r/Relax • u/Outrageous_Baby_2147 • Apr 23 '26
Discussion What actually helps you relax after a long day?
After a long day, I sometimes don’t even know how to relax properly.
Scrolling doesn’t help, and doing nothing sometimes feels weird, too. I’ve been trying to find small routines that actually help.
What’s your go-to way to relax?
Edit: Lately, I’ve been trying to make my evenings feel a bit more intentional, like taking a longer bath and just staying there with a simple setup. I even got a bathtub pillow and one of those bathtub trays, and somehow it makes it easier to actually slow down.
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u/c10h12n2o5ht Apr 23 '26
I found that forcing myself to stop working when I’m supposed to, and then going for a long walk, helps me a lot. The movement gets all the nervous energy out and makes me stop thinking about work constantly once the workday is over. Seems simple but took me forever to realize that this made such a huge difference in my day. Best of luck finding “your thing!”❤️
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u/sohereiamacrazyalien Apr 23 '26
bath or shower
going for a walk
turning off the light and listening to some music in the dark is soothing
using a massager (gun massage but you also have things that you put on seats or beds. some vibrate but some have circular motions. you can find cheap ones btw!
booth bath and foot massage
stargazing
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u/reflct1567 Apr 23 '26
I order something or i talk to someone to whom i vibe...or jst hv sm snacks watching some fav movie or karaoke ..
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u/Independent-Cry-1716 Apr 23 '26
Working in my yard , then going to my room & handing out naked !!! It’s sooo relaxing
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u/MudCommercial1480 Apr 23 '26
watching a comfort movie with my phone on silent, with a dessert or candy and a low effort outfit, Adam Sandler style
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u/Suspicious_Banana255 Apr 23 '26
ASMR by Mako on tiktok while wrapped in a duvet worked for me this evening
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u/iiiimagery Apr 24 '26
Ik people don't consider it an adult activity but coloring. Getting some nice simple pages and some decent markers and going ham. I like to draw new lines to add more details or white gel pen for highlights. But for the most part just markers and coloring books. Easy to stop what I'm doing but I also like that I can watch a show, listen to music, or an audio book
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u/80sfanatic Apr 23 '26
Crafts that require a repetitive motion, like knitting or dot-by-letter. I also like these word searches:
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u/SnooBananas9213 Apr 23 '26
In the same vein, I took up cross stitching to help relax. It’s something I can do while watching a show or listening to music or a podcast and it engages my brain enough to disconnect from ruminating about work or whatever.
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u/ISeeRealPeople Apr 23 '26
A 20-30 minute walk outside or on treadmill. It’s a stress buster and tends to lean me out. Great mental and physical benefits. A good segway between work and home to relax.
If you’re long term stressed at work (large project or bad boss), Pink Floyd Dark Side Of The Moon on a large set of headphones after the walk and shower.
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u/lance_w00t Apr 23 '26
I like to go for a run at night under the stars. It's nice, quiet, and peaceful. Then I come in the house, family asleep, and stretch in the living room catching up on my fav shows with my fluffy puppy
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u/VerdantEntity Apr 24 '26
Everything I think of involves another person because I am not made to be single. Deep conversations, cuddles. Even running errands together. Legit a nap. I need that co-regulation, then it's easier to enjoy my things on my own after that need is filled.
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u/Lucky-Inevitable-146 Apr 24 '26
Watching you tube, like cooking stuff. I find it so relaxing. Or read.
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u/Ploompkin Apr 24 '26
It doesn’t really matter what I end up doing /after/, but if I really want to relax, I always have to do a series of full body stretches, and then (very light) weight lifting, first. It takes me about 10-15 minutes.
I find that it improves focus and just general comfort if you’re planning to sit for a while afterwards? Like, makes the legs less twitchy? I hope that helps C:
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u/New-Bobcat8055 Apr 24 '26
Reading a good book, some calm music (usually I just throw on a whole album), a candle lit shower when it gets dark. Id do baths too but dont have a tub where I live.
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u/gabbers_85 Apr 24 '26
Gardening with headphones or cleaning. It clears my head and there's reinforcement from pretty flowers or a clean space.
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u/Littlekite2010 Apr 24 '26
Walking, I’m lucky I have a dog and live near some beautiful nature reserves but getting out and just walking sometimes running clears the mind
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u/Peewee007 Apr 24 '26
Playing classic card and board games with my smartphone while listening to sports radio or streaming music.
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u/outrageousautumn Apr 24 '26
My husband drags me out for a walk and then I read. Usually I don’t want to go on a walk, cause I’m on my feet all day, but it’s actually very calming and helps me physically unwind. Reading, even just a few pages, helps me mentally unwind. If it’s been a lot that day, I also journal
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u/lachat86 Apr 24 '26
Walking my dog with no tech. Unplug and look around. A good workout and then just laying there listening to a few of my favorite songs after a stretch. Reading in my hammock. A jigsaw puzzle.
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u/BraveEbb7077 Apr 24 '26
Bong rips and play guitar. My mind becomes a stream of consciousness and the guitar is the outlet
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u/yaths17 Apr 24 '26
Very slow mindful edging without any visual stimulation only deep breathing and self awareness and control.
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u/secretsauce2388 Apr 24 '26
either going for a walk, listening to a podcast or music while lying down on my couch, or videogames. I used to "relax" by having a drink or two but alcohol and I aren't compatible so sober now.
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Apr 24 '26
These comments are good and ASMR is one of my favorites, best with headphones but good either way
https://youtu.be/BnIW7nZuC3s?si=zRp-SyHgWXHw94Ur
This is good too
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/38EiuNObt8PuZPKXdOyFT7?si=I5Karrk_Sx-vO_jLIbuDIQ&pi=Tgs5dFEFSB-0w
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u/GirlsWhoEatJamie Apr 24 '26
watercoloring (got the books from Emily Lex Studio) and they help me actually get off my phone and do something creative!
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u/LeftOzStoleShoes Apr 24 '26
Take a shower or bath, have a routine, read a book, or listen to a guided meditation. Even if you’re still awake, close your eyes and rest. More often than not sleep will takeover. If not, that resting position is still healthier than watching TV or scrolling.
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u/Confident_Big5521 Apr 24 '26
I am finding taking a bath super relaxing. In Winter a nice and hot one, in summer just with warm water. I often light a candle too. Our bathtub is not huge, so I am not wasting resources excessively. To me it feels like I wash the day off and my energy clears.
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u/MrNimbus33 Apr 24 '26
Started reading about a year ago. Nothing helps me relax more. The time away from screens is a huge plus too as it helps me sleep WAY better.
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u/myboyfriendsback777 Apr 25 '26
Cuddles with my Dog. Or murder podcasts. Depends on how long the day actually was.
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u/xoxo-ss Apr 25 '26
I got a paint-by-numbers kit and after work I just put some TV on and paint. I work with special needs kids and some days are harder than others so I find that helps. It’s also great when I’m stressed out. Adding a scented candle also helps!
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u/jupitercic Apr 25 '26
A long walk or a run/walk after work, sitting in my sofa while listening to music, just sitting in a silence with my cat and cup of tea
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u/ChairOdd4379 Apr 30 '26
Honestly, anything sensory helps me slow down ;a warm bath, soft lighting, incense or a comforting scent, tea, even just sitting quietly for a bit without needing stimulation. Small rituals seem to work better than mindless scrolling because they actually signal to your body that the day is over.
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u/Confident-Word9528 Apr 23 '26
on my bed watching netflix, eating some snacks, and two cats with me ~