After work, you probably want a relaxing, stress-free night. And that makes sense. Planning activities like reading or meditating can help relieve stress when things get tough at work.
Alternatively, you can use this time to expand your knowledge or develop your skills. Alternatively, you can engage in new experiences or pursue your passions.
The benefits of participating in these activities can range from increased productivity at work to improved overall health and well-being.
With that said, here are 10 practical ways to maximize your after-work time.
1. Tie the ends loosely.
My mother had a tradition that she followed every evening when I was a child. As soon as we got home from school, we had to clean the house. The cleaning job doesn’t take long – usually, she sets a timer for 20 minutes. Obviously, we’ve been whining about this and the time trying to get out of it could be longer than it actually took. But this effort and habit kept the house tidy and saved us from having to clean as many times if cleaning had waited until the weekend.
After finishing my work for the day, I set a timer for 20-30 minutes and clean up. Oor, I can handle items on my things to do I can’t do during the day. While that’s not a lot of time, you’ll be amazed at what you can actually achieve.
You can clean dishes, fold laundry, make grocery lists, clean your calendaror send an important email. Additionally, a timer can be a great way to connect what’s going on during the day and help you transition away from work.
2. Get a hobby at night.
Commit to activities outside the home after work. Some ideas might be an exercise class, volunteering, or a night out with friends. So, instead of spending time at home, you’ll have more time to do the things you worry about.
“By scheduling time after work, you’re more likely to stay on top of your most important ‘to do’ things. Many people find that they are most productive when they have more to do.” speak Dr. Lisa N. Folden, licensed physical therapist and natural lifestyle coach, owner of Healthy Phit Physiotherapy & Health Consulting. “By holding a scheduled event after work — especially one that can double as a workout — you have greater accountability to avoid scrolling through the phone. or watch TV aimlessly.”
3. Sweat out.
Yes, I know. You know well about The importance of physical activity. However, this is still not stressful enough. Without a doubt, a regular exercise program will boost your creativity, confidence and resilience – whether at work or at home.
In short, being physically active is one of the best things you can do to increase your productivity. Finally, exercise helps reduce stress and reduce mental stress. Result? You will sleep better and have more energy.
So make time at the end of the day – for a jog, a bike ride, or an exercise class. Other ideas might be playing with your pet or kids, dancing or doing housework.
4. Enjoy the company of those you love.
Spend quality time with the people who matter to you, such as family, friends, and co-workers. It not only makes life worthwhile, but it’s good for you, too. It releases endorphins and relieves stress when you talk to your spouse, children, siblings, parents or friends. Even a simple phone call with a loved one can benefit you.
Moreover, with friends and family, there are many fun things to do, such as;
- Go to a restaurant or have dinner at home.
- Visit a museum or art gallery.
- Go for a walk after dinner.
- Host a game night.
- Attend a concert or sporting event.
- Go to the cinema.
- Participate in a group activity, like bowling.
- Attend classes together.
5. Solve your needs.
“This may seem completely out of place in an article about getting more done after work, but hear me out,” Rachell Buell wrote. Muse. “While it’s important to make the most of your time, the only way you’ll have the energy to do it is by first following through on your basic needs.” Also, get enough sleep, eat, and relax. “By addressing these needs, you allow yourself the essence of productivity: sustainability.”
“A few weeks ago, I had a moment of severe panic,” Buell said. “Feeling completely overwhelmed by everything on my plate, I lost my cool.” Recovering my composure, I came up with a great idea: a sanity list,” she added.
“The list includes things like doing yoga daily and drinking 64 ounces of water a day and cuddling with my husband. Whenever I cross things off my list, I feel like a million dollars, and I want more. “
“After a long day at work, most of us need time to shift gears and give ourselves a mental break before trying to get anything done,” says Buell. “Whether it’s sitting down in front of the TV for the day’s news or going for a run to your advantage, take a moment and consider what you need to fuel up for during the week and put it on your alert list. your. “
6. Write down your priorities.
Do you ever feel like something is a priority when it’s not? When it comes to prioritizing productivity, it can be easier to focus on getting more done than on what really matters.
At the beginning of each week, I find it helpful to prioritize everything on my to-do list. Then, during the week, I navigate my time more efficiently by determining how essential a certain item is. I personally use The Eisenhower . Matrix to assist me with this.
By figuring out where each item fits, you can focus on where to start. For example, when working on projects at home, start with the most essential – then move on to things of medium and lower priority. With work projects, you can start the next day knowing what needs to happen in order.
Best of all? Creating a list of priorities can help you feel accomplished even if you haven’t started the project.
7. Get out.
Are you familiar with “natural deficiency disorder”? Originally, Richard Louv used this phrase in his book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Child From Nature-Deficit Disorder. Louv says our indoor lifestyle is causing a lot of health and behavioral problems.
Even if you think it’s a long time, studies have found that we spend 92% of our time indoors. And that can negatively affect our physical and mental health. Why? Because it’s such a simple way to relieve stress, increase happinessand live healthier.
Furthermore, connecting with nature and the outdoors can replenish your energy.
With that in mind, Rachel Hopman, PhD, a neuroscientist at Northeastern University, suggests that you live by the 20-5-3 . rule;
- 20 minutes. Twenty minutes is the amount of time you should spend outside, such as at a neighborhood park, three times week.
- 5 hours. Five hours is the minimum amount of time you should spend each month in semi-wild nature, like a forest, city, or state park.
- 3 days. You should go camping or rent a cabin three times a year to get away from it all.
8. Power off.
In today’s culture, many of us are too attached to social media and smartphones. In reality, DataReportal It is estimated that the average American looks at screens for 7 hours and 4 minutes a day. So why is that a problem? Research has found that too much screen time leads to digital eye strain, insomniaand finished mental health.
Furthermore, excessive screen time can lead to information overload. And it’s also distracting when we’re trying to get work done.
Therefore, setting boundaries around your phone and social media usage is important. For example, set a timer to limit how long you play games, watch videos, or scroll on social media. If that doesn’t work, keep your phone in another room or make sure you turn off all social media at a specific time each night.
This will be awkward at first. But you might be surprised how much more alive you feel away from the screen. Usually, you’ll feel re-energized instead of dynamically fatigued.
9. Invest in yourself.
Did you know that the former CEO of Twitter, Dick Costolo, improvisational comedy study? Why? Learning improv comedy has improved his leadership skills.
Investing in yourself is vital to success, whether that means getting some coaching, attending psychotherapy, attending a seminar, working overtime for graduate school, or completing a certification program. You can also learn to play an instrument, join a book club, watch a documentary, or take a language course.
Overall, you will be successful in your professional career whether you invest in your mind, body or spirit.
10. Follow an evening routine.
“Obviously you need a morning routine to optimize every day and be more efficient,” Choncé Maddox wrote in an earlier Calendar post. However, “a really successful morning routine starts the night before,” she adds. “Simply put, you need an effective evening routine to maximize effectiveness and productivity tomorrow.”
So what should your evening routine include? Well, it’s up to you. But, here are some suggestions worth exploring;
- Plan your day. View your calendar to find out your agenda for tomorrow. Doing so helps you mentally prepare and make any adjustments.
- Choose your clothes. The task sounds insignificant. But it will save you a lot of time and energy that you could use elsewhere.
- Eliminate negativity and reflect. You can reflect on your day in the evening and choose to overcome the negativity.
- Read. Turn off the TV and read a book while relaxing in the evening.
- Prepare meals. Morning was busy. Save your alertness and energy by preparing your meal the night before.
Originally published on Calendar. Read here.
Image credit: Karolina Grabowska; Bark; Thank you!
