Our lives are more than just a repetition of regular routines. We wake up, go to work, do the work, return home and repeat until the weekend. But, what happens during the time after work matter a lot.
Most people can’t wait to come home to sit somewhere comfortably and…scroll through social media. We have become so used to this that it became an involuntary action. We are not aware that we spend our time like this, but unfortunately, we do.
That is why we’ve come up with a list of activities you can do instead and be a lot happier.
Walk home
Walking is ideal for anyone who spends their workday in front of a screen. If the weather is nice, you can walk home after work. If you live far away and you have to commute to work, in case of public transportation, try exiting one stop early. This way you’ll still manage to walk a bit on your way home.
Regular walking has a positive effect on your mood, it helps burn all those calories packed during sedentary work hours. It is one of the ways to naturally lower blood sugar, improve energy levels and even boost our cognitive skills. Make sure you find at least thirty minutes in your day for a nice meditative walk.
Make a healthy meal
How many times have you said to yourself – Just this on one burger and I’ll start eating better? There is nothing wrong with eating a burger, on the contrary. But, if it is on your everyday menu, then it might be in the long run. Fast food is easy just because it doesn’t require any effort to make, you just order it. However, a bit more effort is better for your health in the long run.
Use the time after work to cook a nice meal. There are many easy recipes online you can find that will inspire you to mix and match many ingredients. You can even meal prep for the week ahead, and take lunch to work. This way you’ll take control of your diet and to fast food from burning a hole in your wallet.
Engage your mind
One of the fun ways to engage your mind and boost brain function is to play games. Yes, we’ve said it! Playing board games can significantly increase thinking skills, boosts memory, enhances problem-solving and decision making. Apart from all this, it is a fun way to spend an afternoon with family and even friends.
You are bound to spend a lot of time laughing so playing games works as a great stress relief too. So, you can use your time after work to host a game night. Maybe you’ll even brush up on some of your soft skills like collaboration, communication, problem-solving and teamwork. You can work on these skills and have fun at the same time.
Engage your body
The main reason why people don’t exercise is that they don’t have the time. It was reported that on average people spend a total of 151 minutes on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube combined. That is almost three hours of your free time spent on social media. In order to be fit and healthy, the average person should spend between 75 to 150 minutes on exercise depending on the intensity.
If you are a newbie fitness enthusiast, pick an activity that will engage your entire body. This whole-body movement system will keep your body engaged and make you stronger and happier. If you want to take it up a notch, you can explore the benefits of equipment pilates and increase muscle strength.
Sharpen your creative skills
The time after work is ideal for sharpening your creative skills. This can go from DIY projects you can do on your own to brushing up on your photography skills. Either way, pick something you truly wish to focus on. This can be your passion project and a way to express your creativity.
There are many tutorials online you can use for inspiration and as a guide. Such activity can also relieve stress and sharpen your focus. Choose one that inspires you to find new ways to express your creativity, explore yourself and express yourself too.
Listen to a podcast
Another way to spark both our creativity and curiosity is by listening to podcasts. Many creative people use this medium to express their creativity and it is up to us to use it as entertainment and education. A thoroughly informative podcast can even teach you a thing or two while being fun and interesting at the same time. So, start by finding a topic you want to know more about and find people who are knowledgeable in this area. Once you do, put on your earplugs and let the words flood your mind.
There are many choices we can make during our free time. The most important one is to have fun, so explore some of our ways to unwind after a long day at work.
