10 ways to destress after a long work week

Ah it has been a long week and you find yourself counting down those final minutes until the weekend officially arrives. We have all been there at one point or another where the prospect of the weekend is the motivation that helps us endure the daily stresses of work life. Unfortunately, the weekend is only a temporary break and two days later you are back in the hustle and bustle of another work week. Here are some simple things you can do to help yourself truly relax and enjoy your weekend to the fullest so you can come back with a fresh and renewed mindset.

1. PRAY: clear your mind of daily struggles and pray for wisdom and guidance. James 5 -‘’If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind’’.

2. READ SCRIPTURE: Reading in itself is a good and relaxing thing and can help counteract the business of day to day life. There is nothing that can speak and uplift you more scripture.

2 Timothy 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

3. LET IT ALL GO : Too often I see people hold over things from work and take it into their weekend. Even if this is impossible to do every weekend I urge you to take a weekend where your mind is free from work matters.

4. HELP OTHERS :I have found that encouraging others make a big difference in changing our own perspective as it helps take away from a selfish mindset and we can see things more clearly. Proverbs 11:25 “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

5.SPEND TIME WITH LOVED ONES : Take time to build and strengthen bonds with others.

6.RECONNECT WITH SOMEONE FROM THE PAST: Seek out someone you have lost touch with and encourage them.

7 TRY SOMETHING NEW : Sometimes when we are caught in the ordinary and mundane it is helpful to take a new path and direction. Seek trying something different to break up the monotony in your life.

8.LEARN NEW SKILLS: Place efforts into something productive such as learning a new language, playing an instrument, or taking up a new hobby. Finding a passion for something outside of work can go a long way.

9 .BE ACTIVE : Physical activity can be a big stress reducer. Find an activity that you enjoy and make an effort to do it. It can be as simple as jogging, hiking, walking, or swimming.

10. BREAK AWAY FROM NEGATIVITY : Negative thoughts can be a big hindrance, especially when you are trying to overcome a stressful situation. Clear your mind of the negative and focus on the positives.

We all possess different personalities and not all of these will work for everyone. I know from my perspective that these 10 strategies have helped me be able to come back into the new work week with a fresh and renewed mindset.

#stress #work