personal development field. She is an IFBB Fitness Pro/ 3-Time NPC Fitness Champion, 2008 Fitness Olympian and Author of “I’m Not a Size Zero-Defining Your Curves While Loving Yourself”. Laticia is passionate about empowering people with the tools to change their lives through health and nutrition. Visit her website at laticiaactionjackson.com
