How to Actually Relax at Home After a Long Workday (Without Just Zoning Out in Front of the TV)

Let’s be real—after a long, draining workday, sometimes you want to crawl into bed and call it quits. But if you’re anything like me, endless scrolling or melting into the couch with a takeout box doesn’t always do the trick. True relaxation is a little more than vegging out.

The good news? There are plenty of small, realistic ways to unwind that’ll actually recharge your batteries and make you feel human again.

Set the Scene: Slow Down Before You Even Hit the Door

Before you even walk through your door, take a deep breath in the car or on the porch. Give yourself a second to shake off whatever happened at work—good, bad, or just weird. This tiny pause is seriously underrated. Even a minute of transition helps your brain register that you’re leaving the stress behind.

If you’ve got company at home (kids, partner, the world’s loudest dog), let them know you need five minutes to decompress, even if it’s just hiding in the hallway with your keys still in your hand. Trust me—it helps.

Ditch the Work Clothes, Ditch the Work Mindset

There’s nothing quite like swapping that stiff shirt or shoes for soft sweats or PJs. It’s a physical sign to your brain: “we’re home, we can chill now.” Small rituals matter. Change your clothes, kick off your shoes, light a favorite candle. Boom, you’re halfway to relaxed already.

Embrace a Grown-Up Version of ‘Bathtime’

Baths aren’t just for kids. One of the best treats after a rough day is soaking in the tub until your fingers look like raisins. It’s even better if you have a good bathtub stopper (nothing ruins the mood like water slowly seeping away before you finish that chapter). Add Epsom salts, a podcast, or your go-to playlist. Warm baths genuinely help soothe sore muscles and lower stress, so it’s more than just an old wives’ tale. Don’t like baths? That’s fine—a long, hot shower can do the trick too.

Move a Little—or Not at All

Some folks love a post-work walk, some can’t imagine anything but a spot on the couch. Both are valid! Stretching, quick yoga, or just a stroll around the block can actually shake loose the last bit of work stress. If you’re not up for it, try progressive muscle relaxation or just flopping onto the bed and letting your body un-clench for a solid ten minutes.

Lean Into What Recharges You—Not Just What’s Popular

Maybe you like reading, doodling, or baking. Maybe it’s talking with a friend, playing music, or tinkering with something in the garage. Try to avoid habits that just numb you out (endless screens, doomscrolling the news). Instead, make room for something that actually makes the evening better, not just “lost.”

Make Relaxation a Habit, Not a Luxury

The best secret? Don’t save these tips for rare, terrible days. Train yourself to unwind every night, even just a little, and those tense shoulders might become a thing of the past. Besides, isn’t everyone better when they’ve finally figured out how to relax—even just for an hour?