Tips for de-stressing when you get home

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Extract from the article: Le stress, l’un des pires ennemis de la santé, peut engendrer des problèmes de cœur, risques d’infarctus, prise de poids, dépression affaiblissement du système immunologique. Les enfants, les travaux ménagers, la cuisine… En arrivant à la maison, une

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Stress, one of our health's worst enemies, can lead to heart problems, risk of heart attack, weight gain, depression and a weakened immune system. Children, housework, cooking... When you get home, a host of tasks await you. Unintentionally, we find ourselves in a sort of extension of the working day. When you get home, you need to take a break.

Knowing how to de-stress is vital for your health and well-being. Here are a few simple tips to help you relax.

Breathe well

Breathing relieves tension, promotes relaxation and helps you to become more aware of your body. It allows you to exhale all the air in your lungs and expel all the toxins. In the office or at home, take the time to breathe deeply several times a day. To do this, close your mouth and breathe in through your nose, inflating your stomach, holding the air in for a few seconds, then breathing out through your mouth, drawing in your stomach and finally, with your mouth closed, keeping your lungs empty for a while. The urge to breathe in will return naturally.

Taking off your shoes

When you get home, there's nothing nicer than taking off your shoes to relax and unwind.Walking barefoot stimulates a large number of vital functions: it activates blood circulation, improves the condition of the veins, strengthens the nervous system and reduces stress. Especially if you walk on sand.Walking is a relaxing activity that you can do as soon as you get home.

Establish separations

When you get home, remember that your professional responsibilities end there. As far as possible, make a clear distinction between these two areas, personal life and professional activity. When you get home, be aware that this is your free time and your private life, the one you share with your family, which is the most important.Savour all these moments and keep home and work separate.

Go for a walk

A 10-minute walk , no more.For example, take a walk near your home to relax, get some exercise and allow your brain to release endorphins and yourbody to eliminate toxins.

It costs nothing and it's an excellent way to de-stress, and if you're accompanied by your wife or husband or a friend, it's even better.

Take a little nap

There's no need to fall into a deep sleep; just lie down for a while on the armchair or sofa with your legs raised and close your eyes for a few minutes, slowing your breathing.This will restore your energy and make you feel better and less tense.This is enough to de-stress and make you feel more relaxed.

A relaxing bath

To relax, there's nothing like a good bath. Take a hot bath.Give your body time to relax and feel relieved.This also allows the nervoussystem to relax, pain and tension to ease, and the body to eliminate toxins.

Don't do two things at once

Get home, start cooking while looking after the children, do the ironing, check your diary for the next day. How many things can you do at once when you're back home?Keeping in mind what you need to do will help you get organised and maintain your peace of mind by avoiding new stressful situations.

Resting the body

Relaxing for ten minutes and thinking about personal things, taking time for yourself, thinking about your present life and what you would like in the future.Appreciate everything you have and all the good things you have.Stress can sometimes make you lose sight of the things that are really important, to the point where you no longer know what your priorities are.  Relax, smile and picture pleasant things in your mind.

William O.

Article validated by Dr Zinsou Selom Degboe, Clinical Psychologist/Psychotherapist at the Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology (SPPM), Addiction Specialist at the CHU Campus (Lomé).