Unplug to relief stress :)

Sometimes, life may seem simply stressful. To cope with the sometimes overwhelming nature of work or daily routines, it’s good to have a go-to strategy to help you unwind when you’ve had a particularly taxing day or week. 

When the day or week gets to be too much, what is your preferred method of unplugging and recharging?

When it all seems to be too much, take a step back, breathe, and try out one of these techniques.

1. Heading Outdoors

The best way to unplug and recharge is to head out to a natural spot away from the bustle of the city. You can either take a walk in a park nearby or camp out if you can. Spending some time in nature can help you relax completely so that you’re energized when it’s time to return to work.

2. Pursuing a Hobby

It’s helpful to have a hobby that lets you disconnect from work completely. Taking a few hours to do pottery, read, or woodwork can give your mind a much-needed break by distracting it. After spending some time working with your hands and occupying your mind, you should find yourself refreshed with new ideas or a renewed willingness to work.

3. Spending Time With Family

When I’m not working or having a particularly stressful day, I make sure that I spend some extra time with my family. Generally, we don’t browse on our phones, check emails, or text while we are spending time together. Staying close to my family keeps me mentally strong and ready to overcome the challenges that arise in my industry and business. –

4. Reading

Reading takes you to another place and, for me, is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. I spend my workday staring at a screen constantly, and the change of pace is super important to give my eyes and body a rest. –

5. Meditation

Meditation gets you out of your head and clears your mind so you’re prepared for anything that lies ahead. It reduces stress and refreshes your mind so you’re mentally prepared to tackle your to-do list and succeed.

6. Catching Up on the News

When the day gets to be too much, I like to take a break and catch up on the news. It can be industry news or just perusing the New York Times, but spending a few minutes letting my brain switch gears into a more passive mode can be really refreshing, and the end of an article is a great natural point to jump back into the tasks at hand.

7. Listening to Music

I believe most owners and founders are creatives who have some internal need to be working on or creating something. Personally, I unplug and recharge by getting my “creative fix” spending time working on something that I enjoy, which isn’t connected to my professional life: music. Playing an instrument or working on a composition is a great way to let your mind go in a completely different direction.

8. Exercising

When I get overwhelmed with the size of my to-do list and everything feels like too much, I go for an extensive (but not too intense) workout. Whether it’s a comprehensive weight lifting session or a long bike trip, it helps me get back the momentum of getting things done, leaves me energized, and helps me keep my mind off work for a while.

9. Singing Along With Beyonce or a Retro Song

I love music, folk, classical, hip-hop, rock, drum & bass because I find them so motivating and inspiring. Every time I listen to music I sing along, dance, or exercise with any of the songs, music and I finish happier and recharged. Tasks are easier when music is played.

10. Swimming Laps

When things get overwhelming, I make sure to prioritize getting out and doing something physical. I find that swimming laps is a great way to disconnect. You can’t answer emails or phone calls when you are in a pool. Whenever I prioritize getting to the pool in the morning before work or after a long day in the office, I walk away feeling more energized and less stressed.

11. Watching a Movie

It sounds really simple, but I like to sit down and enjoy a movie with my family. When you intentionally decided to do something relaxing and watch a story unfold, it takes you out of the stress life can create. Sometimes it’s a funny movie and we end laughing all night, or it might be an action or drama that really puts your own problems and life into perspective.

12. Taking a Coffee Break

When I feel that the pressure during the day is getting a bit too much, I take a coffee break with my team. In our company, coffee is like an intermission from work/bonding/creative brainstorming thing. I’d say that coffee is almost a part of our company culture. We even added it to the title of one of our YouTube series.

13. Talking to Someone Outside of Work

When I want to recharge, it’s refreshing to talk to a friend or family member who’s not connected to work or whatever I may be stressing about. Meeting for lunch, a cup of coffee, or talking on the phone gives me another perspective and reminds me that there’s a lot going on beyond my bubble.

14. Unplugging and Diving Into Fiction

Reading helps reduce my stress when I’m feeling overworked and pressured. I prefer to read fiction because it’s easier for me to focus on exciting and otherworldly adventures instead of fact-based true stories. The best part is I always feel refreshed by the time I put it down. I think that unplugging and diving into a book will help you overcome stressful days.