How To Unwind At The End of a Long Day

It can be stressful trying to juggle work and personal life without feeling overwhelmed or rundown. It's important to just slow things down sometimes and relax. Lately I’ve been trying to take the time to unwind as much as I can in-between my school, my job, blogging and my social life… and I've picked up a few tips & tricks along the way. So here’s my little guide on how to unwind at the end of a long day.

1. Get Comfy

There's nothing better than putting on comfy clothes after a long day of work. They may not look the most flattering or stylish but my leggings, over-sized sweater and fuzzy Christmas socks are my best friends. I love putting together cute outfits that make me feel confident when I'm at work or at school, but as soon as I make it home, those clothes are coming off!!!

2. Remove Makeup

I love putting on makeup at the beginning of the day… it's like my me-time that I get to enjoy. But what I don't enjoy is having to take it off at the end of the night. That's why i've started making it a point to remove my makeup as soon as I'm home for the day. Not only will your skin thank you, but you'll feel so clean and refreshed (and won't have to worry about it later when you're cozy in bed)!

3. Take a Hot Shower / Bath

When my mind and body feel drained from a days work, I find that taking a long hot shower always makes me feel restored. A friend of mine is really into essential oils and recommended that I dropped some in my shower to create a spa-like effect and IT WORKS (the steam and the essential oils create pure magic)! Whether you're a shower person like me or prefer a nice Lush-Balm bubble bath, taking the time to unwind like this will allow your body to relax and it'll clear you mind.

4. MUSIC

I'm a firm believer in that music cures all moods. I always play music in my apartment (when I'm getting ready, when I'm cooking with friends, etc.) and I've discovered that music also helps me unwind and boosts my mood after a long gloomy day. My music taste is VERY broad (I'm talking: one minute I'm listening to Drake and the next thing you know Ella Fitzgerald's jazz comes on). Whatever floats your boat, try listening to music and get inspired: blog, read a book, cook a fancy dinner, take a nap!

5. Watching Movies in Bed

One word: Netflix. If I could pick ONE thing that absolutely-positively allows me to unwind and relax after a long day, its snuggling up in bed and watching my favorite movies or TV shows. I have a thousand pillows and throw blankets that I bury myself in before getting comfy, and I promise you I will not move. Nothing is wrong with taking a break every once in awhile and curling up with a movie and some goodies (popcornnnn).

6. Hot Tea

I am a tea snob!!! In my kitchen, I've created a little tea haven (a corner filled with cute antique jars of tea and shelves of tea cups) that I go to every single night when I'm ready to unwind. I probably have every type of tea under the sun, but my favorites are either hot green tea or chamomile (which helps you sleep). There's nothing better than drinking a warm beverage in bed!

I hope my tips & tricks will help you unwind the next time you're having a long day. Everyone deserves a little relaxation and it's so important to treat your mind and body every once in awhile!

-Alex Q.